4th Annual convocation of College of Agriculture held at PAU

Ludhiana, January 28, 2015: A total of 192 pass-outs of B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), 78 of B.Sc. Biotechnology (Hons.) and 22 of B.Tech Food Technology (Hons.) during the years 2012 and 2013 were awarded degrees at the 14th Annual Convocation of the College of Agriculture, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. Besides, six students were awarded University Gold Medals, and 13 other medals. In addition, one student was conferred with Dr J.S.Pruthi Prize, six with Academic Rolls of Honour, 44 with Merit Certificates and 37 with prizes for having achieved academic distinctions.

On the occasion, Dr R.R. Hanchinal, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, Government of India was the chief guest while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU presided over the convocation. Dr M.S. Kang, former Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr G.S. Chahal, former Dean, College of Agriculture; and Karamjit Kaur Danewalia, Member, Board of Management, PAU also graced the occasion.

In his convocation address, Dr Hanchinal saluted the Punjab Agricultural University for playing a pivotal role in giving birth to “Green Revolution;” in making country self-sufficient in food grain production; and transforming the Punjab state into “Food Grain Bowl” of the country. He said, “Even in the first phase of 21st century, agriculture continues to be the most dominating occupation.” At present, food grain production is about 264.77 million tonnes whereas horticulture production is about 268.82 million tonnes, he disclosed. In spite of impressive progress, there is an atmosphere of gloom on farm front now, he pointed out. “Drop in groundwater table, fragmentation of farm land, non-availability of quality seeds of required crop varieties, nutrient imbalance, over-exploitation of nutrients and imbalanced use of inorganic fertilisers aggravate the problem further,” he observed. Dr Hanchinal emphasised that agricultural research priorities and strategies will have to be revisited and system approaches will have to be developed and adopted to meet complex challenges. Biotechnology offers a tremendous potential for ‘gene revolution,’ he said. It is vital to promote conservation farming, minimum tillage, and green agriculture in areas of intensive farming, he added. Also, there is a need to focus on crop diversification and agricultural adaptation to climate change, he stressed. Dr Hanchinal observed, “In this world, three securities, viz. food, nutritional and health security will bring other securities – economic, social and political.” Congratulating the students for getting degrees and meritorious awards, he said that Mother India expects a lot from young agricultural graduates.

Earlier, while highlighting the activities and achievements of the College, Dr H.S. Dhaliwal, Dean, College of Agriculture said that this college has made tremendous contributions in dissipating the knowledge and skills to scientific community and farmers. The College is committed to provide quality education and to act as a catalyst for the growth of agriculture and agro-industries in Punjab, he said. Further, Dr Dhaliwal said that PAU has always been in the forefront in rubbing its shoulders with the global universities of fame in the field of agriculture.

The students namely Kiranjit Singh, Manbir K. Rakkar, Rajwinder K. Sandhu, Kirandeep Kaur, Jaspreet K. Sandhu and Sareena Sidhu were awarded Gold Medals and Academic Rolls of Honour. Sumita Singla got Dr J.S. Pruthi Prize for securing first position in B.Sc Agriculture (Hons.).