Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 16 Mar: The four-day 119th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agro-Industrial Exhibition concluded today with an award distribution ceremony held at Gandhi Hall of the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, here. The Chief Guest was Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former Governor of Maharashtra and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, who has also been honored with the Padma Bhushan.
On the dais with him were the Vice-Chancellor, Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Dean of Agriculture, Dr Subhash Chandra, Director of Extension Education, Dr Jitendra Kwatra, and Director of Research, Dr SK Verma.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Bhagat Singh Koshyari appreciated the achievements of the university and said that farmers’ fairs provide an important platform where farmers, scientists, and students come together to learn and share experiences. He stated that the university is not only a centre of education but also a place from where farmers take new technologies and inspiration back to their villages. Farmers not only come here to learn but also share their own experiences, which makes the exchange of knowledge more effective.
He emphasised that both farmers and scientists play an equally significant role in the progress of the nation. India has progressed through many challenges since ancient times and is now emerging as a major global power. He added that India is rapidly moving toward becoming the third-largest economy in the world. According to him, India’s identity is rooted in “Rishi and Krishi”, reflecting the country’s tradition of knowledge and agricultural heritage.
He urged scientists, students, and researchers to ensure that their research and knowledge reach farmers directly. While appreciating the university’s achievement in the QS World University Rankings, he remarked that real success would be when farmers adopt new technologies in their fields and increase their income and productivity.
Koshyari also highlighted the growing global demand for millets and coarse grains, which were once considered the food of the poor but are now valued worldwide for their health benefits. He emphasised the need to increase production and develop modern technologies related to these crops. He expressed confidence that the research and innovations from the university would bring positive changes to farmers’ lives. He also stressed the importance of natural farming and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, urging farmers to adopt scientific methods so that the state and the nation can become more self-reliant.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof Manmohan Singh Chauhan described Bhagat Singh Koshyari as an energetic and inspiring personality. He noted that Koshyari had recently been honored with the Padma Bhushan, and it was a matter of pride for the university that he visited the campus soon after receiving the award.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university continuously works to provide farmers with information on new agricultural technologies and improved crop varieties. Scientists of the university have developed advanced seeds, modern agricultural implements, livestock technologies, and various agricultural innovations that are benefiting farmers. The university is also actively promoting agricultural mechanisation, dairy farming, fisheries, horticulture, mushroom cultivation, and organic farming.
He pointed out that agriculture today faces challenges such as climate change, and therefore farmers must adopt scientific farming techniques and modern technologies. Scientists from the university are guiding farmers through seminars, workshops, and training programmes to help them tackle these challenges effectively.
At the beginning of the programme, Dr Jitendra Kwatra presented an overview of the four-day fair. He informed that seeds, plants, and agricultural literature worth approximately Rs 50 lakh were sold during the event. Around 416 stalls from various firms, the university, and other government institutions were set up, and over 21,500 registered and unregistered farmers and students visited the fair.
During the closing ceremony, prizes were distributed for various competitions and exhibitions held during the fair. The Women’s Club, Pantnagar, was honored for its commendable work in providing nutritious food at affordable prices to the farmers visiting the farmers’ fair. The award was received by the club’s president, Veena Chauhan, and her team.
Selected stalls were also awarded during the event. M/s A.H. Associates, Kashipur received the award for best performance, while M/s Jai Gurudev Industries, Rudrapur was honored for the best stall.
The Horticulture Exhibition, held on 13–14 March, included competitions in categories such as potted plants, cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, and processed products. A total of 66 participants took part, and 63 participants received awards in different categories. Based on overall performance, the Uttarakhand Sainik Rehabilitation Organisation secured the first position, while Uttarakhand Sainik Farm secured the second position.
Women from Self-Help Groups were also honored for preparing products from millets and homemade food items. Students of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences were encouraged and awarded for presenting innovative models.
In addition, prizes were distributed to winners of the animal exhibition and other competitions, and stalls set up in different categories during the fair were also awarded based on their performance and sales.
At the end of the programme, Dr SK Verma proposed the vote of thanks. The ceremony was attended by Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, students, and farmers from various regions.
