Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the sixth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) in Srinagar, where he conferred degrees to graduating students and reiterated the government’s commitment to Jammu & Kashmir’s agricultural development as vital to the national vision of a Viksit Bharat. The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor and University Chancellor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister and SKUAST-K Pro-Chancellor Omar Abdullah, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Chaudhary, Education Minister Sakina Masood, vice chancellors, professors, and senior officials.
Chouhan shared his reflections on his visit to Srinagar, expressing admiration for the region’s natural beauty, the warmth of its people, and its central place in India’s agricultural roadmap. Recalling discussions with the Chief Minister on agriculture and rural development, he reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive that a prosperous Jammu & Kashmir with empowered farmers is essential to building a developed India.
In his address, Chouhan recalled a past NITI Aayog meeting where Omar Abdullah had urged Union ministers to visit the region and see first-hand the state’s stable internal environment. He stated that his presence at SKUAST-K and the recent advisory committee meeting were fulfilments of that appeal. Emphasising his interactions with locals across Srinagar, he shared his appreciation for the affection received, even from a Shikara boatman on Dal Lake, promising to carry that warmth to the rest of the nation.
Chouhan lauded SKUAST-K as a nationally and internationally recognised institution with students from 30 Indian states and Union Territories, as well as other countries. He expressed confidence that the university would soon become India’s top-ranking state university. Addressing the graduates, he urged them to take their knowledge beyond classrooms and laboratories to society, reminding them that a convocation marks not the end, but the beginning of a new phase of learning.
He underscored that agriculture is irreplaceable and forms the backbone of the Indian economy, serving as the primary livelihood for over half the population. Thanking Modi, he stated that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India has achieved record foodgrain stocks, with a 44 percent increase in production over the past 11 years, including substantial gains in rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and groundnut.
Chouhan emphasised Jammu & Kashmir’s renowned produce—its fruits, flowers, and vegetables noted for exceptional taste and colour—and reiterated the vision to develop the region into a global horticulture hub. Highlighting the successful implementation of the Holistic Agricultural Development Program, he also announced the establishment of a Clean Plant Center in Jammu & Kashmir under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, with an investment of Rs 15 billion. He stated that clean, disease-free planting material would replace current imports, which often carry pathogens. Yield in apple orchards has already risen six-fold from 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes per hectare in 5,000 hectares, and the goal is to export Kashmiri apples globally so that India no longer needs to import apples.
He stressed the need for innovation in agriculture and called upon students to explore start-ups and technology-driven solutions, blending practical and theoretical knowledge for community benefit. Citing SKUAST-K’s strong record in civil services, he reminded students that true success lies in service to others. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said each student is a storehouse of infinite strength and urged them to set goals, build roadmaps, and persist with purpose.
Chouhan recounted his recent visit to border villages alongside scientists and the J&K Agriculture Minister, stating that the goal is to bring development to even the most neglected areas. He highlighted the six-fold strategy on agriculture articulated by the Prime Minister—increasing production, reducing cultivation costs, ensuring fair prices, compensating for losses, diversifying agriculture, and promoting natural farming while protecting soil health for future generations. He said both central and state governments are united in achieving these goals.
Affirming India’s civilisational identity as a nation that sees the world as one family, Chouhan concluded that India is poised to build a strong global presence and become a global food basket. He urged collective efforts under the guiding principle of peace over war and love over hatred.
At the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 5,250 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. A total of 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates were awarded to outstanding achievers in recognition of their academic excellence.
