Prayagraj,

12 Feb (HS): The Second International Conclave on Transforming Indian

Agriculture for developed India 2047 organized at Sam Higginbottom University

of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) on Thursday. The event aimed

to empower startups, enhance skills, and foster agripreneurship among youth,

aligning with the 2047 mission. The program began with a prayer, followed by a

warm welcome of guests and the chief guest, who were honored with plants,

shawls, and the lighting of lamps. The university's English choir added to the

spiritual ambiance with a devotional song.

The

Additional Registrar then took the stage, highlighting SHUATS' rich history,

spanning 116 years. He discussed the institution's evolution from the Allahabad

Agriculture Institute (AAI) to its current status as a full-fledged university.

Founded in 1910 by Dr. Sam Higginbottom, a missionary and agriculturist his

Initial focus on agricultural research and education.

Addressing

the gathering chief guest of the conclave professor (Dr) Rajendra B. Lal vice

chancellor of SHUATS Vice-Chancellor

emphasized the deep connection between human life and nature. He warned

that excessive use of chemicals in farming is harming soil fertility and

threatening long-term biological health. He urged scientists and agricultural

experts to lead efforts towards sustainable and environment-friendly farming

practices.

Prof.(Dr)

Parmendra Singh, Director of UPCAR, introduced the Agrivision Platform,

describing it as a digital initiative aimed at connecting farmers with global

agricultural innovations. He also shared his personal experiences regarding

millet consumption and suggested that natural farming could play a crucial role

in ensuring future food security.

Speaking

on structural challenges, Tulsi Das Sharma (IFS), Prayagraj, identified land

fragmentation as one of the biggest obstacles in adopting mechanization. He

urged young farmers to focus on value addition, transforming raw produce into

higher-value products, to make farming more profitable and sustainable.

Addressing

students, Prof. U.P. Singh, from BHU, advised the youth to shift their mindset

from job-seeking to becoming job creators. He encouraged them to start

technology-based agricultural startups and contribute to rural development

through innovation.

Convenor

of the conclave, Dr. Ashish S. Noel, stressed that achieving the goal of a

developed India by 2047 would be impossible without a strong agricultural

economy. He called for a transition from traditional farming to an

agri-business model, adding that the government and institutions must

strengthen systems for proper certification and verification of organic

products to maintain consumer trust.

Vote

of thanks given by Dr. Victoria Masih on the occasion pro VC Administration

professor dr Biswaroop Mehra, Pro VC PMD professor Dr. Ritu prakash Dubey, all

directors dens, Head of department, scientists faculties and big number of

students were presented.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi