Pantnagar, 12 Oct: On the third day of the 118th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Industrial Exhibition at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, a special seminar and dialogue session was held in Gandhi Hall of the varsity, today, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the foundation of Uttarakhand State.
The Chief Guest was Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Other dignitaries present included the University Vice-Chancellor Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Rudrapur MLA Shiv Arora, Kashipur MLA Trilok Singh Cheema, Kapkot MLA Suresh Gadhiya, Rudrapur Mayor Vikas Sharma, former Kichha MLA Rajesh Shukla, Mandi Chairman Anil Kapoor Dabbbu, District President Gunjan Sukheja, District Panchayat Chairman Ajay Maurya, Ramesh Joshi, Deep Koshyari, Director, Extension Education, Dr Jitendra Kwatra along with other notable guests.
University students presented brief insights on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), anti-cheating law, and the progress of farmers. Following this, CEO, Samridhi Krishi Utpadak Sangthan & progressive farmer Seema Rani from Gadarpur shared her experiences.
In his address, the Chief Minister stated that the state government is working towards a transparent, just, and development-oriented governance system. He emphasised that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code would strengthen the spirit of equality, justice, and social unity across all sections of society. Similarly, the anti-cheating law is a historic step towards ensuring a bright future of youth and promoting fair competition.
He added that the government is implementing various schemes aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes while also making them technically empowered and self-reliant. He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on the university’s advancement in the QS World Ranking, from 361st to 209th position. He also appreciated the achievements of the university’s agricultural scientists, stating that Pantnagar University has made an outstanding contribution to agricultural development not only in Uttarakhand but across various states of the country through its research and innovations.
The Chief Minister elaborated on several schemes launched by the Prime Minister for the uplift of farmers. On this occasion, three newly developed varieties of pulses, Pant Urd-13, Pant Urd-14, Pant Matar 554 and one variety of barley, Pant Jau 1106 were dedicated to the nation by the chief guest. A quarterly newsletter, ‘Pantnagar Pravah’, prepared by the Directorate of Communication was also released.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan stated that Uttarakhand is the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code and introduce an anti-cheating law. The university has consistently worked in the interests of farmers, with its scientists continuously developing technologies and crop varieties that enhance productivity and income.
He emphasised that the university’s objective is not just limited to research, but also to disseminating these technologies and providing practical training to farmers. He mentioned that, recently, the ICAR released 29 new varieties of pulses of which 10 were from Pantnagar. He opined that only yesterday Prime Minister Modi launched a Pulse Mission to make nation self- reliant in pulse production. This will also address protein deficiency in diets.
A special attraction at the Farmers’ Fair was the display of yellow dragon fruit brought by a progressive farmer. Dr Chauhan said that significant infrastructure development has taken place at the KVKs of Lohaghat and Pithoragarh during the current tenure of Chief Minister resulting in transformative changes in the surrounding areas. He further stated that KVKs are now working on integrated farming which includes goat farming, poultry farming, fisheries and Jai Gopal Vermi-compost.
At the beginning of the programme, Dr Jitendra Quatra welcomed all participants and shared that the farmers’ fair is showcasing new technologies and innovations for farmers. Around 507 firms have set up stalls at the fair. So far, nearly 20,000 farmers have attended, and a total footfall of 30,000 to 35,000 is expected. The main objective of the fair is to increase farmers’ income through digital and smart farming techniques. At the end of the event, Director, Research, Dr Subhash Chandra proposed the vote of thanks.
The District Magistrate of Udham Singh Nagar, Senior Superintendent of Police, SDM, university officials, faculty members, farmers, students, scientists, teachers, company representatives, and a group of 9 students from France were present during this event.
