Protect agriculture & it will protect us, says Singh
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Pantnagar
Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh said that agriculture will protect people if it is protected. He said this after inaugurating the 118th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agro-Industrial Exhibition- Kisan Mela at the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) here on Friday. Agriculture and Rural Development minister Ganesh Joshi, MP Ajay Bhatt and university’s vice chancellor Manmohan Singh Chauhan were also present at the inauguration of the four-day event which also comprises more than 500 stalls exhibiting modern agricultural technology and produce.
The governor said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 will certainly be achieved. The use of modern digital technologies like semiconductors, drones, censors, GPS and others in the agricultural sector has enhanced the possibilities of further progress in agriculture.
Stressing on the need for focus on entrepreneurship and startups, Singh appreciated a former student of the university providing equipment worth Rs 10 crore. Stating that more than 40,000 students had earned their degrees from GBPUAT so far, he said that each student is a brand ambassador. He also spoke about various schemes implemented under PM Modi’s leadership including Kisan Samman Yojana, Drone Didi Yojana and other such initiatives. He stressed that the techniques developed by the scientists should reach the last available farmer. It is also necessary to adopt natural farming and stress on chemical-free agriculture, the governor added.
The Agriculture minister said that apart from meeting the food requirements of its population, India is presently also exporting foodgrains to 89 countries. Joshi also congratulated the university for improving its position in the national ranking while also stressing on the need for encouraging cultivation of crops like millets.
Bhatt said that GBPUAT is an inspiration for farmers. The technical achievements of this university will prove to be a milestone in the efforts towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat, the MP added.
The university vice chancellor informed that more than 500 stalls have been set up as part of the Kisan Mela. These include those displaying agricultural equipment, organic products, animal husbandry, apiculture, new varieties of flowers and vegetables, drone technology and sensor-based agriculture systems, among others. Apart from this, products made by women’s self help groups including jams, pickles, handicraft and other items have also been put for display and sale at the venue, Chauhan said.
Extension Education director Jitendra Kwatra said that upto 35,000 farmers are expected to attend the Kisan Mela this year.
