Kerala Governor Urges State to Achieve Self-Sufficiency in Agriculture for Sustainable Future

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, speaking at the university convocation, emphasized the importance of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in achieving agricultural self-sufficiency within the State by creating affordable farm technologies accessible to common farmers.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the university convocation, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan spoke on Saturday.

According to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, the agriculture sector has witnessed the launch of approximately 3,000 start-ups through KAU's initiative. The Governor emphasized the need for more start-ups while highlighting the importance of not only increasing production but also focusing on farmer awareness and training through research efforts.

Presiding over the function, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad acknowledged the significant contribution of KAU in developing numerous farm technologies, leading to substantial growth in the country's agricultural economy. The minister further emphasized the university's crucial role in crop selection and budgeting based on environmental and climate conditions.

New job opportunities

The Minister has requested the university to address the challenges of human-wildlife conflict and climate change, which present a serious risk to the agriculture sector.

Additionally, the university is expected to facilitate the dissemination of its technological advancements to benefit farmers. The State government aims to generate 300,000 employment opportunities in the agricultural sector by 2026.

Furthermore, the Minister has announced the launch of an online educational series for graduates specializing in agriculture.

Emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change, Revenue Minister K. Rajan highlighted the necessity of cultivating intelligent agricultural approaches. He commended Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) for its innovative initiatives such as Vithu Vandi (seed vehicle), which aims to supply farmers with high-quality seeds and planting materials.

At the convocation ceremony, the university awarded a total of 87 Ph.Ds, 475 postgraduate degrees, 804 undergraduate degrees, and 148 diplomas.