Reform, perform, transform: Naidu

A Correspondent

JORHAT, April 17:  The Northeast has been given far more attention by the Centre these days because it has multiple problems, and this should not be a subject of envy for other States, said Vice President M Venkaya Naidu during his address as chief guest on the opening-day ceremony of the golden jubilee celebration of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) here today.

Naidu stressed three mantras for the region - reform, perform and transform - and said it should be the first motto of the region. He asked the AAU authority and the governments of the region to be serious about development. He urged them to take up fishery, animal husbandry and dairy sectors, based on the potential of these sectors, and also because the environment here is conducive to their flourish but the region depends entirely on Andhra Pradesh for egg and fish.

Naidu seemed happy to be present at the AAU celebration, it being the oldest agriculture university of the whole of the Northeast catering to students not just from the Northeast and the rest of the country but also from abroad. He expressed satisfaction that the university has already developed 113 crop varieties of seeds, and within the past 50 years of its journey, it has made drastic improvements in research technology.

The Vice President said the remarkable fact is that AAU has its goal towards working hand-in-hand with farmers to increase productivity. “Institutions, universities, colleges and schools should always be open for farmers so that they may be part for the learning process. Students too, before attaining their degrees, should spend some time with farmers, which should be mandatory. Only then will all understand the situation right from the paddy field to the laboratory,” he said, adding agriculture should be made more viable to which AAU can make a major contribution.

Earlier, Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and AAU VC Dr KM Bujarbaruah delivered their speeches and dwelt on the commendable work done by the university.

Former Supreme Court judge Justice SN Phukan and eminent journalist DN Chakraborty were felicitated in the programme.