The “Basic Agriculture Training Centre Scheme” is a State Plan Scheme implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya. Its objective is to provide short-term vocational training for rural, educated, unemployed youths in agriculture and allied sectors. This training aims to develop entrepreneurship skills and generate employment by equipping participants with practical agricultural and allied business knowledge.
Benefits
• Free short-term training and capacity building for eligible rural youths
• Stipend: ₹500 per participant per month
• Seed Money: ₹10,000 per participant
Eligibility
• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya
• Must be an unemployed rural youth
• Must have passed Class X
• Must be interested in starting farm-based activities
• Should have owned or leased agricultural land (if opting for farm-based activities)
– Note: For non-farm agri-business, the land document is not mandatory, but “Non-Farm” must be indicated
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: Write an application on plain paper
• Step 2: Attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents
• Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application along with the relevant documents to the office of the Principal, Basic Agricultural Training Centre (BATC)
Mode of Selection:
• Selection is based on merit and the condition that the applicant owns or has access to agricultural land for farm-based activities
Whom to Contact
• District Agriculture Officers of the concerned districts
• Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officers of the respective subdivisions
• District Training Officers (Tura/Shillong)
• Agricultural Development Officers of the concerned Community and Rural Development Blocks
Documents Required
• Residential Certificate from a competent authority
• Educational Qualification (SSLC) Certificate
• ST/SC Certificate, if applicable
• Birth Certificate
• EPIC
• Bank Passbook (copy of the first page of the trainee’s own functional Bank Savings Account)
• Two passport-size photographs and one stamp-size photograph
• Land Document (if applicable; for non-farm agri-business, this is not mandatory but must indicate “Non-Farm”)
• Original Medical Fitness Certificate from the respective PHC/CHC
• Unemployment Certificate
– Note: Unemployment status can be verified through a recommendation letter from the respective District Level Officers of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare or via a self-certification endorsed by a Gazetted Officer.
– All documents must be self-attested by the applicant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: To provide short-term vocational training for rural, educated, unemployed youths in agriculture and allied sectors, thereby developing entrepreneurship skills and generating employment.
Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: The scheme is launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya.
Q: Who is eligible to apply under this scheme?
A: Unemployed rural youths who are permanent residents of Meghalaya, have passed Class X, and are interested in starting farm-based activities (with appropriate land ownership or lease for farm-based ventures).
Q: What type of assistance/entitlement is provided?
A: Free short-term training along with a stipend of ₹500 per month and seed money of ₹10,000 per participant for capacity building and entrepreneurship development.
Q: How do I apply for the benefits of the scheme?
A: By writing an offline application on plain paper, attaching the necessary self-attested documents, and submitting it to the office of the Principal, Basic Agricultural Training Centre (BATC).
Q: What is the beneficiary selection procedure?
A: Selection is based on merit and is subject to the condition that the applicant owns or has access to agricultural land for initiating farm-based activities.