Young horticulture graduates told to update their skills

The Hindu

a day ago

Director-General of the International Crop Research Institute of Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, Himanshu Pathak has urged young horticulture graduates to update their skills to face new challenges in farm sciences.
'As graduates who are ready to enter a world of opportunities remember that horticulture today goes beyond agriculture. It includes data science, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, food innovation and sustainable ecosystems. Whether your path is in research, agribusiness, urban agriculture or conservation, the skills you acquire here will serve you well. However, you should stay updated, learn new skills, acquaint yourselves with emerging fields and be ready to face new challenges,' he said in Bagalkot on Tuesday.
He was delivering the convocation address at the University of Horticultural Sciences.
'As you know well, over 50% of the country's population is dependent on agriculture. There are vast opportunities in horticulture which farmers should utilise to improve their economic status. Horticulture can help them tide over the economic crisis they face. Horticulture can thus contribute to the overall economic growth of the country,' he said.
'Students should use their knowledge not only for personal success but also to uplift farmers, strengthen food systems and nourish and protect the environment,' he said.
'By 2025, horticulture crops in Karnataka are expected to be grown in 2.68 million hectares. This reflects a steady growth trend. Districts like Dharwad, Belagavi, Kolar, Vijayapura and Chikkamagaluru are known for mangoes, grapes, spices and vegetables. The Union and State governments have introduced several schemes for facilitating horticulture crops like the Integrated Horticulture Development Plan 2.0 and schemes by Mango Development Board. Farmers will also be given assistance in branding, marketing and export promotion,' he said.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said that horticulture crops not only improve the lives of rural people but also help boost the development of the country. 'Farmers can become economically strong in horticulture and agriculture with new technology and value addition,' he said.
He said that it was a welcome sign to see women dominating the field of horticulture and agriculture.
The Governor gave away medals and certificates to students.
As many as 95 gold medals were awarded to 35 students. Students were given 508 B.Sc (Hons), B.Tech (Food Technology), 144 M.Sc Horticulture degrees and 42 Ph.Ds in nine departments during the 14th convocation of the university.
Vice-Chancellor Vishnu Vardhan, Registrar Mahadev Muragi, MLC Hanumant Nirani, MLA Bhimsen Chimmankatti and members of the governing body were present along with students and parents.