Governor Bandaru Dattatraya has urged the scientists to adopt new technologies in farm sector and help the farmer's. They should work in the fields and take research work to the farmers so that they could be benefitted. The Governor was presiding over the 10th convocation function of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni in Solan district today where he also conferred degrees and gold medals to the students.The Governor presented 22 Gold Medals to meritorious students on the occasion. Apart from the gold medals, degrees were also awarded to 1104 students during the convocation.He said that the convocation was the beginning of creativity, knowledge and continuous aspiration for life-long education. He said that scientific research should not be limited to only laboratories but the benefit of research should be found in the solution of the problems of farmers. He added that the role of scientists was very significant for strengthening the agriculture and horticulture sectors and urged them to work with sincerity and dedication as both these sectors were the backbone of the economy. He congratulated all degree holders and the meritorious students and urged them to serve the state and country in a selfless manner. He especially congratulated the girl students for excelling in different streams.The Governor said that in Himachal, apple crop was grown on about 49 per cent area and contributes 84 per cent to the total fruit production and more than rupees 3000 apple economy has about 6 per cent contribution in our GDP. But, excessive and unscientifically use of chemicals in apple crop has many adverse effects and it not only affecting our health but also increasing the production cost. For this, a practical plan would have to be implemented.
Shri Dattatraya said that the state government has started the scheme of natural farming under the name of 'Subhash Palekar Natural Farming'. Ongoing research at this university shows that the method of natural farming was proving effective not only for vegetables and grains but also for crops like apples.He congratulated the University administration of getting 12th rank among 60 Agricultural Universities while ranking 80 in the list of the top 100 universities in the country by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. He also expressed happiness that the University has trained about two thousand farmers during last year and has also run programs like Kisan Mela etc. through which new techniques were given to the farmers.The Governor said that the biggest challenge in front of the youth was related to skill development and ability to learn new skills continuously. Research scholars believed that 50 percent of the present employment would be eliminated in the coming three decades and new skills to be needed for the new opportunities that arise. He expressed confidence that the youth would prepare themselves for these challenges. He called upon the young scientists to work with more dedication and develop skill in their field. He said that the University should also motivate the youth to adopt agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and their related fields as business and provide assistance with technology. He expressed confidence that Horticulture University would have a significant contribution in declaring Himachal Pradesh as a natural farming state by the year 2021. He directed the scientists to connect with the village and farmers and asked to motivate young scientists to research in their traditional farming method.
Shri Dattatraya said climate change was a major challenge being faced by the world today, which was directly related to agriculture, horticulture and food security. He said that on the one hand, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, robotics, bio-engineering and nanotechnology have the potential to completely change our work and living conditions, on the other hand, it also presented the possibility of facing the challenges of the future. But, it depends on how we make decisions today, he added and said that it was important to have discretion with technology. He also advised them to work on the high-density plantation, hydroponics, plant health clinics, value addition of fruits and vegetables, post-harvest technology, use of artificial intelligence in production, plant protection etc.He urged the students to move towards entrepreneurship instead of going after the job. “You are connected to the fields, so every student should adopt some village and give the benefit of their use in the field to the farmer. Your scientific thinking will benefit the farmers and they will be able to strengthen their economy”, said the Governor.Earlier, Dr. Parminder Kaushal, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion and read out the annual report of the University.Dr. Kulwant Rai Sharma, Dean of Forestry proposed a vote of thanks.Dr. Ashok Saryal, Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University, Palampur, heads of different departments of Nauni University and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.