In a momentous occasion at the 35th convocation of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, President Droupadi Murmu shared profound insights on the university’s pivotal role in agricultural education, innovation, and the broader development of the agricultural sector in the country.
President Murmu underscored the institution’s founding ethos focused on agricultural education and fostering the growth of the agricultural sector. She lauded the university’s remarkable transformation into a beacon of excellence in agricultural education, research, and overall advancement. Covering an extensive 11,000-acre area, the university stands as one of the largest globally, reflecting its monumental stature in agricultural education.
“Highlighting the university’s historical significance, the President noted the institution’s association with Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, who hailed Pantnagar University as the ‘Harbinger of Green Revolution’. The university played a pivotal role in testing and contributing to the success of the Green Revolution by examining Mexican wheat varieties developed by Borlaug. The renowned ‘Pantnagar seeds’ developed here have significantly enhanced crop quality and yield, widely used by farmers across the nation”.
“Emphasizing the university’s role in agricultural dissemination and rural support, President Murmu applauded its efforts in developing climate-resilient technologies to benefit the rural community. She stressed the need for educational institutions to produce graduates adept in industry-ready skills, empowering them to create employment and compete in the technology-driven global landscape”.
Acknowledging the global shift towards natural and organic farming practices, President Murmu advocated for the prioritization of millets in food habits, a move aligning with the eco-friendly and climate-sensitive global movement. She praised the university for its strides in deploying digital solutions, nano-technology, and promoting organic farming, along with its initiatives in leveraging Artificial Intelligence, exemplified by the development of agricultural drones for efficient land spraying.
President Murmu’s address highlighted the university’s commitment to technological advancements and innovation, particularly in digital agriculture, expressing confidence that these developments will soon reach and benefit farmers across the nation, propelling agricultural practices into a technologically advanced, eco-friendly future.
