Jammu, August 4 (TKM): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the 9th Convocation Ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, and congratulated the graduating students on their achievements. He also congratulated the university management, faculty, and staff on completing 25 years of excellence.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the growing role of Nari Shakti (women power) in the agriculture sector, highlighting their contributions to innovation, productivity, and sustainable practices. “In areas like climate-smart crops, pest management, biotech, and organic farming, women scientists have made a remarkable impact,” he said.
Highlighting a proud achievement, he shared that out of 8 gold medalists this year, 7 were female students, and 32 out of 35 merit certificates in postgraduate and PhD categories also went to women. “This reflects the increasing leadership of women in agriculture and allied sectors,” he added.
Addressing the future of farming, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for modern technology, innovation, and strong farmer-industry linkages. He emphasized that farmer welfare is a top priority for the government, citing the positive impact of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
“Our approach of ‘Beej se Bazar tak’ — from Seed to Market — has brought transformational change in Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector.We have turned ‘Lab to Land’ into a reality for small and marginal farmers,” he said.
He encouraged young scientists and professionals to focus on smart farming, seed development, food processing, mechanization, and quality control.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ex-Situ Gene Bank, making SKUAST Jammu the third institution in the country to host such a facility. The gene bank will preserve valuable genetic resources like seeds, plant tissues, and animal germplasm for future research and breeding programs.
He also laid the foundation stone for a 200-bedded Farmers’ Hostel and a new Faculty Building with shared academic facilities.
During the convocation, 446 degrees were awarded, including 157 Master’s, 46 Doctorates, and 243 Undergraduate degrees. Eight gold medals were also presented to top-performing students.
The event was attended by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Shailendra Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Jammu B.N. Tripathi, members of the Board of Management, University Council, faculty, students, legislators, and Vice Chancellors from other universities.(TKM)
