PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Pantnagar
The Governor Lt Gel (Retd) Gurmit Singh inaugurated the four-day 120th All India Kisan Mela and Agricultural Industry Exhibition at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology on Saturday. In his address, he said that building a strong Uttarakhand is possible only with prosperous farmers and modern technology. Among other dignitaries present on the occasion were the State Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi and GBPUAT vice-chancellor, S K Kashyap.
“Pantnagar is an important centre for agricultural education, research, innovation and farmer service. Amidst changing climate, water scarcity, rising production costs and market uncertainties, it is essential to connect farmers with modern technology,” he said, adding that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, sensors and digital agriculture can reduce farming costs and help farmers make better decisions.
He further said that given Uttarakhand’s geographical diversity, agricultural models should be developed to suit local conditions. “In mountainous regions, there are opportunities to increase farmers’ income through activities such as fruit, vegetable, flower, medicinal and aromatic plants, mushrooms and beekeeping,” he said and emphasised the need to strengthen the entire production chain, from seed to market, processing, packaging, and marketing.
While addressing the occasion, Joshi said that efforts are being made to provide improved seeds to farmers. “The government is continuously working to increase farmers’ income,” he stated.
Kashyap said that the university is committed to providing advanced seeds and technology to farmers.
Ten progressive farmers were felicitated at the event and literature related to agriculture meant for the farmers was released, too.
Among others present were the vice-chancellor of the Uttarakhand Open University, Naveen Chandra Lohani; Kumaun University’s vice-chancellor, Prof S S Bisht; district magistrate, Udham Singh Nagar, Nitin Singh Bhadauria and SSP Ajay Ganpati besides a number of scientists and farmers.
