Governor stresses on drought-resistant seeds

The Governor Dr K K Paul urged the scientists to lay stress on developing drought-resistant varieties of different crops, keeping in view the climate change and global warming. It must be ensured that the farmers could get enough production even in case of scanty rain or high temperature, he said after he inaugurated Pantnagar University’s 103rd farmers’ fair-cum-agro-industrial exhibition, popularly known as Kisan Mela, at its main campus on Saturday. He said that the scientists must see to it that the farmers are not made to bear the brunt of the changes happening in the climate. Among others, the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof A K Misra and director Extension Education, Dr Y P S Dabas were present during the occasion.

The Governor in his speech also laid emphasis on development of technologies which would help minimum requirement of water for higher production. He also stressed on the farmers being made aware of the ill effects of burning stubble in the farms. It can be used as fodder or as compost, he said.

 Misra in his address said that the university is emphasising upon doubling the income of farmers. Various technologies meant to take things towards the fulfillment of the goal are being showcased here in different stalls of the university, he said. He also advocated value addition of different crops at the farmers’ level. The VC also  advised the farmers to integrate farming with animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, mushroom production  and the like to increase income and minimise chances of economic collapse in case of crop failure.

On the auspicious occasion, nine progressive farmers selected from different districts of Uttarakhand were felicitated. Some new literature was also release there.

The organisers said that the four-day seminal event is expected to  be thronged  by thousands of farmers from UP, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra besides Uttarakhand. All major organisations in farm sector, representing major brands, have put up their informative and imaginative stalls displaying the latest and best in modern agriculture technology, the organisers claimed.