Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) celebrated the 76th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. Professor, J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, hoisted the National Flag at Faculty of Agriculture, Main Campus, Chatha and Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R. S. Pura.
In his address, he advised the university employees to work with full dedication and honesty towards building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He said that agriculture and the allied sector proved to be the most resilient to the Covid-19 shock. He exhorted that agriculture sector has experienced buoyant growth in the past two years and agriculture and allied sector is the largest employer of workforce.
“We as a scientist are fortunate that we are having an opportunity to serve farmers of the country who otherwise are serving the whole nation by providing food” Prof. Sharma said.He congratulated to all teaching and non-teaching staff for sanctioning of three faculties viz Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Dairy Technology and Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry which are now functional from current academic session 2022-23.
Prof. Sharma said that increasing importance of allied sectors including animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries in growth and income of the farmers indicates that focus needs to shift more towards harnessing the potential of allied activities, also.
Prof. Sharma emphasised that success can be achieved only by sharing of innovative ideas and extending full cooperation in nation building. He congratulated scientists of the University for release of 21 new varieties of cereals, fruits, vegetables and pulses. He informed that recently research projects to the tune of Rs.11 crore have been sanctioned to SKUAST-Jammu by DBT and DST, New Delhi for agriculture research and development.
He congratulated sixty six students of the agrivarsity for qualifying National Eligibility Test (NET) during the current year. Vice Chancellor in his speech appreciated the efforts of Veterinary Scientists for creating awareness among farmers regarding the outbreak of prevalent skin disease in animals and its control through medicines.
KVK, Jammu also got the appreciation of Vice Chancellor for disseminating mass awareness among farmers for the mentioned skin disease. He also applauded the efforts and resilience of Scientists of Faculties, Research Stations and KVKs, university staff, labourers and all those who are directly or indirectly associated with development of the farm sector.
Earlier, the national event started with garlanding ‘Father of Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi followed by the national anthem. Cultural programme was also organized to commemorate the auspicious festival of the nation in which students of the university participated enthusiastically. All the statutory officers of the University, Head of the Divisions, Faculty members, non-teaching staff and students attended the Independence Day celebrations. The national event ended with the national anthem.