Govind Ballabh Pant University played an effective role in green revolution, says President

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu during the 35th convocation of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand said the institute has played an effective role in the success of the green revolution.

She added that the university was established to promote agricultural education and development in the country and since its inception, it has become a centre of excellence. The President noted that the institution is spread over 11,000 acres of area, which makes it one of the largest universities in the world.

She added that Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug had named Pantnagar University as 'harbinger of green revolution'. “Mexican wheat varieties developed by Norman Borlaug were tested in this University. Everyone associated with the agriculture sector knows about the ‘Pantnagar seeds’. The seeds developed at the Pantnagar University are used by farmers across the country to increase crop quality and yield,” she added.

The President also highlighted that the education system needs to keep pace with the technological, economic and social developments taking place around the world. “The educational institutions should produce industry ready graduates who can create employment and compete in the technology driven world,” she added.

Need to move towards organic farming

The President also stressed on the need to move towards natural and organic farming to deal with issues such as climate change and soil degradation. She said scientists and faculty members of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology will play a significant role in giving priority to millets in our food habits.

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The President said that use of the latest technology is necessary to face global challenges. She appreciated the Pantnagar university for initiating digital solutions in agriculture through crop management, nano-technology and organic farming. She noted that the university is also taking steps for the use of artificial intelligence. She was happy to note that this University has developed its own agricultural drone which can spray several hectares of land in a few minutes.