Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 16 Jun: Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) participated as the Chief Guest in a programme organised at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Mukteshwar, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), on Tuesday. During the event, he inaugurated the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that the true purpose of science and research is to bring positive change in the lives of the last person in society. He emphasised that scientific achievements are meaningful only when their benefits reach farmers, livestock owners, and rural communities.
The Governor stated that IVRI Mukteshwar is not merely a research institution but an important centre of science, service, and nation-building. He appreciated the institute’s rich scientific legacy and its significant contributions in the fields of animal health, disease control, biosecurity, and livestock development.
He observed that livestock forms the backbone of the rural economy in Uttarakhand’s hill regions and serves as a crucial source of livelihood and self-reliance, particularly for women. Calling upon scientists to further strengthen the “Lab to Land” concept, he stressed that the benefits of research must reach remote villages and marginal livestock farmers.
The Governor highlighted that science-based dairy farming, goat rearing, poultry farming, beekeeping, and other livestock-related activities, when integrated with modern technologies, can create extensive self-employment opportunities for local youth. He urged IVRI to undertake special initiatives for providing scientific training, technical guidance, and entrepreneurial support to young people.
Referring to the challenges posed by climate change, the Governor described the “One Health” approach as the need of the hour. He stated that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, making coordinated efforts in animal health and biosecurity essential.
The Governor also emphasised the conservation and promotion of Uttarakhand’s indigenous livestock breeds, particularly the Badri cow, and stressed the need for scientific validation of natural farming practices and traditional knowledge systems. He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI), tele-veterinary services, and digital technologies can help deliver expert advice and services to livestock farmers in remote areas.
Addressing young scientists and students, the Governor said that science achieves its true purpose only when it is guided by human sensitivity and compassion. He encouraged them to visit villages, understand the challenges faced by farmers and livestock owners, and develop practical solutions to address those issues.
The Governor called upon the institute to work towards developing at least 100 model livestock villages in Uttarakhand over the coming years. He expressed confidence that IVRI Mukteshwar, through its scientific excellence and research capabilities, would continue to make a significant contribution to the vision of a Developed India and a Developed Uttarakhand.
Earlier, the Governor visited various laboratories, the library, and the natural cold storage facility of the institute. The programme was attended by the Institute’s Director, Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Joint Director Dr SK Singh, Dr Sher Singh, other officials of the institute, and farmers.
