CM Sarbananda Sonowal calls for coordinated approach between scientists and farmers

A Correspondent

JORHAT: “Assam’s economy is mainly agrarian and to improve the overall agricultural development of the State, rice-based multi-cropping system needs to be practiced extensively. I acknowledge the sincere efforts of our scientists and officers towards doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and appreciate AAU’s endeavour in achieving this mission,” said Prof Jagadish Mukhi, Governor of Assam and Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) during his 21st AAU convocation address at the auditorium of Assam Agricultural University in Jorhat on Saturday.

Prof Mukhi congratulated all the graduating students and urged them to play the role of catalyst to create jobs. “I am very happy to know that in the last 7 to 8 years, this university has recorded enviable growth in all spheres, right from teaching, research, extension services, infrastructure and human resource development, and I have full confidence in the dynamic leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and his team who have brought about these positive changes to benefit the farming community of the State,” Prof Mukhi further said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged upon the degree holders of the 21st convocation of AAU to use science and technology to innovate in the field of agriculture. Sonowal said that there should be coordinated approach between the agricultural scientists and the farmers to innovatively revolutionize the agriculture sector.

He also said that if there was close proximity between the scientists and farmers, the agriculture sector of the State would get a new facelift and there would be smooth transfer of scientific knowledge from the scientists to farmers. He also said that agriculture should be used extensively to aid the growth of the State. Sonowal asked the passing out students of AAU to take lead in sowing the seeds of self-dependence and self-empowerment among the farmers.

Stating that the present Central and State governments had initiated several steps for the overall growth of agriculture through the use of technology, he also said that the futuristic schemes adopted under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had enabled the 16.5 lakh farmers of the State to get soil health cards. He also said that the climate of Assam was very conducive for agriculture. Taking this as a launch-pad, the agri-economy of the State needed to be strengthened. Referring to the promotion of agriculture in Vietnam, Sonowal said that the good coordination between the scientists and agriculturalists had yielded a phenomenal growth of agriculture in Vietnam. He also expressed hope that Assam Agricultural University would find ways and means for doubling the farmers’ income playing advisory roles.

Chief Minister Sonowal also said that Government of Assam had adopted the Chief Minister Samagra Grammya Unnayan Yojana along with other schemes to help the farmers of the State. He also said that for transforming the Northeast into an organic hub, the government had taken several other steps.

State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora during his address said, “The Act East Policy initiative is an opportunity for us to trade special food products in South East Asian markets and for this, we must prepare in food processing , branding, packaging, and awareness campaigning. We also have to prepare our farmers to be highly skilful in preparing food products with all food management practices. Organic agriculture will be an added advantage for the State.”

AAU Vice-Chancellor Dr KM Bujarbaruah said that as many as 344 of the passing out students had qualified JRF, SRF, NET and DBT examination during 2017-2018 and during the past two years, 51 graduates and postgraduates had got employment through the training and placement cell of the university . “I am happy to say that our university has orchestrated a number of collaborative programmes with institutions like Agriculture and Forestry University ( Nepal), Cornell University (USA), University of Illinois (USA), Karatina University (Kenya), University of Helsinki (Finland), Agriculture University of Anthes (Greece), University of East Angella( UK), University of Milan (Italy), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia), Martin Luther University (Germany) and Universidad Politecnica d Mardid (Spain). As many as 155 teachers were given foreign exposure since 2009 and 2010 under collaborative programmes of the university.”

The convocation was presided over by Governor of Assam and Chancellor of AAU, Prof Jagadish Mukhi. A total of 1,426 students were conferred degrees among Dr. Punjab Singh and Dhruba Jyoti Sarma was conferred the Doctor of Science degree for their outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture at the 21st convocation of AAU.

Also read: Assam news