Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship in Agriculture

Agriculture is both the biggest challenge and opportunity that faces India. India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. As per 2018, agriculture employed more than 50% of the Indian work force and contributed 17–18% to the country’s GDP. With the rapid onset of climate change, agriculture is facing a multiplicity of challenges namely deteriorating soil health, reducing productivity per acre, extreme floods and droughts etc.

This however means that all of the above listed challenges bring with them the opportunity to disrupt the current practices to bring about positive change. To actualize this opportunity the youth of this nation need to be able to grasp, shape and harness the rapidly evolving technological advances in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Youth need to be well acquainted with latest technologies in agriculture and allied sectors such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, controlled environment agriculture, genetic improvements in animals etc.

agri.jpeg
Shri. Nilesh Nalawade
Shri. Nilesh NalawadeChief Coordinator

India is one of the youngest countries in the world, where the proportion of the rural youth forms the majority share in India's youth population. However, in recent years unemployment rates have been on the rise. Agriculture and allied activities constitute the bulk of the rural economy, however, its dominance has been dwindling over the years.

The Sharad Pawar Fellowship is a twelve-month long inspiration program that provides a multidisciplinary and multidimensional educational and leadership opportunity for youth to:
  • learn global state-of-the-art agriculture and allied sector practices,
  • deepen understanding of complexities of the agriculture and allied sectors in a rapidly changing global environment,
  • learn how to design and implement various next generation technology focused solutions for various problems in the agriculture and allied sectors,
  • tap into the global knowledge and entrepreneurship network of YCP & ADT for lifelong support in their journey towards becoming changemakers and leaders of tomorrow in agriculture and allied sectors

Create an inspiration and learning platform for youth in the state of Maharashtra who undergo a 12-month long journey of discovering their own leadership potential and being inspired to bring about transformative change. It includes training, mentorship, reflections and hands-on experience with grassroot organizations working on the issues that the fellowship program has selected.

  • To inspire and empower the youth to take up leadership roles in agriculture and allied sectors
  • To provide an introduction to the technical aspects of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, protected cultivation, animal genetic improvement etc. and their various applications in agriculture and food industries
  • To familiarize fellows in applications of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, blockchain, quantum computing etc. in food and agriculture sectors
  • To provide hands on training to students in design, development and execution of various artificial intelligence projects
  • To develop an end-to-end understanding of the process of innovation right from basics of sensors and sensor development to advanced applications of AI in quantum computing
  • To engage students with a varied panel of international experts accomplishing groundbreaking results on real world problems with the help of AI in industrial setting
  • The unique ecosystem of ADT will help the fellows meet top experts in the priority areas via its ecosystem institutes ie. Drought Action Network, AIC ADT Baramati Foundation-An Incubation and Innovation Centre, AIM, NITI Aayog, Indo-Dutch Center of Excellence on Vegetables and Indo-Dutch Center of Excellence on Animal Genetic Improvement, Collaborative partner universities VHL, Netherlands and AIT, Bangkok.
  • Fellows will go under rigorous mentoring and learning sessions.
  • Each fellow will be allotted to a specific mentor for further follow ups of his progress.
  • Interaction with successful entrepreneurs and startups.
  • Access to world class infrastructure and facilities.

The applicants should be between the age of 18 and 30. The applicants should demonstrate the following qualities:

  1. Intellectual Curiosity
  2. Passion and Self Awareness
  3. Potential for Impactful Leadership
  4. Students applying for fellowship must be from Maharashtra, his/her mother tongue is Marathi.
  5. Student pursuing any degree, who need to go to college to complete their academics during December 2022 to December 2023, should not apply for this fellowship.
  • Inspirational Stories.
  • Hands-on project-based learning.
  • Expert Interaction - learning from industry and academia experts.
  • Field visits.
  • Case studies.
  • During the bootcamp we will inspire the students with various success stories and motivate them to pick one flagship project for their Concluding Design Showcase Exhibition.
  • Bootcamp is just the beginning of the fellow’s journey where they get the resources to work on their ideas and receive continued support and guidance during the 12-month journey

Bootcamp Timeline

12 December to 21 December 2024

Baramati AIC - ADT

12 December to 21 December 2024

Sahyadri Farms (Nashik) 4 April to 10 April 2025

Shahyadri Farm

August 2025

Internship

August 2025

Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship in Agriculture

Interested Agriculture Graduates should apply online at https://apply.sharadpawarfellowship.com before 18 October 2024


18 July 2024

Announcement of Fellowship

18 July 2024

18 July 2024 to 18 October 2024

Online Form Submission

19 October 2024 to 19 November 2024

Scrutiny and Result Preparation

19 October 2024 to 19 November 2024

26 November 2024

Result Announcement

8 December 2024

Fellowship Award Ceremony

8 December 2024

Fellowship Workshop – May 2024 to May 2025

12 December to 21 December 2024

Baramati AIC - ADT

12 December to 21 December 2024

Sahyadri Farms (Nashik) 4 April to 10 April 2025

Shahyadri Farm

August 2025

Internship

August 2025

Day Topic Morning Session Afternoon Session
1 Climate Resilient Approach in Agriculture Study of the particular zone/district from where the particular fellow belong based on some particular criteria.An introduction in discussion altogether. On-farm climate resilient technologies and agronomic practices. Climate resilient development of catchment areas
2 Climate Resilient Approach in Agriculture Study of Climate smart Post Harvest Post Harvest Management and value chain practices. Strengthening Farmer Producer Companies. Sustainability and Institutional capacity development Emerging value chains for climate smart commodities. Residue Free Vegetables and fruits and value addition in them. Knowledge of policies adopted in Maharashtra.
    Interaction with Academic and Policy Experts in Agronomy
3 Artificial Intelligence and Sensors Introduction and fundamental theory of artificial intelligence What is a sensor? How does a sensor work? How to use a sensor for scientific purposes? Case studies on use of AI in agriculture Hands on design and building of an ultrasonic sensor system capable of detecting pests
    Academia Interaction
Mr. Pete Scourboutakos - Senior Scientist, Humanistic Intelligence Lab, University of Toronto, Canada
4 Augmented Reality Theory What is humanistic intelligence? What is Augmented Reality(AR)? How does AR work? Applications of AR in agriculture Practical
Hands on building your own augmented reality headset capable of on-field disease diagnosis
    Industry Interaction
Mr. Max Hao Lu - Special Projects and Product Development Lead, Bloomberg New Economy Forum, New York, USA
5 Computer Vision Theory
What is Computer Vision(CV)? How does CV work? How to use CV for scientific purposes in agriculture?
Practical
Hands on coding of computer vision system for realtime disease diagnosis
    Academia Interaction
Mr. Ambarish Gurjar - Research Scientist, Indiana University, USA
6 Blockchain Theory
What is blockchain? Applications of blockchain. Use of blockchain in agriculture and food sectors. Ethics of blockchain
Practical
Hands on setting up of a blockchain system for food traceability
    Industry Interaction
Mr. Amrit Prasad - Director, CaminoSoft Technologies, Vancouver, Canada
7 Quantum Computing Theory
Principles of Quantum Computing. Traditional computing vs quantum computing. Applications of quantum computing in agriculture
Practical Hands on development of quantum machine learning algorithm for novel climate smart pesticide compound design
    Industry Interaction
Mr. Deep Prasad - CEO, ReactiveQ, Toronto, Canada
8 3D Printing Theory
What is 3D printing? Functioning of a 3D printer. Creative use of 3D printing in agriculture. 3D printing and AI
Practical
Hands on design and real-time 3D print of drip line fitting
    Industry Interaction
Mr. Vaibhav Goradia - CEO, VISER8 3D Printing, Mumbai
9 Introduction to IoT Introduction to IoT in Agriculture; Introduction to IoT Irrigation Controller System IoT Irrigation Controller System Component Working and Design; Design and Implementation of IoT Irrigation Controller System
    Keynote Talk
Prof. Steve Mann - Professor, University of Toronto; also known as the “Father of Wearable Computing”
10 Advanced Dairy Technology and Practices Practical Advanced Technologies and practices of Dairy Product Preparation Management of Dairy Processing Practical Advanced Technologies and practices of Dairy Product Preparation
    Industry Interaction
CoE Dairy and Other related industries expertise
11 Green House: Introduction Introduction; Green house Structure and climate Climate Control; Growing media and Propagation
    Industry/Field Interaction
CoE Protected Vegetables Cultivation
12 Green House: Practices Vegetable Grafting; Irrigation and Fertigation Cultivation Practices of Vegetables crops; Integrated Pest Management
    Industry/Field Interaction
CoE Protected Vegetables Cultivation
13 Green House: Value Addition and Execution Field Visit; Pre Harvesting & Harvesting Value addition & Market linkages; Assessment /Ending /Certificate
    Industry/Field Interaction
CoE Protected Vegetables Cultivation
14 IPR Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights; Introduction to different types of IPR; IPR Laws (India & Abroad) Intellectual Property Rights: Application & commercialization, Hands on Training on Patent Drafting
15 Agricultural marketing Changes in Agricultural Marketing in India and AgriBusiness developments in the World Supply Chain Analysis-Brief Emerging modes of Modern Agricultural Marketing Broken links in Agricultural Supply Chains Changing system of marketing and Impacts in Maharashtra. Aligning the marketing practices to global economy. Price Discovery of agricultural commodities.
    Policy and Academic Experts in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Marketing and Agribusiness Management
16 Consumer Centric Approach in Agri Marketing An introduction to Consumer centric Marketing Different Strategies and models for creating a customer based marketing
    Expert in Agribusiness and Marketing: interactive session
17 Design Thinking & Concept Prototyping Introduction and Theory of Design Thinking; Empathy, Need finding, problem analysis and problem definition; Idea generation, Conceptualisation and Presentation Concept Prototyping
    Whole day Interactive session with Experts
18 Business Model & Pitch Prototype Testing and Presentation; Introduction to Business Model Canvas Idea to Business Model Creation; Business Idea Pitch Final Presentation; Workshop Conclusion
    Whole day Interactive session with Business Experts
19 Critical Report Writing Introduction to Creative Report Writing Hands on training on Creative Report Writing
    Whole day Interactive session with Experts
20 Concluding Session Reflection paper Submission

SMART Goal Setting Fellows will be asked to convert their GOAL to a SMART GOAL by following the below methodology:

S    Specific

M    Measurable

A     Achievable

R   Realistic

T   Timely

Fellows will develop SMART GOAL on Day 1 and Day 21 to observe the difference in their approach before and after the Bootcamp. The SMART GOAL will be targeted towards solving the major problem in the Fellow’s PIR

Some of the topics that will be covered in bootcamps are:

  • Morden Technology in Agriculture
  • Greenhouse Introduction
  • Advance Dairy Technology and Practice
  • Business Planning and financial sustainability (Agri-Marketing / Digital Marketing)
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Block Chain Technology


Soft Skills Development

1.   Time Management
2.    Communication Skill Development
3.    Leadership Skill Development
4.    Interpersonal Conflict Resolution

Soft Skills Development is crucial for breaking the language barrier and boosting the confidence and self-esteem of the Fellows

    Agriculture
    Education
    Literature

    The SPF is meant for the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. We are looking for candidates who have excelled in their career so far and have real substantial potential to bring about game changing impacts on the field of Agriculture and allied sectors.

    The selected fellows will receive a stipend of ₹30,000 upon successful completion of the fellowship program.

    The fellowship program will start on 2024 at the Fellowship Commencement and Orientation Event and will end at the Fellowship Concluding and Final Design Showcase Event. The entire journey will be of 12 months. The fellows are required to attend a 2 bootcamps at the following locations:
    Agricultural Development Trust Baramati, Baramati and Shahyadri Farm, Nashik

    The fellows will learn from various industry and academic experts in the relevant domains. The fellows will also be mentored by members of the advisory committee which comprises pioneering veterans from the respective fields.

    80 fellows (40 male, 40 female)

    The applicants should be between the age of 18 and 30. Applicants for fellowship must be from Maharashtra, his/her mother tongue must be Marathi.

    Yes, the SPF is meant for youth between the ages of 18 and 30.

    1. Intellectual Curiosity
    2. Passion and Self Awareness
    3. Potential for Impactful Leadership

    The reference letters should be from people who have inspired you and who you have personally worked with in professional or academic capacity.

    Only online applications will be accepted. The application form can be found here for Agri and Literature.

    The last date to apply for The Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship in Agriculture is 15 Oct 2024.

    The Sharad Pawar Fellowship is committed to giving equal opportunity and representation to both male and female candidates, 50% of the fellows will be females.

    The selection committee will be composed of experts and pioneering veterans from the respective fields of agriculture, technology and literature.

शरद पवार इन्स्पायर फेल्लोशीप, कृषी ( Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship in Agriculture) 

इच्छुक कृषी पदवीधरांनी  दिनांक १८ ऑक्टोबर २०२४ पूर्वी  https://apply.sharadpawarfellowship.com या संकेतस्थळावर ऑनलाईन अर्ज करावा 

फेलोशिपच्या अर्ज प्रक्रियेचे वेळापत्रक

१८ जुलै २०२४

फेलोशिपची घोषणा

१८ जुलै २०२४

१८ जुलै २०२४ ते १८ ऑक्टोबर २०२४

ऑनलाइन फॉर्म सबमिशन

१९ ऑक्टोबर २०२४ ते १९ नोव्हेंबर २०२४

अर्जाची छाननी आणि निकालाची तयारी

१९ ऑक्टोबर २०२४ ते १९ नोव्हेंबर २०२४

२६ नोव्हेंबर २०२४

निकालाची घोषणा

८ डिसेंबर २०२४

फेलोशिप प्रदान सोहळा कार्यक्रम

८ डिसेंबर २०२४

फेलोशिपचा कार्यशाळा – मे २०२४ ते मे २०२५

१२ डिसेंबर ते २१ डिसेंबर २०२४

प्रथम बूटकॅम्प - AIC- ADT : बारामती

१२ डिसेंबर ते २१ डिसेंबर २०२४

सह्याद्री फार्म (नाशिक) ४ एप्रिल ते १० एप्रिल २०२५

द्वीतीय बूटकॅम्प – सह्याद्री फार्म्स , नाशिक

ऑगस्ट २०२५

इंटर्नशिप -

ऑगस्ट २०२५

निवड प्रक्रिया

  • तज्ज्ञ समितीकडून प्राथमिक अर्जांची छाननी पूर्ण करण्यात येईल.
  • प्रथम छाननी मधून २०० अर्ज निवडून त्यांची मुलाखतीद्वारे अंतिम निवड करण्यात येईल.

फेलोशिप बाबतीत :

  • फेलोशिप दरम्यानच्या कालावधीत फेलोजनी  निश्चित स्मार्ट गोल (प्रकल्प)  वर त्यांचे मासिक अहवाल प्रत्येक महिन्याच्या ५ तारखेला देणे अनिवार्य राहील.
  • सदर दिलेल्या माहितीप्रमाणे फेलोशिपमधील दोन्ही बूटकॅम्प फेलोसला पूर्ण करणे अनिवार्य असेल.

फेलोशिप शिक्षण मर्यादा   

कृषी पदवी पूर्ण अनिवार्य

फेलोशिपचा कालावधी

 २०२४ ते  २०२५

फेलोशिपची संख्या

८०  

अर्जदारांचे कार्यक्षेत्र

महाराष्ट्र

फेलोशिपची रक्कम

निवड झालेल्या प्रत्येक फेलोसना वार्षिक ३०,००० /- (रुपये तीस हजार) त्यांच्या प्रकल्प तसेच मासिक अहवालाची नोंद घेवून तीन टप्प्यात देण्यात येईल.

संतोष मेकाले                                                                             
युवा विभाग प्रमुख,                                                                 

फोन नं : 9860740569                                                         
यशवंतराव चव्हाण सेंटर,                              
जन.जगन्नाथराव भोसले मार्ग,
नरिमन पॉईंट, मुंबई – ४०००२१
ई-मेल आयडी – youth@chavancentre.org

अतुल तांडेल    
सहाय्यक,  युवा  विभाग  
संपर्क – ७२०८३९४१४४  

सुकेशनी मर्चंडे   
सहाय्यक,  युवा  विभाग
संपर्क – ८६५२११८९४९                 

Board Members

      Shri. Sudhirkumar Goel Ex. Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Govt. of Maharashtra
      Shri. Vilas Shinde Managing Director, Sahyadri Farms, Nashik
      Shri. Girish Chitale Director, Chitale Milk and Milk Products
      Mr. M.A Tejani Managing Director, Gits Foods Product Pvt. Ltd
      Dr. Usha Barwale Director and CTO, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited (MAHYCO)
      Dr SS Magar Ex VC, Dr BSKKV Dapoli

Execution Team

      Mrs. Jaya Tiwari
      Mr.Sarang Nerkar
      Mr.Amit Kale
      Miss Sonali Saste
      Prof.Ashish Raskar
      Dr Dhananjay Bhoite
      Mr.Yashwant Jagdale

Team of Experts

Key Resource Persons
      Mr. Sunil Limaye
      Mr. Harshvardhan Deshmukh
      Dr. Prathamesh Nadkarni
      Mr. Madhukar Paranjape
      Dr. Milind Watve
      Ms. Aishwarya Patekar
      Mr. Prakash Holkar
      Mr. Sajal Kulkarni
Proposed Guest Speakers
      Prof. Steve Mann - Professor University of Toronto, also known as the “Father of Wearable Computing”
      Mr. Pete Scourboutakos Senior Scientist, Humanistic Intelligence Lab, University of Toronto, Canada
      Mr. Max Hao Lu Special Projects and Product Development Lead, Bloomberg New Economy Forum, New York, USA
      Prof. Steve Mann - Professor University of Toronto, also known as the “Father of Wearable Computing”
      Mr. Ambarish Gurjar Research Scientist, Indiana University, USA
      Mr. Amrit Prasad Director, CaminoSoft Technologies, Vancouver, Canada
      Mr. Deep Prasad CEO, ReactiveQ, Toronto, Canada
      Mr. Akshay Kharade CEO, Widespread Solutions, Mumbai
      Mr. Vaibhav Goradia CEO, VISER8 3D Printing, Mumbai