Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 17 Jun: The new crop season at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, commenced today with a paddy transplanting programme organised at the N Block of the University Farm’s Beni Sector. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr Shivendra Kumar Kashyap, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Kharif crop season was formally inaugurated with traditional rituals performed by women agricultural workers Neelam Devi and Manju Devi. The Vice-Chancellor also participated in paddy transplantation along with university officers and employees.
Chief General Manager of the University Farm, Dr Rajesh Pratap Singh stated that paddy seed production is being undertaken on approximately 210 hectares of land this year. He further stated that, under the guidance of the Vice-Chancellor, special emphasis is also being given to seed production of pulse and oilseed crops. He added that seed production programmes for varieties recommended for hilly regions have also been initiated. To promote organic farming, 25 acres in the T Block of the Beni Sector have been earmarked for organic seed production, where dhaincha seed production will be carried out.
On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Dr Shivendra Kumar Kashyap extended his best wishes for the new crop season and expressed hope for a productive harvest. He stated that the University is implementing various research and seed production programmes keeping in view the agricultural needs and priorities of the state. He expressed confidence that Pantnagar University would continue to play a significant role in meeting Uttarakhand’s requirement for quality seeds. The Vice-Chancellor also interacted with agricultural workers, especially women workers, listened to their concerns, and assured them of prompt resolution of their problems.
Among those present on the occasion were Registrar Dr Deepa Vinay; DSW, Dr Vipin Chandra Dhyani; Deans of different colleges Dr AK Shukla, Dr D Kumar, Dr SS Gupta, Dr RC Srivastava, Dr VP Varshney, Dr RS Jadon, Dr Avdhesh Kumar; Director Research Dr SK Verma; Director, Communication, Dr JP Jaiswal; along with officers and staff of the University Farm. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Amit Bhatnagar, General Manager (Operations).
