Project ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture) is a flagship initiative launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2015–16 to make agriculture a profitable and sustainable livelihood for rural youth. Implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the project focuses on skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, and employment generation in agriculture and allied sectors to reduce rural-to-urban migration.
What is project ARYA?
Project ARYA is a youth-centric agricultural programme designed to attract, train, and retain rural youth by encouraging them to adopt agri-based entrepreneurial activities. It bridges the gap between traditional farming and modern agri-enterprises by combining skill development with institutional support.
| Particular | Details |
| Full Name | Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) |
| Launched By | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Year of Launch | 2015–16 |
| Implementing Agency | Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) |
| Coverage | 25 States (one district per state) |
| Target Group | Rural youth |
| Nature | Skill-based agri-entrepreneurship programme |
Why was project ARYA launched?
The project was launched to address declining interest of youth in agriculture, increasing unemployment in rural areas, and rising migration to urban centres. ICAR recognised the critical role of rural youth in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural growth.
- Increasing migration of rural youth to cities
- Low profitability of traditional farming
- Fragmented landholdings affecting food security
- Need for skilled agri-entrepreneurs in villages
- Limited local employment opportunities
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What are the objectives of project ARYA?
Project ARYA aims to create a new generation of skilled agri-entrepreneurs by empowering rural youth with technical knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and institutional support.
- To attract and empower rural youth to take up agriculture and allied enterprises
- To generate gainful employment and ensure a steady income stream
- To build youth capacity in specific agri-preneurship models
- To establish network groups for value addition, processing, and marketing
- To strengthen linkages with institutions and stakeholders
- To curb rural-to-urban migration
Who can benefit from project ARYA?
The programme is targeted at rural youth who are interested in agriculture, allied sectors, and agri-based services and want to establish income-generating enterprises at the village level.
| Eligibility Aspect | Details |
| Beneficiaries | Rural youth |
| Selection | 200–300 youth per district |
| Training Type | Vocational and enterprise-oriented |
| Support Provided | Training, mentoring, technical guidance |
| Cost | Free under ICAR programmes |
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How is project ARYA implemented?
Project ARYA is implemented through a decentralised model using Krishi Vigyan Kendras as nodal agencies. ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities provide technical and research support.
- Identification of rural youth at district level
- Vocational training (up to 21 days)
- Establishment of micro-enterprise units
- Credit linkage support through banks
- Continuous mentoring and follow-up by KVKs
| Component | Details |
| Implementing Units | Krishi Vigyan Kendras |
| Technical Support | ICAR Institutes & Agricultural Universities |
| Training Duration | Up to 21 days |
| Enterprise Support | Micro-enterprise establishment |
| Monitoring | ICAR & KVKs |
Project ARYA promotes diversified agriculture and allied sector enterprises based on local resources and market demand.
| Enterprise Category | Examples |
| Livestock | Goat rearing, dairy farming, poultry, duck farming |
| Horticulture | Nursery management, mushroom cultivation |
| Fisheries | Carp hatchery, fingerling production |
| Input Services | Seed processing, soil testing |
| Organic & Allied | Vermi-composting |
| Value Addition | Meat processing, post-harvest activities |
What are the benefits of project ARYA?
Project ARYA delivers both economic and social benefits by strengthening rural livelihoods and making agriculture aspirational for youth.
- Regular and sustainable income generation
- Employment creation at village level
- Skill and entrepreneurship development
- Reduced migration to urban areas
- Strengthening of allied and secondary agriculture
- Improved food security and rural economy
Who manages project ARYA?
Project ARYA is managed by ICAR through its agricultural extension system, with strong institutional coordination at multiple levels.
| Institution | Role |
| ICAR | Policy formulation, funding & monitoring |
| Agricultural Extension Division | Programme coordination |
| Krishi Vigyan Kendras | Training & implementation |
| ICAR Institutes / SAUs | Technical support |
| Banks & Agencies | Credit linkage support |
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Significance of project ARYA for Indian Agriculture
Project ARYA plays a vital role in transforming Indian agriculture into a youth-driven and enterprise-oriented sector. By combining skill development, entrepreneurship, and institutional support, the project enhances farm profitability, strengthens rural livelihoods, and supports national goals of food security and sustainable development.
Questions based on Project ARYA
1. Project ARYA was launched by which organisation?
a) NABARD
b) Ministry of Rural Development
c) ICAR
d) NITI Aayog
e) Ministry of Agriculture
2. In which year was Project ARYA launched?
a) 2012–13
b) 2014–15
c) 2015–16
d) 2017–18
e) 2020–21
3. Project ARYA is implemented through which institutions?
a) FPOs
b) Panchayats
c) NGOs
d) Krishi Vigyan Kendras
e) SHGs
4. How many rural youths are selected per district under Project ARYA?
a) 50–100
b) 100–150
c) 150–200
d) 200–300
e) 300–500
5. Which of the following is NOT an enterprise promoted under ARYA?
a) Mushroom cultivation
b) Goat rearing
c) Soil testing
d) Textile manufacturing
e) Poultry farming
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Answer Key
| Question No. | Correct Answer |
| 1 | c) ICAR |
| 2 | c) 2015–16 |
| 3 | d) Krishi Vigyan Kendras |
| 4 | d) 200–300 |
| 5 | d) Textile manufacturing |
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Key Points |
| Programme | Project ARYA |
| Launched By | ICAR |
| Objective | Retain youth in agriculture |
| Implementation | Through KVKs |
| Beneficiaries | Rural youth |
| Focus | Entrepreneurship & skill development |
| Enterprises | Agriculture & allied sectors |
| Impact | Employment, income & food security |
FAQs
Project ARYA was launched in 2015–16.
The project is implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Project ARYA is operational in 25 states of India.
Rural youth interested in agriculture and allied enterprises are the beneficiaries.
Around 200–300 rural youths are selected per district.
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