Jammu- The Union Territory Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that his administration has taken consistent steps to gradually convert rural areas into economic units and bridge the gap between villages and cities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha made these remarks at the 7th Convocation ceremony of SKUAST-Jammu at Baba Jitto Auditorium here on Tuesday, an official spokesperson said. The LG, he said, lauded the University for rendering service to the nation by training young men and women in modern agriculture science and technology, who will shape the destiny of farming sector.
According to the spokesperson, the LG congratulated the graduating student and said that the convocation is a stage in life when students step out into real world from academic comfort of University with special knowledge and skills.
“I’m confident with dedication and determination they will change the face of Agriculture and Horticulture, which is the soul of J&K’s economy,” the LG said.
Noting the steps of UT Government for more effective implementation of schemes of Agriculture & allied sector, the LG, as per the spokesperson said that the Scientists, Institutions, and Government machinery is making constant endeavours to modernize agriculture sector to transform the lives of the farmers and turn the villages into self-sufficient.
“Our focus is on enhancing the capacity of the farmers so they can earn better prices and act as facilitators of economic growth”, Sinha said.
He observed that J&K UT has made impressive progress in production, value addition, and marketing in the last two years for ensuring sustainable income to the farmers.
“The UT administration has taken consistent steps to gradually convert rural areas into economic units and bridge the gap between villages and cities,” he said.
“We have succeeded in expanding local product branding, mechanization, high-density plantation, quality seed, capacity building, GI tagging, banking facility, and micro irrigation to provide maximum benefits to our farming community,” he added.
The LG hailed the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for brining path-breaking reforms have been taken in the Agriculture sector.
“Today the whole world is looking towards India with hope to overcome agricultural challenges. Young scientists will spearhead the mission of holistic approach and pragmatic programme in harnessing tremendous capacities of agriculture sector. The pace of transforming rural economy will be accelerated by adopting modern Agri strategies and environment-friendly technologies,” he said.
As per the spokesperson, the LG said that promotion of inclusive growth, ensuring food security and increasing the rural income of J&K are three important goals that we need to focus on priority.
Sinha, he said, also impressed upon the young agriculture scholars and scientists to dedicate their energies, experiences gained from this University, towards the national goal of achieving inclusive growth and sustained progress.
“I assure all young students and Agri-entrepreneurs that the UT administration will ensure all institutional support to realize your dreams. At present, we are providing handholding support to around 500 entrepreneur farmers and next year it will be doubled”, the LG said
On the occasion, the LG conferred degrees to graduates and medals to the meritorious students of the University.
Taking note of women students clinching maximum medals at the convocation ceremony, the LG, as per the spokesperson, congratulated them and termed the growing representation of women in Agriculture sector as an auspicious sign for the whole fraternity and nation.
He further said that the LG also urged the University authorities to enhance research and extension activities, strengthen farmer–student connect, and motivate students to compete for place in the Agricultural Science Congress in future.
According to the spokesperson, Prof. J P Sharma, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST, read the Vice Chancellor’s report and briefed about salient achievements of the University in the field of education, research, and extension. He said that the University is mandated to serve farmers of the Jammu and Kashmir.
“He said continuous efforts are being made to expand the functional dimensions of the University by way of having more faculties, infrastructure and matching human resource which has been made possible by the present UT administration,” he said.
This is the first time in the history of SKUAST-Jammu that convocation was held for three days.
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