Producing sufficient food is a puzzle, says S.K. Singh
April 21, 2009 Pantnagar
Twenty fifth convocation of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology was held today. H.E. Shri S.K. Singh, Governor of Rajasthan was the chief guest on the occasion. It was presided over by the Chancellor and Governor of Uttarakhand, H.E. Shri B.L. Joshi, and Dr. S.P. Tiwari, Deputy Director General, ICAR was the guest of honour.
In this convocation renowned industrialist Shri Ratan N. Tata and Former Adviser of Food and Agricultural Organization Dr. M.L. Dewan were also conferred upon degree of Doctor of Science ( Honoris cause ). Shri Tata was conferred this honorary degree in absentia.
Delivering convocation address H.E. Shri S.K. Singh told that two issues that will affect the future of farming and agriculture productivity are global climate change and genetically modified seeds. Stressing on the fact that providing sufficient food for the world population is getting to be a puzzle and problem, Shri Singh indicated that heat, light and water are major drivers of productivity, and climate can became a cancer for agriculture. A dramatic shift may gradually kill the sustainability of biosphere and mankind. Further, Shri Singh talked about the public fears and farmers' concern about genetically modified food which represents a great ethical as well as policy change. He wanted to be sure of the option to be selected. Towards the end of his benedictory address he emphasized upon all the degree recipient to be ready for struggles ahead and asked them to commence their professional life fully confident that they can change the world.
Later, H.E. Shri B.L. Joshi congratulated the parents of students who received their degree and exhorted the students to take the challenges awaiting them in different fields of life. He said that despite the shrinking share of agriculture sector (17%) in Indian economy, majority of population continues to depend on agriculture. Shri Joshi emphasized to address post-green revolution problems like micronutrient deficiencies, depleting soil carbon levels and hidden hunger, and make Indian agriculture profitable, sustainable and competitive. He said that livestock and fisheries sectors are emerging as important “sunrise sectors” which will have critical impact on the future development in the country.
Dr. S.P. Tiwari while addressing the gathering elaborated on the initiatives undertaken by the ICAR towards modernizing the agriculture education and research infrastructure in the country. While acknowledging the seminal contribution of Pantvarsity in ushering green revolution and in participating council's programmes Dr. Tiwari remarked that we need to charge the fundamental orientation of agriculture towards entrepreneurship.
At the beginning of the glittering function, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B.S. Bisht, presented a brief progress report of the university highlighting the salient achievements. He reiterated the resolve of university towards enhancing agriculture productivity to feed the growing world population through quality education, research and extension in agriculture.
More than 1000 student were given the degrees by the chief guest. Chancellor's Gold Medal, given for outstanding performance was bagged by Mudita Shah. Total 37 gold, silver and bronze medals in different categories were given to meritorious students. Shri Puran Anand Adlakha Award for best thesis in M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy) was bagged by Shri Mohit Kumar Purvar, Sarswati Panda Gold Medal for getting highest numbers in B.Sc. (Home Science) in Food and Nutrition subjects was given to Km. Dipti Tiwari, Nagmma Shanta Bai Award for getting highest position in rural work in B.Sc. (Home Science) was bagged by Km. Rupali Zindal and Dr. Ram Shiromani Tiwari Award for getting highest position in B.Sc. (Agriculture) was given to Km. Kavita Sharma. Chaudhary Charan Singh Smriti Pratibha Puraskar for first and second position in B.Sc. (Agriculture), instituted by Kisan Trust, was fetched by Km. Kavita Sharma and Km. Poonam Mehra, respectively. The programme was conducted by the Registrar Dr. T.C. Thakur.
News Coordinator, Pantnagar
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