Shri Sharad Pawar Announced the Establishment of Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University at Jhansi

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela- 2014 Inaugurated

26th February 2014, New Delhi

Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Government of India announced the establishment of Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University (Headquarters at Jhansi) while inaugurating Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela-2014 at IARI Mela Ground here today.

While addressing the audience as Chief Guest, Shri Pawar announced that the Parliament has declared the establishment of Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University at Jhansi with special focus on development of agriculture in the Bundelkhand region with an outlay of Rupees 467 crore during the 12th Plan. He emphasized upon the importance of climate resilient technologies for sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers’ profitability. He hoped that farmers will learn and experience about new climate resilient technologies for adoption in the fields.

Shri Pradeep Jain ‘Aditya’, Minister of State for Rural Development, Government of India was the Guest of Honor on the occasion. In his address, Shri Jain said that the development at the village level can only be achieved by the agricultural progress. He appreciated Shri Sharad Pawar for taking keen interest in establishment of Central Agricultural University in the Bundelkhad region and hoped that it will lead to farmers’ prosperity in the region. Shri Jain also presented a Scroll of Honour to Shri Sharad Pawar.

Shri Anand Singh, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh thanked the Government of India for establishing the Central Agricultural University in the state and assured all possible support and help from the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR welcomed the dignitaries and expressed his gratitude for the leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar for bringing Indian agriculture to new heights through his visionary approach.

Dignitaries also released souvenir and publications of IARI on the occasion.

Shri Arvind Kaushal, Additional Secretary DARE and Secretary, ICAR; Dr. K.D. Kokate, DDG, Agricultural Extension, ICAR; Dr. S.K. Datta, DDG, Crop Sciences, ICAR; Dr. Arvind Kumar, DDG, Education, ICAR and Dr. J.S. Samra, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority also graced the occasion.

Earlier, Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director, IARI welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the main features of the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela and also elaborated upon the theme 'Climate Resilient Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture’.

Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (DKMA), ICAR is also participating in the mela and showcasing the knowledge products of ICAR.

Farmers from different parts of the country, scientists, students and exhibitors are participating in this 3-day Mela (26-28th February, 2014). The institute is organizing this Mela annually since 1972 and more than a lakh of farmers visit this fair.

Dr. K. Vijayaragavan, Joint Director (Extension), IARI proposed vote of thanks.

(Source: NAIP Mass Media Project, DKMA, ICAR)