SKUAST-Jammu’s 9th Convocation: LG Manoj Sinha’s Call for Sustainable Agriculture

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the 9th Convocation Ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Jammu, celebrating the institution’s 25th anniversary. The event highlighted academic excellence, agricultural innovation, and the pivotal role of women in reshaping Jammu and Kashmir’s agrarian landscape. LG Sinha outlined a forward-looking vision for agriculture, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and women-led development as key drivers of sectoral transformation.LG Sinha stressed the need for a robust ecosystem to promote sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on enhancing farmer incomes, mitigating risks, and strengthening farmer-industry linkages. He highlighted the success of initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in J&K (JKCIP). “From Beej se Bazar tak (Seed to Market), our mantra in J&K is total transformation, realizing the vision of Lab to Land to empower small and marginal farmers,” he stated. These programs, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on farmer welfare, are driving economic empowerment and resilience. A key highlight was LG Sinha’s recognition of Nari Shakti (women power) as a catalyst for agricultural innovation. He praised women’s contributions in climate-smart crops, pest management, biotechnology, and organic farming. The convocation showcased their achievements, with 7 of 8 gold medalists in postgraduate and undergraduate programs and 32 of 35 Certificates of Merit in PhD and postgraduate programs being women. “This symbolizes the rising influence of Nari Shakti, who will lead innovation for sustainable agriculture and boost farmers’ income,” he remarked.LG Sinha urged young scientists to embrace smart farming, leveraging advancements in seed production, pest management, food processing, and farm mechanization to excel in product development and quality control. He also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ex-Situ Gene Bank, making SKUAST-Jammu the third institution in India with such a facility. This gene bank will preserve genetic resources like seeds, plant tissue, and animal germplasm for breeding and research. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for a 200-bedded Farmers’ Hostel and a Faculty Building to support farmers and academic excellence.The ceremony saw 446 degrees conferred, including 243 undergraduate, 157 master’s, and 46 doctoral degrees, alongside 8 gold medals for meritorious students. Dignitaries, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Vice Chancellor Dr. B.N. Tripathi, attended, underscoring the collective commitment to agricultural progress. LG Sinha’s address reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmir’s dedication to transforming agriculture through innovation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable practices. By prioritising farmer welfare and embracing modern technology, SKUAST-Jammu is poised to lead the region toward a prosperous, self-reliant agrarian future, setting a bold agenda for an inclusive agricultural revolution.