Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 28 Sep: The preparations for the 120th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agro-Industry Exhibition, scheduled to be held at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, from 3 to 6 October are in the final stage. A press conference with representatives of print and electronic media was organised at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Dr Shivendra Kumar Kashyap.
Addressing the media, Vice-Chancellor Dr Shivendra Kumar Kashyap said that the theme of this year’s Farmers’ Fair is “Smart Farming, Healthy Earth, Prosperous Farmer.” Special emphasis will be laid on modern agricultural technologies, natural farming, improved seeds, agricultural machinery, drone technology, agri-startups and conservation of traditional crops. More than 400 large and small stalls are expected to be set up during the fair. Demonstrations of improved production technologies for wheat, maize, peas, oilseeds and other crops will also be organised at respective research centres.
Director, Research, Dr S.K. Verma stated that approximately one-and-a-half times more breeder seed has been produced this year compared to the previous year. Around 2,039 quintals of different varieties of wheat, 5 quintals of barley, 50 quintals of lentil, 26 quintals of gram and 100 quintals of oilseeds of breeder seed will be made available. A 15 percent special discount will be offered on their basic prices. In addition, planting material of horticultural and forestry crops and seeds of various vegetable crops will also be available.
Chief General Manager, University Farm, Dr R.P. Singh, informed that 2,040 quintals of wheat seed of different varieties have been produced. The seed will be made available in the form of foundation, certified and TL seed.
The Vice-Chancellor said that three special stalls focusing on research-based innovations, traditional farming methods and conservation of traditional seeds, and agri-startups will be established during the fair. These stalls will showcase agricultural innovations, traditional farming practices and modern technologies, besides providing information about improved varieties and emerging opportunities in agriculture.
He said that the Farmers’ Fair will not remain limited to an exhibition of agricultural products and technologies but will serve as an important platform for interaction and technology transfer among farmers, scientists, youth, entrepreneurs and agricultural institutions. Arrangements have been made for demonstrations and interaction to facilitate the transfer of technologies developed by university scientists and research centres to farmers.
The 120th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agro-Industry Exhibition will be inaugurated on October 3 by the Governor of Uttarakhand.
Dr. Kashyap also informed that, with the objective of providing training in drone technology and promoting entrepreneurship among educated youth, a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) has been established at the Sugarcane Research Centre, Kashipur. Initially, the approval has been granted for a period of ten years, which may be extended further as per the applicable provisions. Individuals who have passed Class 10 from a recognized board and are between 18 and 60 years of age can undergo a five-day training programme at the centre. The training will cover the basic principles, regulations and operation of drones. After completion of the training, a certificate will be issued by DGCA, Government of India with a validity of ten years.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the contribution of Dr. Ajit Singh Nain, Professor, Meteorology; Dr. Arvind Kumar Tyagi, Professor, Soil Science; and Dr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Assistant Professor, Agronomy towards establishing the centre.
On the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the university’s initiative to establish the “Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh Destitute Cattle Conservation and Research Centre” on the university campus.
The proposed facilities at the centre include scientific housing for stray cattle, balanced feed management, vaccination, artificial insemination and health management. Each animal will be tagged and digitally recorded to systematically maintain information related to its health and management. Dr Brijesh Singh, Professor, College of Veterinary Animal Sciences has been entrusted with the responsibility as Director of the centre. The centre is planned to begin with 1,000 cattle in the first phase. Research will be undertaken on productivity and management-related issues of stray cattle along with the development of organic manure, Jeevamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit, vermi-compost, BNG, CNG and Panchgavya-based products from cow urine and dung.
The press conference was conducted by Director, Communication, Dr J.P. Jaiswal. Dr. R.P. Singh, Chief General Manager, University Farm; Dr. S.K. Verma, Director Research; Dr. Brijesh Singh, Joint Director Labour Welfare; Dr. A.S. Nain, Professor, Meteorology; Dr. Arvind Tyagi; Dr. Ajay Kumar; Dr. Arpita Kandpal, Assistant Director Communication, along with representatives of print and electronic media, were present on the occasion.
