Pantnagar: In wake of the commendable work done by the Pantnagar University in the modernization in the agriculture sector and bringing agricultural revolution in India, it is my desire that Nepal and Pantnagar varsity should work together. These views were expressed by Nepal Prime Minister Mr. K.P.Sharma Oli, while addressing a special convocation function, held today at Pantnagar University on Sunday.
During the convocation function held at the varsity auditorium, Gandhi Hall, Uttarakhand Governor and Chancellor, Dr. Krishan Kant Paul, conferred Honorary Degree in the field of Science Fertility to Mr. Oli. On this occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat, Agriculture Minister Mr. Subodh Uniyal and Pantnagar varsity Vice Chancellor Prof A.K.Mishra were also present.
In his address, Mr. Oli said that both India and Nepal are agrarian countries, while adding that two-third population in Nepal is based on agriculture sector but agriculture sector contributes just one-third towards the country’s economy, in wake of the fact that Nepal has not been able to carry out modernization and mechanization in the field of farming.
“Two agriculture universities have been set up in Nepal but both are at their initial stages and to strengthen them, there is need for taking assistance from the Pantnagar university. Besides, there is also need to establish a rapport with India and Pantnagar varsity for research and faculty based exchange programmes”, added Mr. Oli.
The Nepalese Prime Minister also said that Nepal government and the people there would join hands with the Indian populace in eliminating poverty and prosperity of both the nations. He also lauded the seed production of the Pantnagar University besides other achievements of the varsity.
In his presidential address, Uttarakhand Governor Dr. Paul said that apart from historical, cultural and business, there are lot many similarities between India and Nepal and people to people contact between the two countries is very old. He said that both the countries faces similar sort of challenges and by working together, the two countries can achieve a lot for the betterment of the people and protection of environment and natural resources.
Besides talking about the achievements of the Pantnagar University in the field of agriculture, Dr. Paul also told the gathering about the development of the high yielding seed varieties and plantation material by university thereby establishing its “brand name” among the farming community.
While drawing parallels between the similar conditions in Nepal and Uttarakhand, Dr. Paul listed five points. “Standardization of the various crops, vegetables, flowers and seed production; assistance in the important areas of the agriculture, weather modeling, conservation and management of natural resources, water conservation, organic farming, protected and integrated farming, dairy farming, bee keeping ; mutual exchange of the genotypes of the fruits; protection of valuable medicinal and hill crops at different heights, their promotion and tapping; training in reproductive biotechnology in animal treatment and refresher syllabus for the skill enhancement of veterinarians”, were the main points listed by Dr. Paul.
In the end, he said that he hope that technical cooperation between Nepal and India would immensely help the agriculture sector of both the countries thereby ensuring a bright future ahead.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat speaking at the special convocation function said that Uttarakhand and Nepal have umbilical relations since both share food, culture and are bound by family relationships. He said that both the areas are also quite close physically and mentally. He said that it was a coincidence that famous Pantnagar University is situated near Nepal and is working in similar geographical conditions as that of Nepal. He said that Pantnagar University and Nepal government can work together in the fields of horticulture and herbal farming.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that Pantnagar University has been adjudged twice as the best university at the national level and thrice at the Uttarakhand level. He also stressed the need to improve communication facilities between Uttarakhand and Nepal with the start of air services between Kathmandu and Dehradun. He hoped that such a service will help in the field of agriculture and other fields also.
Later, Prof. A.K.Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Pantanagar University thanked Nepal Prime Minister Mr. K.P.Sharma Oli, Uttarkhand Governor Dr. K. K. Paul, Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand Agriculture Minister Mr. Subodh Uniyal, Nepalese delegation, Foreign Secretary, Local MP, MLA, officials, guests, university employees, officials and students on the occasion.
Dr. A.P. Sharma, Registrar and Head of the Agriculture communication department and Dr. S. K. Kashyap conducted the proceedings of the function. The guests were presented mementoes. The national songs of India and Nepal and the university songs were played at the start and end of the special convocation function.
With the departure of the academic procession, the special convocation came to a close. Nainital MP Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Zila Panchayat President Ishwari Parsad Gangwar, MLA Rajesh Shukla, Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, Kumoan Commissioner Chandershekhar Bhatt, Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. K. Mishra, members of the university’s academic council and managing committee, members of the various departments were present.
