Bihar’s Divya Raj Wants to Focus on Sustainable Usage of Soil, Backed by the Prestigious Science Leaders Scholarship by FMC India

Divya Raj, a second-year Master's student in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pant Nagar, Uttarakhand is the recipient of the prestigious Science Leaders Scholarship by FMC India, an agricultural sciences company. Motivated by a deep interest in soil science, and with support from FMC India, Divya aspires to expand her knowledge and understanding of soil properties and their management for optimal and sustainable agriculture production through improved soil usage.

The ongoing FMC Science Leaders Scholarship Program, launched in 2021, awards twenty scholarships annually to students who are pursuing agricultural sciences. Ten scholarships are awarded to students pursuing PhD and ten to students pursuing MSc in Agriculture sciences. Fifty percent of these scholarships are earmarked for aspiring and talented women who want to accomplish a successful career in agriculture sciences. FMC India's program aims to offer opportunities for budding scientists to enhance their skills in agricultural research and innovation. The scholarship program was established with the goal of building capacity and skills, as well as conducting research and innovation for youth who want to work in the industry.

Ravi Annavarapu, President of FMC India says, “At FMC, our dedication lies in cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters the holistic advancement of agriculture. We are deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of young scientists to pursue careers in agriculture. Recognizing the pivotal role of research and innovation, we emphasize the importance of nurturing a robust talent pool of young individuals who can contribute fresh ideas. By doing so, we aim to ensure the continued strength and sustainability of farming practices for the benefit of all."

Dr. Kiran P. Raverkar, Dean of Post Graduate Studies at GBPUAT, said, “Interactions with FMC personnel and the advisory committee have played a pivotal role in stimulating critical thinking and refining research objectives. Scholarships provided as part of our ongoing partnership with FMC have enabled students to hone their communication skills and analytical abilities through specialized training, and participation in national and international seminars, workshops, and similar forums. Our students are not only identifying viable pathways to build their careers through lucrative opportunities but also have been able to develop a vision that goes hand in hand with current necessities. For example, Divya’s interest in Soil health indicates the need for climate change champions who deeply research the pertaining issues and use science and technology to find suitable solutions to tackle these emerging problems along with government and industry at large. We are confident that more such opportunities for our bright minds will advance sustainable agriculture practices on a broader scale.”

Sharing her experience with the opportunity, Divya said, "I strongly believe that agriculture offers more than just farming; it presents vast career prospects. Upon joining GB Pant Agriculture University, I became acquainted with the FMC Science Leaders Scholarship Program. Throughout my undergraduate studies, my passion for soil science grew significantly, as it offers fundamental insights into soil properties and their management for sustainable agricultural production. I am truly grateful to FMC for their generous support through this scholarship program which has helped me be financially independent and to focus on my studies at the university. Through my research endeavors, I aspire to develop innovative methods that enhance soil utilization in a sustainable manner, addressing key challenges faced by the farming community."

Divya completed her schooling and intermediate education in Bihar and pursued an undergraduate degree at the GBPUAT, Pantnagar under an ICAR fellowship, where her interest in soil science deepened. Divya’s dedication to soil science led her to pursue a master’s degree in the Department of Soil Science at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. She has gained a thorough grasp of agricultural principles and practices through her education.

Every year, twenty more students pursuing PhD/MSc in agricultural sciences get added to the pool of students already benefitting from the FMC Science Leaders Scholarship from all over the country.