PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
While addressing the seminar themed on ‘Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation For A Prosperous Uttarakhand’ organised by The Pioneer in association with the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology here on Monday, the director, Communication, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, J P Jaiswal said that his university is scripting a new chapter in agricultural education, research and innovation under the guidance of the vice-chancellor, Shivendra Kumar Kashyap with a strong focus on science-led development, industry collaboration and alumni engagement.
“The university, which pioneered India’s Green Revolution, is now positioning itself as a leading centre for next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, precision farming, remote sensing and semiconductor-enabled agricultural research,” he said, adding that the university has produced over 55,000 graduates since its establishment in 1960 and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem. “The university is not merely an institution of higher learning but a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building,” he said.
He noted that its contributions extend far beyond academics. “The university has released over 357 crop varieties, many of which have transformed farming across the country, while its renowned ‘Pantnagar Seeds’ programme has benefited millions of farmers. A total of nine Krishi Vigyan Kendras being operated by the university continue to serve as a vital bridge between laboratory research and field-level implementation across Uttarakhand,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the university’s innovative Practical Crop Production Skilling Programme, where students manage agricultural plots, maintain budgets and earn profits from crop cultivation, providing them with hands-on entrepreneurial experience.
“The university is committed to strengthening scientific research, promoting innovation-driven agriculture and creating sustainable opportunities for rural development, ensuring that Pantnagar continues to remain a cornerstone of Uttarakhand’s growth and India’s agricultural progress,” he observed.
