Governor's Message to Promote Entrepreneurship in Agriculture: An Appeal to Agricultural Students in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel called upon agricultural students to harness both traditional knowledge and modern scientific techniques to solve complex problems faced by farmers. Speaking at the 10th convocation of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior on Tuesday, he emphasized the importance of delivering advanced agricultural technologies to underserved and remote areas. 

Honoring Excellence in the Agricultural Sector

During the ceremony, held at Dattopant Thengadi Auditorium, Governor Patel congratulated the graduates and their families. Distinguished guests included Professor P.L. Gautam, Dinesh Kulkarni, and Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Arvind Kumar Shukla, alongside council members and faculty. On this occasion, honorary degrees were conferred upon agricultural scientists Jagdish Kumar Ladda and P.M. Gaur. A total of 979 students received degrees, including 48 PhDs, 666 undergraduate, and 265 postgraduate degrees. In addition, 7 students were awarded gold medals, and 4 received the Sirtaj Bahadur Sinha Memorial Award. A university souvenir was also released during the event.

Empowering Future Farmers

Governor Patel stressed the need for universities to assist students in identifying entrepreneurial opportunities within agriculture and related fields. He highlighted the importance of innovative approaches in transforming ordinary farmers into entrepreneurs. The Governor emphasized the need for collaboration between farmers and agricultural professionals to enhance agricultural development. He also addressed pressing challenges such as shrinking landholdings, climate change, rising temperatures, and the degradation of natural resources, which pose serious threats to food and nutritional security. Addressing these challenges requires empowering farmers through extensive research and innovative efforts.

Vision for Self-Reliant India

Governor Patel praised Prime Minister Modi’s National Education Policy, which aims to build a self-reliant and developed India with youth participation. He said that the agricultural sector holds immense potential for inclusive rural development through increased income and employment opportunities. The Governor urged agricultural students to use their talents to improve the lives of the most marginalized communities.

Central Agricultural University Chancellor Professor P.L. Gautam expressed pride in the agricultural revolution that has taken place in India but also pointed out challenges such as population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and rising farming costs. He emphasized the need for universities to utilize modern technology to address these issues.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Agriculture

Dinesh Kulkarni highlighted that while the unemployment rate in agriculture is lower than in other sectors, it is concerning that agricultural students are more inclined towards jobs rather than using their knowledge to contribute to farming. He encouraged students to become job creators, making farming a profitable venture.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Arvind Kumar Shukla, showcased its achievements, including the development of a new wheat variety in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and ongoing research projects worth Rs. 229 lakh for potato seed production. Other notable projects include hybrid seed development for vegetables worth Rs. 416 lakh and a solar-based intensive project in Gwalior aimed at providing high-quality seeds. The university has also achieved success in green and energy audits.