*Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided over the 25th Senate meeting at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural University, Palampur*
*Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided over the 25th Senate meeting at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural University, Palampur*
bksood chief Editor
Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar stressed to work beyond academics so that common man and farmers could think that this university was mine and it was the success story in a real sense of any higher educational institution. He said that our skill should be in the interest of the common man and this should be the motto of the university.
The Governor was speaking while presiding over the 25th Senate meeting at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural University, Palampur in Kangra district today.
He said climate change was a major challenge being faced by the world today, which was directly related to agriculture, horticulture and food security. There were many challenges in the agriculture sector , which should be considered how to face them, he added and said that we could not run away from these challenges, but we have to give a solution to it.
“You are experts and from the last many years of your concerted efforts, the University has achieved many milestones in agriculture. I hope that this process will be continued”, said the Governor.
The Governor said that in the same way, the biggest challenge in front of the youth was related to skill development and ability to learn new skills continuously. He expressed confidence that the youth would prepare themselves for these challenges. He called upon the young scientists to work with more dedication and develop skill in their field.
He said that it was our responsibility to rectify the shortcomings, so the whole country was watching the solution that Palampur University would provide. “The Prime Minister was trying to double the income of farmers, whatever we have to do in this direction, efforts should be made to do that”, said Arlekar. Whatever we were doing here, we were doing it for the younger generation and our knowledge should percolate upto lower level, said the Governor.
Shri Arlekar expressed concern that most graduates of agriculture and horticulture were not interested in working in farms or fields. He said that in the last few months the youths he interacted with in Agriculture and Horticulture Universities had given him such an impression, which was a matter of concern. “Not a single student wants to do farming”, he said. He added that university should also motivate the youth to adopt agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and their related fields as business and provide assistance with technology.
He expressed confidence that Agriculture University would have a significant contribution in declaring Himachal Pradesh as a natural farming state. He directed the scientists to connect with the village and farmers and asked to motivate young scientists to research in their traditional farming.
Expressing concern over the implementation of Natural Farming through the University, the Governor said, “Whether our scientists of the university give correct information about natural farming methods to the farmers? After getting the training we are monitoring those farmers and whether they are taking the complete package. If they are not following all 6 components then definitely we are to blame and it will be our partial involvement.”
He said that scientific parameters should be our own in natural farming and added that there was a need to work in this direction.He also stressed on agriculture engineering.
Earlier, Prof. H.K. Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur welcomed the Governor and detailed about various activities of the University.
Sh Arun Kumar, MLA from Nagrota and Bagwan, Official and non-official members of the Senate were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Governor also visited the Agricultural Farm. He visited the Center of Excellence on Protected Agriculture and Natural Farming and Centre for Advanced Agricultural Science e and Technology. The Vice-chancellor apprized him about the hi-tech pilothouse for soil-less cultivation of vegetable crops under hydroponics.
