Basic Agriculture Training Centre Scheme 2026: ₹10,000 Seed Money & ₹500 Stipend

At a glance

About the scheme

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the Basic Agriculture Training Centre Scheme (BATCS) equips rural educated youth with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills in agriculture and allied areas. The programme is designed to curb unemployment and encourage self-reliance by training candidates and offering financial assistance to kick-start farm-based businesses on owned or leased land.

Benefits

• Free short-term vocational training and capacity building in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Monthly stipend of ₹500 per participant during the training period.
• Seed money assistance of ₹10,000 per participant to start farm-based activities.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
• The applicant must be an unemployed rural youth.
• The candidate must have passed at least Class X (SSLC).
• The applicant must be keen on taking up farm-based activities for livelihood.
• The applicant must possess owned or leased agricultural land (not mandatory if opting for non-farm agri-business).

Who cannot apply

• Applicants residing in urban areas or who are not permanent residents of Meghalaya are not eligible.
• Candidates who have not cleared Class X (SSLC) cannot apply.
• Individuals already gainfully employed are excluded.

Documents required

• Residential certificate issued by a competent authority
• Educational qualification certificate (Class X / SSLC)
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) or Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate, if applicable
• Birth certificate
• Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
• First page copy of active individual bank savings account passbook
• Two passport-size photographs and one stamp-size photograph
• Land ownership or lease document (not required if opting for non-farm agri-business)
• Original medical fitness certificate issued by a local PHC or CHC
• Unemployment certificate (or recommendation letter from District Level Agriculture Officer, or self-certification endorsed by a Gazetted Officer)

How to apply

1. 1Write an application on plain paper expressing your interest to join the training programme.
2. 2Attach self-attested photocopies of all required educational, residential, land, and identity documents.
3. 3Obtain an original medical fitness certificate from your nearest Primary Health Centre or Community Health Centre.
4. 4Submit the completed application along with all attachments to the office of the Principal, Basic Agricultural Training Centre (BATC).
5. 5Contact your District Agriculture Officer, Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer, or Block Agricultural Development Officer for guidance or updates on merit selection.

Frequently asked questions