Jaipur, December 29 – Governor Shri Haribhai Bagde has called for promoting natural farming under agricultural horticulture. He emphasized the need for agricultural universities to create an environment for chemical-free agriculture across the country. He pointed out that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers is not only increasing diseases but also depleting the fertility of the soil. He stressed working towards the conservation-based cultivation of horticultural crops and urged nationwide efforts to conserve water and create resources for it.
Governor Shri Bagde was addressing the 16th National Symposium on the theme of “Conservation of Horticultural Crops,” organized by the Association of Indian Agricultural Universities on Sunday. He underlined the importance of efforts to protect crops, fruits, and horticultural products from natural calamities while encouraging the cultivation of crops that require minimal water. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity for agricultural universities to actively work towards solar energy production.
Discussing the agricultural reforms proposed by eminent agricultural scientist Swaminathan in 2008, the Governor noted that the central government is consistently working towards profitable farming. He emphasized leveraging ancient agricultural knowledge in conjunction with modern techniques to make agriculture more rewarding.
Shri Bagde expressed concern over the diminishing forest cover in the country, recalling a time when horticultural crops served as a primary source of sustenance in the absence of staple grains and agricultural yields. However, due to a lack of focus, many horticultural crops have disappeared from forests. He urged for enhanced production of horticultural crops suited to the specific climatic conditions of different regions.
At the event's outset, the Governor inaugurated the "Center of Excellence for Tissue Culture" under the university. He also launched new agricultural product technologies, including wheat innovations developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He conducted microscopic examinations of crop pests and unveiled university publications.
Prof. Balraj Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Karan Narendra Agricultural University, provided detailed insights into the symposium and the concept of conservation farming.
Padma Shri Dr. B. S. Dhillon, Chairman of the Association of Indian Agricultural Universities, along with Prof. Parvinder Kaushal, Vice-Chancellor of Horticulture University, Uttarakhand, and Prof. Dinesh Kumar, Executive Secretary of the Association of Indian Agricultural Universities, also shared their views. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. N. K. Gupta.