Governor for joint research in seeds, plants

Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 19

Governor NN Vohra on Saturday said that time had come for agriculture universities in all hill states to collaborate and undertake joint research efforts in identified areas for developing new seeds and plants that would be compatible with the rapidly changing climatic patterns.

The Governor also advised that for increasing productivity, there was a need to achieve high-efficiency levels in the utilisation of land and water resources, prohibiting conversion of productive arable lands for varied non-agricultural purposes, and taking time-bound steps to check the degradation of land and water resources.

He was addressing the 6th convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) at the Baba Jitto auditorium, at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest.

Vohra, who’s the Chancellor of the university, presided over the function and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti spoke on the occasion. The PM delivered the convocation address.

The Prime Minister presented six gold medals, while the Chancellor awarded 55 PhD degrees in agriculture, basic sciences, veterinary sciences and animal husbandry, 85 master’s degrees in agriculture, biotechnology and agri business management, 77 master’s degrees in veterinary science, 12 master’s degrees in basic sciences, 124 bachelor degrees in agriculture and biotechnology, 91 bachelor degrees in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences. Mehbooba, Pro Chancellor, presented 100 certificates of merit.

The Governor wished a bright future to all alumni. He urged them to never compromise their integrity and adhere strictly to ethics and moral values. He expressed his gratitude to the PM for having graciously accepted his request and spared time to address the 6th convocation of the university.

Appreciating the achievements of the university, the Governor observed that SKUAST-J had come a long way over the years and there had been progress on several fronts. He said 

this was the first convocation that was being held in the university, at the beautiful Baba Jitto auditorium, which was completed a few months ago.

He said there were 657 students in 2008 and today, the university had about double this number. Of these, nearly one-third were postgraduates and PhD scholars.

Earlier, Dr PK Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J, thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the growth and development of the university.