Jorhat: Assam Governor and Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Lakshman Prasad Acharya, addressed the 25th Convocation of the university, emphasising the pivotal role of agriculture in shaping India’s heritage, economy, and future.
The ceremony was held at the Dr. Madhab Chandra Das Memorial Auditorium on the AAU campus.
In his address, Acharya reflected on the deep connection between agriculture and India’s ancient traditions, citing Sanskrit texts that underline the supremacy of food as the source of all sustenance and medicine.
He commended Assam Agricultural University for advancing Assam’s agricultural productivity through dedicated research and innovation, which aligns with the nation’s vision of self-reliance or “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Acharya highlighted India’s unique agricultural identity, shaped by its 15 agro-climatic zones.
This diversity, he noted, is integral to the nation’s farming strength and requires tailored solutions for each region.
He also pointed to the remarkable strides made in modernising agriculture over the past decade, such as introducing initiatives like the Soil Health Card, e-NAM (National Agriculture Market), and Kisan Credit Cards, which empower farmers to make informed decisions.
The governor lauded the resilience and innovation of Assam’s farmers, who have gained national and international recognition for their products like Assam tea, Majuli rice, Tezpur litchi, and Joha rice.
He praised both the Central and State Governments for their efforts to uplift the agriculture sector through schemes like PM-KISAN, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and the state’s Mukhya Mantri Krishi Sa-Sajuli Yojana.
Addressing the graduates, Acharya urged them to prioritise sustainable farming practices and innovate in response to the challenges posed by climate change.
He emphasised the need for climate-resilient crops, improved water management, and technologies that bolster agricultural resilience against unpredictable weather patterns.
The governor commended Assam Agricultural University’s role in driving agricultural advancements in Assam and the Northeast.
He celebrated the university’s achievements, including its impressive rankings in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024—14th among agricultural institutions and 8th among state agricultural universities.
ALSO READ: Vijayveer Sidhu clinches gold at ISSF shooting World Cup
Acharya encouraged the university’s leadership to aspire for even greater heights, assuring his full support in their journey toward becoming one of India’s top agricultural universities.
The convocation also saw the conferral of honorary doctorates to Padma Jadav Payeng and Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, alongside the graduation of 548 students.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Chairman of the Assam Agricultural Commission Dr. Hari Shankar Gupta, and Assam Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bidyut Chandra Deka.
