Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 8 Oct: Vice-Chancellor, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Dr Shivendra Kumar Kashyap today expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for sanctioning Rs. 28 crore for the reconstruction and rejuvenation of roads and strengthening of infrastructure at the university. He also thanked print, electronic and digital media representatives for their significant contribution to the successful organization and extensive coverage of the 120th All India Farmers’ Fair.
A press conference with representatives of the print and electronic media was organized under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap. During the interaction, the Vice-Chancellor shared details of the university’s development initiatives, infrastructure improvement plans and future priorities.
Dr. Kashyap informed media that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has sanctioned Rs 28 crore for the reconstruction and rejuvenation of approximately 30 kilometres of roads within the university campus. He said that several roads in Pantnagar, as well as in Nagla, Beni, Patharchatta and Matkota areas, have become quite old. The need for reconstruction of these nearly 20-year-old roads had been felt for a long time due to their deteriorating condition. He explained that high moisture levels in Pantnagar, the presence of a large number of trees and vegetation along the roads, and comparatively heavy traffic on certain routes have resulted in faster deterioration of the existing paved roads. As a permanent solution, concrete roads are proposed along with footpaths made of interlocking tiles on both sides to facilitate pedestrian movement. The construction of approximately two-metre-wide footpaths on both sides of roads leading to colleges and hostels has already been approved and the work will commence shortly. Footpaths made of interlocking tiles will also be constructed along both sides of the university’s five radial roads connecting the hostels with the colleges. He said that better roads and improved infrastructure play an important role in creating a positive image of an institution. Keeping in view the shortage of residential accommodation on the university campus, action is also underway for the construction of new residential buildings. Funds are also expected to be received from the Uttarakhand Government shortly for the renovation of old hostels and construction of new hostels.
He further stated that the Uttarakhand administration has entrusted the university with the responsibility of preparing an Agriculture Road Map for the state. The primary objective of the initiative is to promote the overall development of agriculture in Uttarakhand and increase farmers’ income through a comprehensive and effective strategy. Regarding employees working in the university for a long period on daily-wage or other arrangements, Dr. Kashyap said that the cases related to their regularization are also being considered seriously. He informed that cases of employees found eligible for regularization as per the applicable rules are being processed further.
Highlighting the role of the media in the success of the 120th All India Farmer’s Fair, the Vice-Chancellor said that print, electronic and digital media played a significant role in taking the message of the fair to farmers and the general public. Through extensive media coverage, information regarding improved seeds, agricultural machinery, drone technology, smart farming, animal husbandry, processing, value addition and agricultural innovations showcased at the fair reached a wide audience. The Vice-Chancellor said that the university will now focus particularly on connecting farmers with a “Seed to Market” system. Along with providing quality seeds and planting material, integrated efforts will be made in production, processing, value addition, packaging and market linkages. He said that efforts are also underway to develop the university farm as a Seed Hub. He added that the university will explore possibilities of enabling farmers to benefit from carbon credits through initiatives related to agriculture and environmental conservation. Emphasizing that smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, drones, sensor-based technologies and digital agriculture will be important requirements of the future, he stressed the need to make the “Lab to Land” concept more effective. He said that increasing farmers’ income requires not only higher production but also greater emphasis on processing, value addition, branding and market connectivity.
The programme was conducted by Director Communication Dr. J.P. Jaiswal. Director, Extension Education Dr. Jitendra Kwatra, Director, Works and Plant Dr. Abhishek Tomar, Deputy Comptroller Lalit Kumar, Deputy Director Works and Plants Harish Jakariya, Associate Deputy Director Works and Plants Dr. Sanjeev Suman, Assistant Director Communication Dr. Arpita Sharma Kandpal were among those present.
