Women Driving Innovation In Agriculture: LG Sinha

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Jammu- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the agriculture and allied sector is witnessing women-led development and that Nari Shakti is making significant contributions in driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and improving efficiency.

Addressing the 9th Convocation Ceremony of SKUAST-Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor said,“In areas like climate-smart crops, pest management, biotech solutions, and organic farming, the participation of women scientists has made invaluable contributions.”

He said he was extremely proud that out of eight gold medalists among post-graduate and graduate students, seven were women.

“Out of 35 Certificates of Merit in PhD and Post-Graduate, 32 were awarded to our daughters. It is a symbol of the rising influence of Nari Shakti in agriculture and allied sectors, and I believe they will be driving innovation for sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers' income,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the need for a stronger innovation and modern technology ecosystem to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve farmer incomes, ensure risk mitigation, and strengthen farmer-industry linkages.

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“Farmer welfare is the top priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

Highlighting progress in Jammu & Kashmir's agricultural transformation, the LG said:

“Total transformation at all stages of Beej se Bazar tak-from Seed to Market-has been our mantra in J&K. The resolution of Lab to Land has been realised to make the small and marginal farmers self-reliant.”

He urged young scientists and experts to focus on smart farming.

“Advancements in seed production, pest management, food processing, and farm mechanization have opened new avenues for young professionals in product development and quality control,”the LG said.

On the occasion, LG Sinha inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ex-Situ Gene Bank, making SKUAST-Jammu the third institution in India to host such a facility.

The Gene Bank will preserve genetic material-such as seeds, plant tissue, and animal germplasm-outside their natural habitats, serving as a crucial resource for breeding and research.

He also laid the foundation stone for a 200-bed Farmers' Hostel and a new Faculty Building equipped with shared academic facilities.

A total of 446 degrees were conferred at the convocation, including 243 undergraduate, 157 postgraduate, and 46 doctorate degrees. Eight gold medals were also awarded to meritorious students.

The event was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Shailendra Kumar, Vice Chancellor Dr. B.N. Tripathi, members of the University Council and Board of Management, faculty, students, and vice chancellors from various universities.

NEP Is PM Modi's Gift

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the National Education Policy is PM Modi's gift to the younger generation and it has empowered them.

Addressing the Medhavi Chhatra Samman Samaroh organized by Amar Ujala Group at Convention Centre Jammu here, LG said,“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted to the nation's education system, which has empowered the younger generation and is set to change their destinies.”

He said that the NEP lays emphasis on value-based education, and it has ensured that the young students not only gain knowledge but also develop a moral and ethical foundation to become responsible citizens.“True Knowledge is transformative. It changes the life of the seeker. It fosters new innovations, discoveries, and research while instilling core values like integrity, patience, and honesty. The true Knowledge allows an individual to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation,” LG Sinha said, adding,“We must understand that the right education triggers curiosity and creative thinking and inspires students to explore the unknown.”

“It should be our prime responsibility to nurture future-oriented talent and create a conducive environment where the students acquire knowledge and education in their truest forms,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the meritorious students of class 10th and 12th from JKBOSE. He congratulated and extended his best wishes to all the students.

“It is inspiring to see the soaring spirit of our young generation and equally firm resolve for nation building. The adventurous pursuit of our students will ensure a bright future for the nation and humanity.” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the educational institutions and teaching community to focus on the overall development of the youth, impart life values, encourage new ideas, promote creativity and independent thinking among the students while ensuring they have access to global standards of education.

“I firmly believe that the right balance of science and sanskar will provide students with the ability to face the challenges of the future. To fully exploit the potential of India's growing economic power, school education must focus on developing scientific temper and curiosity among students,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He urged the Amar Ujala Group to dedicate a special award to recognize and honour students for unique innovations and research. The unique ideas, original and distinct essays and research papers of the students which reflect their individual personality and critical thinking should be honoured and celebrated, he added.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the youth to find their inner voice and achieve excellence in life.

“You are the future of this nation and the engine of its growth. The responsibility for steering India towards a Viksit Bharat lies on your shoulders,” he further said.

Advisor, Amar Ujala Group, Uday Sinha; Executive Editor, Amar Ujala Group, Dr. Indu Shekhar Pancholi, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, Dr KS Chandrasekar; Principal Secretary, School Education, RN Sharma; Editors and members of Amar Ujala Group; teachers, students and their parents were present.

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