President Droupadi Murmu, in her address at the 35th convocation of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand on November 7, 2023, highlighted the global shift towards natural and organic farming to address climate change and soil degradation.
She noted that the world is moving towards eco-friendly food habits and that researchers, scientists, and faculty members of the university will play an important role in giving priority to millets in our food habits.
The President also appreciated the Pantnagar University for initiating digital solutions in agriculture through crop management, nano-technology, organic farming, and the use of Artificial Intelligence. She noted that the university has developed its own agricultural drone which can spray several hectares of land in few minutes and expressed confidence that the benefits of drone technology will reach the farmers soon.
The President also highlighted the university’s role in the Green Revolution, noting that Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug had named Pantnagar University as the “Harbinger of Green Revolution”. The university tested Mexican wheat varieties developed by Borlaug, which played a key role in the success of the Green Revolution.
President Murmu also emphasized the need for dissemination of research being done in the field of agriculture to the farmers. She was happy to note that the university is assisting the rural community through various climate resilient technologies.
The President also stressed the importance of keeping pace with the latest technological, economic, and social developments in the education system. She said that educational institutions should produce industry-ready graduates who can create employment and compete in the technology-driven world.
