Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided over the 25th Senate meeting at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar (CSK) Agricultural University, Palampur in Kangra district today. While speaking on the occasion, he stressed on working beyond academics so that common man and farmers could consider the University as theirs' and it would be the success story in a real sense of any higher educational institution. He said that our skill should be in the interest of the common man and this should be the motto of the University.He said the climate change was a major challenge being faced by the world today, which was directly related to agriculture, horticulture and food security. There were many challenges in the agriculture sector and we could not run away from these challenges, rather we must find a solution to it. "You are experts and with your concerted efforts since past several years, the University has achieved many milestones in agriculture. I hope that this process will be continued", said the Governor.
The Governor said that similarly the biggest challenge in front of the youth was related to skill development and ability to learn new skills continuously. 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 respective field.He said that it was our responsibility to rectify the shortcomings, and whole country was looking upto the Palampur University to provide a solution. “The Prime Minister was trying to double the income of farmers and all out effort must be made in this direction”, said Shri Arlekar. Whatever we were doing here, we were doing it for the younger generation and our knowledge should percolate upto lowest level, said the Governor.Shri Arlekar expressed concern that most graduates of agriculture and horticulture were not interested in working in farms or fields.
He said that in the last few months the youths he interacted with in Agriculture and Horticulture Universities had given him such an impression, which was a matter of concern. “Not a single student wants to do farming”, he said. He added that 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 Agriculture University would have a significant contribution in declaring Himachal Pradesh as a natural farming state. He directed the scientists to connect with the village and farmers and asked to motivate young scientists to research in their traditional farming.
Expressing concern over the implementation of Natural Farming through the University, the Governor asked if the scientists of the university were providing correct information about natural farming methods to the farmers? He questioned if monitoring was being done post training of farmers and if the farmers were taking the complete package. If they were not following all six components, then it reflects partial involvement, he added.He said that scientific parameters used in natural farming should be our own and added that there was a need to work in this direction.
He also stressed on agriculture engineering.Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur, Prof. H.K. Chaudhary welcomed the Governor and detailed about various activities of the University.MLA Nagrota Bagwan Arun Kumar, Official and non-official members of the Senate were also present on the occasion. Earlier, the Governor also visited the Agricultural Farm. He visited the Center of Excellence on Protected Agriculture and Natural Farming and Centre for Advanced Agricultural Science and Technology.The Vice-chancellor apprised him about the hi-tech pilothouse for soil-less cultivation of vegetable crops under hydroponics.