7th Convocation Ceremony of SKUAST-J
STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: Asserting that adopting modern agricultural strategies and environment-friendly technologies will accelerate the transformation of the rural economy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday expressed confidence that the students will change the face of agriculture and horticulture.
Sinha said the government has taken certain steps for more effective implementation of schemes in agriculture and allied sector and made impressive progress in production, value addition and marketing in the last two years for sustainable income to the farmers.
“The pace of transforming rural economy will be accelerated by adopting modern Agricultural strategies and environment-friendly technologies in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I am confident with dedication and determination the students will change the face of agriculture & horticulture, which is the soul of J&K’s economy,” he said while addressing the 7th convocation ceremony of Sher-i-Kashmir University of agriculture science and technology (SKUAST) here.
The Lt Governor lauded the university for rendering service to the nation by training young men and women in modern agriculture, science and technology, who will shape the destiny of the farming sector.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Lt Governor said convocation is a stage in life when students step out into the real world from the academic comfort of University with special knowledge and skills.
Noting the steps of the UT Government for more effective implementation of schemes of Agriculture and allied sector, he said our scientists, institutions and government machinery are making constant endeavours to modernise the agriculture sector to transform the lives of the farmers and make the villages self-sufficient.
“Our focus is on enhancing the capacity of the farmers so they can earn better prices and act as facilitators of economic growth,” he added.
The Lt Governor observed that J&K UT has made impressive progress in production, value addition and marketing in the last two years for ensuring sustainable income for the farmers.
The UT administration has taken consistent steps to gradually convert rural areas into economic units and bridge the gap between villages and cities, Sinha noted.
“We have succeeded in expanding local product branding, mechanisation, high-density plantation, quality seed, capacity building, GI tagging, banking facility, and micro-irrigation to provide maximum benefits to our farming community,” he added.
He also said promotion of inclusive growth, ensuring food security and increasing the rural income of J&K are three important goals that we need to focus on priority.
He impressed upon the young agriculture scholars and scientists to dedicate their energies, and experiences gained from this university, towards the national goal of achieving inclusive growth and sustained progress.
“I assure all young students and Agri-entrepreneurs that the UT administration will ensure all institutional support to realise your dreams. At present, we are providing handholding support to around 500 entrepreneur farmers, and next year it will be doubled,” the Lt Governor said. He also conferred degrees to graduates and medals to the students.
Prof. J P Sharma, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST, read the Vice Chancellor’s report and briefed about salient achievements of the University in the field of education, research, and extension. He said that the University is mandated to serve farmers of the Jammu and Kashmir.
Three Vice-Chancellor gold medals were awarded to Master and doctorate scholars. Dr Prem Lal Gautam, Pro-Chancellor, Career Point University Hamirpur, HP and Advisor Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, was awarded degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). Dr. A.K Mondal, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. M.S. Bhadwal, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and A.H. and Dr. SEH Rizvi, Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences received degrees on the behalf of Agriculture, Veterinary &A.H. and Basic Sciences pass out students.
Prominent personalities including Dr. Nirmal Singh, Former Deputy Chief Minister of erstwhile J&K; Dullo, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Agriculture Production Department; Dr. Hina Bhat, Vice-Chairperson KVIB; Dr. S.P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Sciences University, Jabalpur; Dr. R. K. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU; Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, CUJ; Dr. Raghav Langer, Administrative Secretary, Planning and Development Department; Dr. Janardan Singh, Former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and former Director, UGC Academic Staff College, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Dr. S. K. Gupta, Registrar SKUAST-Jammu; former Vice-Chancellors; former Ministers, ex-Legislators; Director Agriculture, statutory officers of the university, Head of Divisions, KVKs, Research stations, faculty, and students attended the convocation.