Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, April 21 -
The fourth international workshop was organized with the support of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, the main subject of which was Recent Advances in Agriculture for Self-Reliant India (RAASI-2024). The workshop was attended by the Chief Guests Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi Chairman Dr. Sanjay Kumar, as Chief Patron and University Chancellor Prof. B.R. Kamboj, while as distinguished guests, UAS Dharwad University Chancellor Dr. P.L. Patil and IGKV, Raipur University Chancellor Dr. Girish Chandel were present.
Chief Guest Dr. Sanjay Kumar said that the announcement to make India self-reliant was made in 2020, the main objective of which is to promote and enhance local products and encourage manufacturing in India, including the agricultural sector. Agriculture can play an important role in fulfilling the resolution of 'Make in India' under this mission. Indian agriculture is now focusing not only on productivity and profitability but also on stability. By adopting new and modern technologies, farmers are increasing their crop production and contributing to making the country self-reliant.
Chief Patron and Chancellor of the University, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, said in his address that the agriculture sector will play a crucial role in making India self-reliant in the coming times. Agriculture has always been the backbone of our economy, providing livelihoods to millions and ensuring food security for our vast population. In recent years, significant progress has been made in this sector to increase productivity, stability, and resilience through agricultural practices and technologies, which will help strengthen our resolve towards growth and self-reliance.
He said that to achieve the perspective and objectives of self-reliant India, the country will have to reduce dependence on imports of products and give more encouragement to local products. There is also a need to think about increasing exports of products. There is a need to attract youth and stakeholders in the agriculture sector as agricultural education can be one of the best roadmaps for self-reliant India as it prepares the foundation for agriculture-based startups. He said that to increase crop production and enhance youth participation in the agriculture sector, there is a need to use modern technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics. Haryana Agricultural University is also playing a leading role in making India self-reliant through research activities, latest technologies, academic activities, and extension work for the welfare of farmers, he added.