Former President APJ Abdul Kalam asked the graduates of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday to contribute to the development of agriculture locally as well as at national level. He also asked them to focus on agricultural productivity, transgenic technology, genetically-modified technology and on good quality seeds.
"Today, one of the major problems in the fields of agriculture is the small size of land holding which is continuously getting fragmented due to our family structure. Under these circumstances, the only solution for increasing the productivity is to create a positive farmer cooperative movement in our rural sector which will bring together small famers facilitating mechanised farming, silo storage, value addition and marketing of agro-products," he said at the convocation ceremony of BAU.
Stressing on the dimensions of the 21st Century of Indian Agriculture, he encouraged the 400 pass-outs comprising graduates, post graduates and research scholars of veterinary, agriculture, forestry and biotechnology. He also highlighted the areas wherein BAU can promote the agricultural sector.
The veteran nuclear scientist felt BAU can help in agriculture management of Jharkhand and the entire nation through organic farming, climate update, drip irrigation, multi cropping, cold storage of farming materials, fixing of spot prices before delivery and a market where a farmer has the choice of whom to sell.
He said BAU being a stakeholder in agriculture may take a mission mode operation for providing right type of seeds at the right time at affordable cost through reliable marketing institutions in addition to soil testing.
"The College of Biotechnology under BAU can take up the mission of providing the right type of seed," he pointed.
He considered BAU for taking up the mission mode programme involving research and development agencies, agricultural universities, industry, farmers and the Government.
Meanwhile, newly-appointed Governor Draupadi Murmu who was witnessing a public gathering for the first time after her swearing in on Monday said by giving his consent to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from BAU, eminent scientist MS Swaminathan has honoured not only the university but also the people of Jharkhand. Swaminathan was unable to come to the city for the felicitation.
"The problem of lack of adequate skill and unemployment are still plaguing our nation. Food production for increasing population is also a challenge for which our agricultural scientists have to gear up," Murmu added.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced that a five-year roadmap has been prepared for the agricultural development of Jharkhand. "It will commence from May 28 in five sub-divisions under BAU. The programme named e-Kiran will provide soil card to all farmers. It will cover soil testing and necessities of medicines and fertilizers used by farmers," he said.
Another announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Randhir Kumar Singh. He said BAU will soon establish its branch in Ichak Hazaribagh.
Around 39 toppers received gold medals here of which Tajwar Izhar, a PhD scholar was the overall topper. She was felicitated twice by the Former President. 10 among the toppers were absent on the occasion.