Governor CP Radhakrishnan said that the existence of all cultures depends upon agriculture therefore, all should join hands for betterment of farmers, farming and villages. In the face of shrinking availability of land, water and other natural resources for agriculture, scientists have to gird up their loins for devising strategies for higher production with lesser resources to meet the future food requirement.

Addressing the 44th Foundation Day Ceremony of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Wednesday, the Governor said that all our efforts should be dedicated to the nation. “Don’t think that you are working for any specific institution, state, region or group, rather country should be in your mind while accomplishing any task,” he added.

Radhakrishnan said that be positive always and try to overcome adversities because nobody is free from problems. “One should try to give his best against responsibilities taken even under limited infrastructure and resources. Governor said he was in favour of giving maximum powers and autonomy to universities so that vice chancellors could give shape to their plans and goals,” he added.  

Director and CEO of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi Dr Raj Kumar said according to WHO study heart ailments, road accidents, cancer and food adulteration including pesticide residue in vegetables, fruits and grains have emerged as major killers. Risk of developing cancer can be reduced by healthy life style consisting of regular exercise, keeping ideal body weight and adequate consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, he said.

Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi stressed on promoting integrated farming system with proper utilization of water.

Welcoming the guests, BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey said institution’s future focus of research will be on development of heat tolerant climate resilient biofortified crop varieties, sustainable water and nutrient management, integrated farming system, need based natural farming and conservation of indigenous animal breeds and plants. He outlined the recent achievements of the university in teaching, research, extension education, seed production and placement of students.  

The Governor released BAU Annual Report (2023-24) and book entitled ‘Entrepreneurial designs for start ups’ penned by Prof NC Das, retired Head, Dept of Agricultural Statistics. He honoured six octogenarian retired employees of BAU- Dr DK Thakur, Dr DK Mukherjee, Dr DK Jha, Dhruv Raj Mahto, Sukri Mehtarani and Arjun Prasad. Four innovative farmers namely Kapildeo Thakur, Palamu; Amit Kumar Mahto, East Singhbhum, Birendra Kumar, Chatra and Sangeeta Devi of Bokaro were also felicitated on the occasion. Winners of essay competitions organized of teaching and non teaching employees and students were awarded.

BAU Director of Students’ Welfare and organising secretary of the event Dr BK Agrawal proposed a vote of thanks and Shashi Singh anchored the programme