Agri Minister Chouhan Urges Innovation at Pusa University
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Highlights Agricultural Growth and Calls for Organic Farming, Technology Adoption at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
- Union Agri Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended 4th convocation at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa.
- Inaugurated new hostel and guest house, released two books.
- Urged students to promote innovation and organic farming in agriculture.
GG News Bureau
Pusa, 17th July: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today attended the 4th convocation ceremony of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. During the event, he inaugurated the newly constructed Vikramshila Hostel and Aryavart International Guest House, and released two significant books: “Pusa Bihar: The Birthplace of Agricultural Research and Education” and “Textbook on Natural Farming.”
In his address, Chouhan praised Bihar’s rich cultural and historical heritage, remarking, “Samastipur is the gateway to Mithilanchal, the sacred land of King Janak and Goddess Sita, who is an inspiration to women in India.” He paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Karpoori Thakur, acknowledging Bihar as a “land of talent and hard work, which has given the message of Buddha to the world.”
Promote Innovation and Organic Farming
Encouraging the graduating students, Chouhan quoted Swami Vivekananda, stating, “You are a reservoir of infinite potential.” He urged them to apply their knowledge to revolutionize the agricultural sector and “take Indian agriculture to new heights with the education attained from Pusa University.”
The Minister highlighted significant achievements over the past 11 years, including a 40% increase in agricultural production, free food grains for 80 crore people, and Basmati rice exports worth ₹50,000 crore. He particularly appreciated Bihar’s growth in maize, litchi, and makhana production, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing the Makhana Board.
Calling agriculture the “backbone of India’s economy,” he emphasized that “farmers are the soul of the Indian economy, and serving them is our duty.” He stressed the need to increase per-hectare yield, promote mechanization through small equipment, and boost modernization through startups.
Chouhan also underscored the importance of natural farming for soil health, mentioning the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana, which has identified 100 districts for increasing agricultural output. He called upon students to apply their research to practical solutions, contributing to India’s food security.
University as “Mother of Research”
Concluding his address, Chouhan lauded the university’s contribution, calling Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University the “‘Mother of Research'” and expressing his eagerness to hear new ideas. He congratulated all faculty members, students, and the university community.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, Vijay Sinha, also addressed the gathering, stating, “The Ministry of Agriculture is bringing farmers closer to technology under Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s leadership.”
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, established on October 7, 2016, through the conversion of the erstwhile Rajendra Agricultural University, stands as a leading institution for agricultural research.
The convocation ceremony was also attended by Union Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur, Bihar Minister of Information and Public Relations Maheshwar Hazari, and Samastipur MP Shambhavi.
