PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Pantnagar Three varieties of pulses developed by GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) – Pant Urd-13, Pant Urd-14, Pant Matar 554 and one variety of barley- Pant Jau 1106 were dedicated to the nation by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the third day of the 118th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Industrial Exhibition- Kisan Mela at the university on Sunday. Addressing the gathering, Dhami said that the State government is working towards a transparent, just and development-oriented governance system. He emphasised that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code would strengthen the spirit of equality, justice and social unity across all sections of society. Similarly, the anti-copying law is a historic step towards ensuring a bright future of youth and promoting fair competition. The CM further said that the government is implementing various schemes aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes while also making them technically empowered and self-reliant. He congratulated the GBPUAT vice chancellor on the university’s advancement in the QS World Ranking, from 361st to 209th position. He also appreciated the achievements of the university’s agricultural scientists, stating that the university has made an outstanding contribution to agricultural development not only in Uttarakhand but across various States of the country through its research and innovations. The CM said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and guidance, the State government is working in a committed manner to ensure the upliftment and prosperity of farmers. “On the one hand, farmers are being provided interest-free loans of upto Rs three lakh while on the other hand they are receiving upto 80 per cent subsidy for purchasing farming equipment under the farm machinery bank scheme. We have made irrigation from canals completely free in the interests of farmers while also making Rs 200 crore provision for building polyhouses to increase the income of farmers. About 350 polyhouses have been built with Rs 115 crore assistance so far under this scheme in the State,” he said. The CM also spoke about various other measures taken by the Centre and State in the interests of farmers and to enhance the state of the agriculture sector. Earlier, vice chancellor Manmohan Singh Chauhan stated that Uttarakhand is the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code and introduce an anti-copying law. The university has consistently worked in the interests of farmers, with its scientists consistently developing technologies and crop varieties that enhance productivity and income. He emphasised that the university’s objective is not just limited to research, but also to disseminate these technologies and provide practical training to farmers. Chauhan said that recently, the ICAR released 29 new varieties of pulses of which 10 were from Pantnagar. He opined that on October 11, PM Modi launched a Pulse Mission to make the nation self-reliant in pulse production. This will also address protein deficiency in diets. The university’s Extension Education director Jitendra Kwatra informed that the farmers’ fair is showcasing new technologies and innovations for farmers. About 507 firms have set up stalls at the fair. So far, nearly 20,000 farmers have attended, and a total footfall of upto 35,000 is expected.
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