Jharkhand Governor-cum-Chancellor of state universities C.P. Radhakrishnan today asked Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) to do research work on the development of short duration and high yielding varieties in the interest of farmers while addressing a seminar on the  ‘Role of Jharkhand in glorifying India with Special Reference to Agriculture and Allied Sectors’.

He, on the occasion, pointed out forest strength of Jharkhand. He said: “The state of Jharkhand is rich in diversity of forest wealth. This is the only state where trees are worshiped like gods. Forest conservation is ingrained in the genes of the state’s population. The art and culture of the state gives us a sense of equality. The tribal community of the state has a decent lifestyle. His indigenous knowledge and values of life are exemplary. The traditional dance and songs of the state reveal the great culture of Jharkhand. The mineral resources of the state contribute about 30 percent to the country’s prosperity. The country is a surplus state in terms of vegetable production. The state has immense resources and immense capabilities. There is a need to make India proud with the development of the state by utilizing the opportunities at the right time, at the right place and in the right way.”

The governor said that the subject of the seminar was a big challenge and inspirational for the state in the present context and advised to promote new thinking, new ideas and proper use of resources in the construction of future Jharkhand.

He also stressed on promoting small start-ups based on the state’s indigenous technology in universities. “Our own efforts and new initiatives are important. In this direction, all the resources of the state should be used in the interest of the people of the state,” he said.

The governor said that BAU has made excellent contributions in the development of crops and animal species, especially in the medicinal sector. “Achievements like the country’s first Giloy Processing and Research Centre and Aloe Vera Village have expanded the field of possibilities. Seeing the arrival of rain and its condition, farmers do farming and are seen together in the fields. BAU scientists to do research on the development of improved varieties of high production food grains, especially rice and pulses and oilseeds crops in a short period, considering the similarity of rainfall in the state and the change in weather. In technical development, it was said to give priority to the farmers for maximum income at low cost.”

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his sensitivity towards farmers, he said: “Modi is very sensitive towards the condition of the farmers. He started 8 thousand per year assistance for farmers from PM Samman Nidhi. This fund is definitely small, but this first effort should be appreciated.”

On this occasion, the Governor honoured Dilip Baraik, Sita Ram Bhagat, Dr. Anju Lata, Ashok Mishra, Dr. Z.A Haider, Dr. Vijay Raj, Shruti Deshmukh, Kali Charan Singh, Vikas Kumar for their exceptional and outstanding contribution in various fields of Jharkhand State.

Amarendra Kumar, Sanjay Krishna, Shreyasi Mishra, Sushil Kumar Singh, Ritesh Kachhap, Satyadev Munda, Munia Devi, Aarti Singh, Shatrughan Lal Gupta, Deepti Kumari, Tapan Kumar Pattnaik and Dr. Sahdev Ram were honoured with memento and citation. On the occasion, the Governor also released the poetry book ‘Abhivyanjana’ written by poetess Shail Singh.

Highlighting the talent of Jharkhand in the sports sector, the special guest Gaurav Gadhyan, Executive Director, Royal Bank of Switzerland emphasized on promoting the development of archery and hockey in the state. He stressed on the development of proper resources and infrastructure for the development of sports.

Special guest Dr. MK Singh, DSW, IIT-ISM talked about reformative efforts, better performance and giving priority to transformative subjects in building future Jharkhand.

On the occasion, special guest Dr. Indranil Manna, Vice-Chancellor, BIT Mesra said that Jharkhand state can make a special contribution in making the country proud with its technical manpower. He said that BIT Mesra has been a pioneer in the development of the country’s space sector. Similarly, HEC also has a contribution in manufacturing satellite parts.

On the occasion, Swami Divya Gyan, working president of Jharkhand State Journalist Union (JSJU), threw light on the objectives of the programme. In the welcome address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Onkar Nath Singh gave information about challenges, obstacles and possibilities in agriculture and allied sectors of Jharkhand state.