14th National Symposium of IAUA on “Creating Enabling Ecosystem in Agricultural Universities for Agri tech innovations: Challenges and Opportunities" at PJTSAU, University Auditorium, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on 09-06-2022

The Indian Agricultural University Association (IAUA) two days 14th National Symposium on “Creating Enabling Ecosystem in Agricultural Universities for Agri tech innovations: Challenges and Opportunities” begins at Hyderabad on 09-06-2022. This symposium was jointly organized by the Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) and Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA) on 9th & 10th June 2022 at university auditorium, in Rajendranagar. M. Raghunandan Rao, Agricultural Production Commissioner & Secretary Agriculture & Co-operation Department, Government of Telangana, has attended as chief guest for inaugural session and spoke on the occasion. While speaking at inaugural session M. Raghunandan Rao, has suggested the IAUA members (VC’s, Deans & Directors) to put efforts to bring emerging technologies made available to the small and marginal farmers in the state not unlike in the western countries. This symposium has to create enabling environment for implementation of emerging technologies in agriculture at large he added. He explained about the new initiatives of the Government of Telangana in agricultural sector in the state in last several years. Before formation of the separate state, agriculture sector in the Telangana was in deep crisis in all aspects, and after emerging of Telangana State the major thrust was given to the agriculture, irrigation and power sectors in the state. Series of initiatives were taken up in agriculture due to the continuous efforts gross sown area has been increased to 1 crore acres in the state, and nearly 1.3 lakh crore have been spent on irrigation projects to ensure irrigation water facility to the farmers in the state he added. Further, he stated that, under mission kakatiya scheme about 43000 major & minor irrigation tanks were restored to enable the supply of irrigation water supply to ayacut under lakes (tanks). Another major initiative is that, providing the investment support to the farmers before commencement of the season is also a major boost for farmers, since its inception under Rythubandhu scheme about fifty thousand crore rupees have been transferred to the farmers accounts through DBT(direct benefit transfer) mode. And 24 hour uninterrupted free power supply is giving to farmers since formation of the state. With the support of the PJTSAU extension system in the agricultural department has been strengthened, for every 5000 acres one agricultural extension officer was appointed for rendering extension services to the farmers and about 2600 raithuvedikas were constructed for every 5000 acres. Dr. V. Praveen Rao, Vice Chancellor, PJTSAU, while delivering the welcome address he had said that, this symposium will evolve the road map for implementing of the enabling emerging technologies in agriculture sector. This symposium is a great platform for us to deliberate on the various sub themes in the presence of members from the Industry and enterprising entrepreneurs who can provide a different perspective to the theme. He explains the several initiatives of the university in adopting of the emerging technologies in agriculture in last 8 years. S. Siva Kumar, Group Head of Agri & IT Business, ITC Ltd had delivered the guest of honor address has said that, the technology which is giving to the farmer it should enhance the farmers income & increase productivity in all aspects, and ensure remunerative price. Dr. R.K.Mittal, President, IAUA had explained about the activities of the Indian Agricultural Universities Association. He advised the scientists to look forward the alternate agriculture methods to ensure food security for growing population in India. Further, he suggested that, the smart agriculture, vertical farming, digital agriculture, application of machine learning in agriculture, robotics operations have to be encouraged in a large scale. Several publications were released by the chief guest and other guest of honors, VC, PJTSAU. And also, cash prize & meritorious certificates distributed to the students who participated in the innovative ideas competitions conducted by the Aghub. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Executive Secretary, IAUA had proposed vote of thanks. In this two day about 30 Vice Chancellors & their representatives, agro industry representatives, ICAR officials from all over the country were attending the symposium.