Jammu, August 04, 2025: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the 9th Convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Jammu, highlighting the critical role of innovation, modern technology, and women-led development in transforming the agriculture sector. The event marked the completion of 25 glorious years of the university, with LG Sinha congratulating graduating students, faculty, and management for their contributions to agricultural advancement.
In his address, LG Sinha underscored the need for a robust ecosystem to promote sustainable agricultural practices, prioritizing farmer incomes, risk mitigation, and stronger farmer-industry linkages. He emphasized that farmer welfare remains a top priority under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The positive impact of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in J&K (JKCIP) on farmers’ income is now visible. Total transformation at all stages of Beej se Bazar tak (from Seed to Market) has been our mantra in J&K, realizing the resolution of Lab to Land to make small and marginal farmers self-reliant,” he stated.
LG Sinha lauded the significant contributions of Nari Shakti (women power) in driving innovation and enhancing productivity in the agriculture and allied sectors. He highlighted women’s pivotal roles in areas such as climate-smart crops, pest management, biotech solutions, and organic farming. “I am extremely proud that out of 8 gold medalists in post-graduate and graduate programs, 7 are our daughters. Additionally, 32 out of 35 Certificates of Merit in PhD and Post-Graduate programs were awarded to women. This is a symbol of the rising influence of Nari Shakti, and I believe they will lead innovation for sustainable agriculture and enhance farmers’ income,” he remarked.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the new generation of scientists and experts to focus on smart farming, noting that revolutions in seed production, pest management, food processing, and farm mechanization have created opportunities for young professionals in product development and quality control.
During the ceremony, LG Sinha inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ex-Situ Gene Bank, making SKUAST-Jammu the third institution in India to establish such a facility. This gene bank will preserve genetic resources, including seeds, plant tissue, and animal germplasm, outside their natural habitat, serving as a vital resource for breeding and research programs. He also laid the foundation stone for a 200-bedded Farmers’ Hostel and a Faculty Building with common academic facilities.
The convocation saw the conferment of 446 degrees, including 157 Masters, 46 Doctorates, and 243 Undergraduate degrees, along with 8 Gold Medals awarded to meritorious students. The event was attended by 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 Dr. B.N. Tripathi, members of the Legislative Assembly, Vice Chancellors of various universities, faculty, and students.LG Sinha’s address reaffirmed the commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector through innovation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable practices, aligning with the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant farming community.
