Governor presides over 36th Foundation Day of Nauni University

• Scientists must take research to fields to achieve desired results: CM

Governor Bandaru Dattatraya has emphasized on promoting technology transfer in horticulture and urged scientists to transform their research work according to the changing weather conditions.

The Governor was presiding over the 36^th Foundation Day function of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan in the online platform from Raj Bhavan, Shimla, today.

While congratulating on the foundation day, the Governor said as the first Horticulture and Forestry University in Asia, the institute has played a leading role in the field of horticulture and forestry education, research and extension education for more than three decades. As a result, new techniques have reached the fields of millions of farmers. He expressed satisfaction that the Union Ministry of Education has adjudged Nauni University in the top band-‘A ‘in the category of all Government Universities in the country in the “Ranking of Institution on Innovation Achievement” released this year. This university has also ranked 12^th in the nationwide rankings of Agricultural Universities, he added.

He emphasized on development of new varieties and agricultural techniques. He also urged to use scientific input in natural farming to cooperate in making it better. He said that the scientists of the university have received 22 projects worth Rs. 7.85 crore in the last one year to promote research activities through various financial institutions. The University has also been approved by the World Bank-funded National Agricultural Higher Project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research worth Rs. 25 crore, he added.

The Governor lauded the efforts of the university administration for assessing the online lectures and tests of students during the Corona pandemic and the final thesis of research students through online mode. He called upon all the university teachers to spread awareness about the National Education Policy. He said that its comprehensive nature should be implemented and dialogue on new education policy was very important. He also called upon teachers and young scientists to prepare a roadmap for agriculture and horticulture development in the State so that this hilly region could be an ideal in the field of horticulture and forestry in the country. He appealed the scientists to take their research to the fields of farmers.

While addressing the 36^th Foundation day of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that scientists must take the research to the fields only then desired results could be achieved. He said the production could increase only when we motivate the farmers and horticulturists to adopt latest varieties of seeds and technologies. He said that specific assignments must be given to the scientists to take research upto the farmers. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target to double farmers income by the year 2022. He said that this would be possible only with the active cooperation of the scientists and researchers.

Chief Minister said that the University has been classified in Band A (6-25) under Atal Raking (2019-20) recently amongst government and government aided universities of the country. He said that the State Government was committed to ensure quality education to all sections of society and was working vigorously in this direction.  He said that over the years, horticulture has emerged as a potential avocation in accelerating the growth of the rural economy.  He said that role of horticulture in nutritional security, poverty alleviation and employment generation programs of the country has increased manifold.

Jai Ram Thakur said that presently horticultural crops account for about 33 percent of agricultural production and due to this the horticulture sector has witnessed a growth of 2.6 percent in the last 10 years with an increase in productivity by 4.8 percent.  He said that Horticulture was also providing ample employment opportunities to people of the State, particularly in rural areas. He said that  Himachal Pradesh ranked 5th in the world in apple production and the gross value of fruits produced in the state during the year 2019-20 was estimated to be around Rs 4,000 crore.

Chief Minister said the Agriculture Act was a step in strengthening the economy of farmers. He said that the Centre Government was committed for the welfare of the farmers and this Act would ensure better prices of their produce.

Governor and Chief Minister also released various publications of the University on the occasion. Progressive farmers and horticulturists of the State were also honoured on the occasion for the innovations in the field of horticulture.

Horticulture Minister Mahender Singh Thakur said the Foundation Day of the University was a day which give opportunity to any Institution to ponder over its achievements and even failures. He said the State was poised to become the Fruit Bowl of the Country and credit of this goes to the effective research to promote horticulture even in the sub tropical areas of the State. He said that ADB has sanctioned Rs. 1687 crore project for the Sub Tropical areas of the State. He urged the Scientists to take the research to the fields of the farmers, only then it could deliver results.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor of University Dr. Parvinder Kaushal welcomed the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion. He also made a detailed presentation regarding various courses and researches being undertaken by the University. He said that University was playing a major role in providing latest research in the fields of the farmers to strengthen their economy.

Registrar of the University Prashant Sirkek presented vote of thanks.

Agriculture Minister Virender Kanwar and Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania joined the event at Shimla with the Chief Minister, whereas Health Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal joined the event through video conference.

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