Addressing the 55th Convocation of Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) on Saturday, the esteemed guest highlighted the need for increased investment in research and development (R&D) in the field of agriculture. The guest, who is a renowned expert in the agricultural sector, emphasized the importance of this sector and how it contributes significantly to the country’s GDP.
The guest began his speech by acknowledging the achievements of PJTSAU and its contribution towards the development of agriculture in Telangana as well as the entire country. He praised the university for its dedication towards promoting sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, which have not only increased the productivity of crops but also improved the livelihood of farmers.
However, the guest also pointed out that there is still a lot of potential for growth and improvement in the agricultural sector. He stressed on the fact that in order to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for food, the country needs to invest more in R&D in agriculture. He stated that currently, the R&D investment in agriculture is only 0.5% of the Agri GDP, which is far below the global average of 2-3%.
The guest highlighted the benefits of increasing R&D investment in agriculture. He stated that it would lead to the development of new and improved crop varieties, better farming techniques, and advanced technologies to combat climate change and other challenges faced by the agricultural sector. This, in turn, would not only increase the productivity and profitability of the sector but also improve the quality of life of farmers.
He also mentioned that increased R&D investment in agriculture would attract more young minds towards this sector. With the rise of modern technologies and innovations in agriculture, it has become an attractive field for young professionals. The guest urged the government and private sector to provide more opportunities and support for these young minds to contribute towards the development of the agricultural sector.
The guest also emphasized the need for collaboration between universities, research institutes, and the farming community. He stated that the exchange of knowledge and ideas between these entities would lead to the development of practical and effective solutions for the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. He also encouraged universities to establish partnerships with international institutions to exchange expertise and promote global cooperation in the field of agriculture.
In his concluding remarks, the guest urged the government to increase the budget allocation for R&D in agriculture to at least one per cent of the Agri GDP. He also called upon the private sector to invest more in R&D and collaborate with universities and research institutes to drive innovation and development in the agricultural sector.
The 55th Convocation of PJTSAU was a reminder of the crucial role that agriculture plays in the country’s economy and the need for continuous investment in R&D to ensure its sustainable growth. It is imperative for the government, private sector, and the academic community to work together towards this goal and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the agricultural sector in India. The guest’s words of wisdom and encouragement have left a lasting impact on the graduating students and the audience, motivating them to contribute towards the development of the country’s agriculture sector.
