The Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities across the country was held at the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Campus, New Delhi. On this occasion, Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar who joined the virtual team, said that agriculture education being multidisciplinary, multi-dimensional and comprehensive is very important for the progress of the country.
Important Points Highlighted by Tomar:
Role of New Education Policy: Tomar mentioned the important role of the New Education Policy implemented under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in making the agriculture sector advanced and employment-oriented. Tomar urged those who got agricultural education to contribute towards the development of the agriculture sector by indulging in agriculture along with education and research.
ICAR's Role in Indian Agriculture: He appreciated the experience and contribution of the Vice Chancellors in the progress and success of the universities. The Union Minister said that in the field of agriculture, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 1,656 new crop varieties during the last 7 years, for which the entire country is getting its results.
Referring to the technologies developed by ICAR, improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc., he said that the farmers of the country are definitely getting benefited from it. Emphasizing the development of seeds suitable for less water and timely production, he said that for the progress of agriculture, the development of seeds suitable for the region and climate is necessary.
Government's Initiatives: Tomar said that these are the agriculture-friendly Government schemes, the hard work of the farmers and the advanced technology developed by the scientists that contributed to the fact that today India is at the fore in meeting the food requirements of the world.
He said that in order to accelerate the progress of agriculture by increasing production and productivity and to empower the farmers, many comprehensive schemes have been implemented by the present government on the ground.
Tomar urged the Vice-Chancellors to put their green campuses on the map of the world by doing better. During this, along with the release of ICAR publications, prizes were distributed in four categories.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kailash Choudhary and Shobha Karandlaje, Director General of ICAR Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and secretary, Sanjay Garg were also present on the occasion.
Deputy Director General (Education) Dr. R.C. Agrawal highlighted the unprecedented contribution and achievements of ICAR and Agricultural Universities in the field of agricultural education and research. The conference was attended by Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, Deputy Director Generals of ICAR, senior officers of ICAR-NAHEP Education Division, officers of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, students and farmers.
