Picture this: a distressed farmer in a UP village, frustrated by fake seeds and unverified advice at local shops. Meanwhile, a bright agri-graduate nearby struggles to find work after finishing her degree. What if one initiative could empower both? Enter Agri Junction—a state-backed, youth-driven, farmer-upgrading “one-stop shop” initiative.
Launched in 2022–23 under the Trained Agricultural Entrepreneur Swavalamban Yojana, this scheme aims to open 10,000 Agri Junction centres across all development blocks in Uttar Pradesh by 2027. These hubs aren’t just storefronts—they’re knowledge centres. They dispense high-quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, provide soil tests, mechanization services, government scheme guidance, weather intel, small machinery rental, extension services, and more.
In the current 2025–26 fiscal year, the state has committed to launching 766 new centres, extensively deploying agri-graduates across the region.
Read More: Kisan Bill 2025: What It Is, Benefits, Drawbacks & Impact on Indian Farmers
Why It Matters – Solving Dual Crises
- Farmers lack informed access
Traditional agro-input shops often mislead with subpar fertilizers or falsified advice. That affects crop yields and farmer incomes. - Highly skilled agri-youth remain jobless
Agri graduates frequently migrate to cities due to limited opportunities in rural areas. This scheme bridges both gaps—employment for educated youth and quality services for farmers.
It’s not just theory. In Sitapur district alone, 56 agri-graduates received licences and employment through Agri Junction in 2024–25. From 2015–16 to 2021–22, 4,311 centres have already been set up—with exponential scale-up underway.
Who Can Run an Agri Junction?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Primary: Graduate or postgraduate in agriculture, horticulture, dairy, forestry, animal husbandry, veterinary, poultry, agribusiness, etc., from a university recognized by ICAR or UGC.
- Alternative: Experienced diploma holders or intermediate-qualified candidates in agri‑subjects where a graduate is not available.
- Age Limits: Up to 40 years; SC/ST/women candidates receive a 5-year relaxation.
- Residency: Must be a UP resident, with district-level selection issuance through block‑level and bank committees.
Benefits & Financial Support
Agri Junction entrepreneurs receive substantial backing, including:
- Subsidised loans up to ₹3.5 lakh, with ₹42,000 interest support over three years.
- 50% shop rent reimbursement, capped at ₹1,000/month for the first year.
- Free training on business operations, financial literacy, and agri-extension under RIDP.
- Free licences/reimbursement for selling seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc.
Together, these reduce entry barriers, ensuring educated rural youth can confidently launch agri-centres.
Services at Agri Junction Centres
Running an Agri Junction isn’t just a store—it’s a trusted advisory and service hub. Typical offerings include:
- Quality inputs: Certified seeds, fertilizers, bio-fertilisers, pesticides, micro-nutrients, vermi-compost.
- Soil health cards & testing: Personalized fertilizer recommendations .
- Small machinery rental & onsite repair .
- Agri-extension services: Crop guidance, harvest marketing tips, agro-scheme counselling (e.g. PM crop insurance) .
- Real-time info: Weather alerts, mandi rates, micro-irrigation adoption advice .
Study Material & Training to Prepare
For aspiring Agri Junction entrepreneurs, study-support platforms and coaching help sharpen necessary skills:
- Agri Study Hub, Agrignan, TNAU/ICAR-based PDFs, and e-courses offer notes, MCQs, and exam readiness materials.
- Coaching institutes (e.g., in Meerut) prepare candidates for entry interviews and exam modules like IBPS‑AFO, ICAR‑JRF, UPCATET.
- Expert interview prep: Simulations, financial modeling practice, business plans for input centre management.
These resources boost confidence and performance during selection.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Check eligibility (graduation, age, residency)
- Prepare documents: Aadhaar, caste, bank passbook, Pan, mark-sheets (10th, 12th, graduation), domicile, affidavit
- Apply online/offline: via [agriculture.up.gov.in/Agrijunction/Landing] portal or DAK office
- Block-level screening: Applications sorted by district committees (DM/Magistrate, DAO, LDM)
- Training attendance: 12–13 days under RIDP before loan disbursement
- Loan & support: Bank loan up to ₹3.5 lakh; interest grant ₹42k; rent, licence, and subsidy support follows
- Open centre: Start service within six months; maintain operations under mentorship
Real Results: Case Example
In Sitapur, 56 agri-graduates received licences to sell inputs as part of 2024–25 goals—effectively securing their employment.
Statewide, 766 centres are being commissioned this fiscal to bolster rural employment and provide hybrid farmer-entrepreneur services.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quality agro-inputs and trusted advice
- Rural entrepreneurship & youth employment
- Increased farm productivity via modern tech & planning
- One-window access to schemes & weather/market info
Challenges
- Ensuring uniform training quality
- Remote areas may lack infrastructure or machinery access
- Farmer awareness must improve for true adoption
- Monitoring multiple centres will stretch government capacity
FAQs: About Agri Junction
What exactly is Agri Junction?
It’s a UP government-backed “one-stop shop” run by agri-graduates offering inputs, advisory, soil testing, machine rentals, and scheme facilitation.
Who is eligible?
Agriculture/horticulture/dairy/veterinary/forestry/cattle/dairy graduates from ICAR/UGC-approved institutes. Diploma/intermediate holders considered in rural areas.
What’s the financial support?
₹3.5 lakh loan; ₹42k interest grant; ₹1k/month rent subsidy; licence fee reimbursement; free training.
How do I apply?
Through the UP Agri Junction portal or district agriculture office with necessary documents before the announced deadline (e.g., July 20, 2025)
Wrapping Up: Why It Matters
Agri Junction solves a bridge for demographically interlinked crises—empowering unemployed agri-educated youth while delivering high-quality services to rural farmers. With aggressive rollouts (766 in 2025–26, 10,000 by 2027) and success stories popping up across UP, the scheme is shaping into a visible engine of rural transformation.
Next Steps & CTA
- Are you a fresh agri graduate in UP?
👉 Apply before July 20, 2025, via the official portal or your district agriculture office. You’ll get a step-by-step application reminder toolkit—[download the free PDF here]. - Are you a farmer?
👉 Find your nearest Agri Junction centre, starting with your block officer. Don’t miss out on free soil tests, expert advice, and modern inputs. - Want deeper insights?
Join our Slack community of Agri Junction entrepreneurs and farmers—share real strategies, updates, and success lessons.
