Jammu Tawi, August 4:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also the Pro-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, today addressed the university’s 9th Convocation at Baba Jitto Auditorium, Chatha, emphasizing the pivotal role of agriculture in J&K’s economic future.
Congratulating the graduating scholars, Omar described agriculture and allied sectors as “fields of promise and responsibility,” especially amid growing climate challenges, resource depletion, and evolving global benchmarks. He pointed to fragmented landholdings, dwindling water resources, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers as major concerns, calling for a decisive shift toward organic and sustainable practices.
He also raised alarm over rising microplastic contamination in the food chain and escalating climate vulnerabilities, asserting that environmental consciousness is now an operational necessity rather than a choice.
Encouraging the graduates to take forward the university’s mission of rural transformation, Omar said, “Let your innovation create employment, let your knowledge build enterprises, and let your compassion redefine agriculture.” He urged students to become job creators instead of job seekers.
Commending SKUAST-J’s recent initiatives, the Chief Minister lauded the launch of the Ex-Situ Gene Bank, which he said would help preserve indigenous seed varieties and crop diversity. However, he stressed that such infrastructure must be supported by skilled manpower and active research.
Omar also praised the academic accomplishments of the students and their growing role in shaping developmental narratives. He expressed confidence that the alumni of SKUAST-Jammu would lead innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
The convocation ceremony was graced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as Chief Guest, along with Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Principal Secretary Shailendra Kumar. All congratulated the university on its silver jubilee and appreciated its alignment with national missions like NEP-2020, Startup India, and Viksit Bharat @2047.
Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi presented the University Report, highlighting achievements in patents, startup incubation, and technology transfer to farmers.
The event saw 446 degrees awarded, including 157 Master’s, 46 Doctorates, and 243 Undergraduate degrees, along with 8 Gold Medals. Several innovators and entrepreneurs were also felicitated.
Infrastructural additions included the inauguration of a Farmers’ Hostel and a Faculty Building, funded under CAPEX-NABARD and the J&K Government.
The convocation was attended by university officials, faculty, students, farmers, and members of the public.
