Our scientists, institutions and government strive to modernize the agricultural sector: LG Sinha

Jammu, Jun 28 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that J&K UT had made impressive progress in production, value addition and marketing over the past two years to ensure sustainable income for farmers.

The UT administration has taken consistent steps to gradually convert rural areas into economic units and bridge the gap between villages and towns, Sinha said during the seventh convocation ceremony of SKUAST-Jammu at the Baba Jitto auditorium, SKUAST, Chatha.

The Lieutenant Governor commended the University for serving the nation by training young men and women in modern agricultural science and technology, which will shape the destiny of the agricultural sector.

Congratulating graduating students, the Lieutenant Governor said the convocation is a stage in life where students step out into the real world from the academic comforts of college with special knowledge and skills.

“I am confident that with their dedication and determination, they will change the face of agriculture and horticulture, which is the lifeblood of J&K’s economy,” he added.

Noting the steps taken by the UT government for more effective delivery of agriculture and related sector programs, the Lieutenant Governor said that our scientists, institutions and government apparatus are constantly striving to modernize the agricultural sector to transform the lives of farmers and transform villages into self-sufficient.

“Our goal is to build the capacity of farmers so that they can earn better prices and act as facilitators of economic growth,” he added.

“We have succeeded in extending local product branding, mechanization, high density planting, quality seeds, capacity building, GI labeling, banking facilities and micro-irrigation to provide maximum benefits to our farming community,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ground-breaking reforms have been undertaken in the agriculture sector.

Today, the whole world looks to India with the hope of overcoming the agricultural challenges. The young scientists will lead the mission of a holistic approach and a pragmatic program by harnessing the enormous capacities of the agricultural sector. The pace of transformation of the rural economy will be accelerated by the adoption of modern agricultural strategies and environmentally friendly technologies, he added.

The Lieutenant Governor said promoting inclusive growth, ensuring food security and increasing J&K’s rural incomes are three important goals we need to focus on as a priority.

He urged young academics and agricultural scientists to devote their energies, the experiences gained from this university, to the national goal of achieving inclusive growth and sustained progress.

“I assure all young students and Agri-entrepreneurs that the UT administration will provide all institutional support to realize your dreams. Currently we are providing support to approximately 500 entrepreneurial farmers and next year it will be doubled,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On this occasion, the Lt Governor awarded diplomas to graduates and medals to deserving students of the University.

Taking note of the female students who won the maximum number of medals at the convocation ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated them and called the growing representation of women in agriculture a boon for the entire fraternity and the nation.

The Lieutenant Governor also urged the University authorities to strengthen research and extension activities, strengthen the ties between farmers and students and motivate students to compete for a place in the Congress of Agricultural Sciences in the future. .

UNI VBH SHK2051