IEP Chandigarh, April 24
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu while chairing convocation ceremonies at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal and CCSHAU, Hisar today was delighted that the maximum gold medalists were girls, said the President.
“Universities should act as laboratories from where knowledge spreads and benefits the entire society and it is a matter of great satisfaction and pride that our daughters are progressing in many fields including agriculture and allied sciences, said the President while speaking at the 25th convocation ceremony held at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar.
The President said at present increasing population, agricultural land shrinkage, depleting groundwater level, decreasing soil fertility, climate change, etc have become major challenges for the agriculture sector.
“It is the responsibility of agricultural professionals like you to find a permanent solution to tackle these challenges,” exhorted the President.
The President also urged the students to make such devoted efforts so that nutritious food can be made available to our huge population, with minimum damage to the environment and biodiversity.
“Completing these tasks is both a challenge and an opportunity before you. I have full faith that you will convert this challenge into an opportunity and make the best use of your academic knowledge and experience,” said Smt. Murmu.
She said that CCSHAU has been making significant contributions in agricultural Education, Research and Extension since its inception. This institute has also played a remarkable role in the success of the Green Revolution and the White Revolution.
She said that the University has so far developed many varieties of crops. About 18000 quintals of high-quality seeds are produced every year for different types of crops. “Today, when the entire world is connected with each other and humanity is facing challenges like global warming and climate change, then international cooperation becomes very important. This Varsity is collaborating with institutions of many countries on subjects related to agriculture,” said Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
She was happy to note that HAU has established an Incubation Centre to promote entrepreneurship through innovation, technology upgradation and skill development.
Congratulating the students, she said that this convocation ceremony is not just an occasion to confer degrees, awards or medals, but also a golden opportunity to accept challenges through acquired abilities and resolve to make our dreams come true.
She said that as a student of agricultural science, they will have the opportunity to use their bookish knowledge practically. Now you will contribute to the development of agriculture along with the ‘Annadata’ (farmer) and will continue to serve the agriculture sector, said the President.
Haryana is the second largest contributor to the central food grains stock
The President said that if today Haryana is the second largest contributor to the food grain stocks under Central Pool, the credit goes to the farmer-friendly policies of the Central and State Governments, technological initiatives of HAU, and willingness of the farmers of this state to adopt the latest agricultural techniques.
“I have full faith that the future of Haryana will be even brighter on the strength of the acumen and capability of the hardworking residents of this place.
Using water judiciously is the need of the hour
The President while highlighting the role of technology in reducing the cost of farming, increasing productivity, and making agriculture environment-friendly and more profitable said that water is an important component of agriculture but it is available in limited quantities. Therefore, judicious use of water in agriculture is very important. There should be maximum use of technology in irrigation so that exploitation of water resources can be minimised, said Smt. Droupadi Murmu.