Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
The 118th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, was inaugurated on Friday by the Governor of Uttarakhand and Chancellor of the university, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd).
The ceremony was attended by former Union Minister of State for Defence and Tourism and Member of Parliament Ajay Bhatt, Uttarakhand’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLA from Rudrapur Shiv Arora, former Kichha MLA Rajesh Shukla, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Madhuri Barthwal, Rudrapur Mayor Vikas Sharma, Vice-Chancellors of Uttarakhand Open University, Soban Singh Jeena University, and GBPUAT, along with several other dignitaries.
The event began with the inauguration of the newly renovated auditorium and a semiconductor laboratory, developed in collaboration with university alumnus Vivek Nautiyal. Expressing delight over the grand organization of the fair, Governor Singh congratulated the university for setting a record with 503 exhibition stalls. “Pantnagar is the land that ushered in the Green Revolution. I am confident that future revolutions in honey, aromatic plants, and millets will also emerge from here,” he said.
Highlighting the role of technology in agriculture, the Governor said, “India may have missed the industrial revolution under Mughal and British rule, but now we have the opportunity to lead a digital and agricultural revolution through semiconductors, drones, and sensors.” He urged students and scientists to continue innovating and emphasized promoting startups and entrepreneurship. Appreciating the alumnus who donated equipment worth Rs 10 crore for the semiconductor lab, he remarked, “Every graduate of Pantnagar is a brand ambassador of the university.”
Union Minister Ajay Bhatt lauded the university’s contribution to farmers’ welfare, saying, “Pantnagar stands as an inspiration for the entire nation. The research and technology developed here are empowering farmers and realizing the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi commended the university’s improved ranking and said, “India, once dependent on grain imports, now not only feeds 1.4 billion people but exports food grains to 89 countries.” He highlighted initiatives like promoting dragon fruit, millets, makhana, and water chestnut cultivation in Uttarakhand.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan welcomed the guests and said that over 35,000 farmers are expected to visit the fair, which showcases agricultural machinery, organic products, dairy and beekeeping innovations, and women’s self-help group products. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Director of Research Subhash Chandra, followed by the felicitation of 12 progressive farmers and the release of agricultural publications.
