Collaboration among stakeholders key for agricultural growth: Telangana Governor

Telangana Governor and Chancellor of Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Jishnu Dev Varma has asked the university to strive to become a world-class institution by 2047. 

Addressing the inaugural of the two-day Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the university, the Governor stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to advance agricultural education, research, and extension.

The Governor said there was a need to integrate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy into the agricultural sector. He commended the university’s initiative to establish an Artificial Intelligence Lab in collaboration with the State Bank of India and welcomed the reduction in fees to make agricultural education more accessible.

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao, speaking at the Kisan Mela and Agriculture Exhibition, emphasised the university’s role in guiding the nation’s agricultural future. He urged scientists to provide farmers with guidance on suitable crops and technologies in the face of climate change.

Government initiatives

The Minister also highlighted various government initiatives aimed at farmer welfare and agricultural development, including farmer insurance, loan waivers, and the upcoming Rythu Bharosa programme. He also stressed the need for increased horticulture, crop, and oil palm cultivation, and pledged support for drip and sprinkler irrigation, farm mechanisation, and cold storage construction. 

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations included the inauguration of the Kisan Mela and Agriculture Exhibition, where various stalls showcased agricultural advancements and innovations. The Governor also launched a miniature pylon to mark the celebrations.  

Addressing the gathering, university Vice-Chancellor Aldas Janaiah said that the university so far released 500 varieties and produced 32,000 agricultural graduates during the last 60 years.