The decision was taken as it was observed that the target group - youth and women from rural areas and BPL families was having difficulty in paying the full fees, an IGNOU spokesperson said .

He said students will now get 50 per cent concession in the fees from the session beginning in July.

The fees range from Rs 500 to Rs 2000 for these programmes, which include diploma courses in dairy and meat technology.

Most of the programmes under IGNOU's School of Agriculture are vocational and high in demand.

The school also offers certificate programmes in sericulture, organic farming, water harvesting and management.

IGNOU had earlier announced complete waiver of fees for meritorious students belonging to BPL families.