Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
- Farmers benefiting from new crop varieties and modern technologies developed by scientists: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
- AS many as 1,880 students awarded degrees at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University convocation
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Governor and Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur Chancellor Ramen Deka on Friday May 15, 2026 stressed the need for value addition in agriculture and greater use of modern technology to strengthen the rural economy and accelerate growth in Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the 11th convocation ceremony of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur, the Governor said nearly 80 percent of Chhattisgarh’s economy is linked to agriculture, while cultivable land continues to shrink. In such a situation, he said, increasing productivity on smaller landholdings and focusing on value-added production has become essential.
During the convocation, degrees and medals were awarded to students who graduated in the 2024-25 academic session. Meritorious students securing top positions across various faculties were awarded 13 gold, seven silver and two bronze medals during the convocation. Degrees were also conferred on 128 PhD scholars, 518 postgraduate students and 1,234 undergraduate students.
Congratulating the students, Governor Ramen Deka described the convocation as not merely a degree ceremony but the beginning of a new phase in life. He noted that when the university was established, only a few academic streams were available, but opportunities and educational programmes have expanded significantly over time.
He said agriculture is now undergoing rapid transformation driven by science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Use of artificial intelligence, drones, satellite mapping, precision farming, climate-resilient agriculture technologies, biotechnology and data analytics is growing rapidly in agriculture across the world. India, he added, is also moving quickly in that direction through drone-based spraying of fertilizers and pesticides, digital soil health monitoring, mobile-based advisory services and e-NAM markets, all of which are reshaping the rural economy.
Encouraging students and farmers to adopt advanced agricultural practices, Deka said Chhattisgarh, traditionally known as the “rice bowl”, should now also focus on producing high-quality aromatic rice varieties such as basmati to improve market access and farmer earnings.
He added that hydroponics and natural farming hold strong future potential. Chhattisgarh’s soil and water conditions are favourable for agriculture and can support higher productivity if combined with proper technology and planning.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the university has played a major role in agricultural education and research, with farmers benefiting from improved crop varieties and modern techniques developed by agricultural scientists.
The state government is working continuously to make farming more modern, profitable and sustainable. Along with paddy cultivation, the government is promoting pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables and millets.
Chief Minister highlighted initiatives such as paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, expansion of irrigation projects, access to agricultural equipment and free electricity schemes, saying these measures have strengthened the economic condition of farmers.
He also urged students to connect agriculture with drones, artificial intelligence and digital technologies and serve as a bridge between farmers and scientific institutions.
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam said several innovations are being introduced in the agriculture sector in the state. He said Chhattisgarh has one of the widest varieties of paddy and is particularly known for aromatic rice.
He also pointed to the potential for horticulture, floriculture and spice cultivation and encouraged students to pursue research and innovation in agriculture.
The convocation address was delivered by noted agricultural scientist and Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi former Director Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, while IGKV Vice-Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel presented the university report and highlighted major achievements and academic activities of the institution.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the Registrar. MLA and Padma Shri awardee Anuj Sharma, vice-chancellors of various universities, members of the university’s management, academic and administrative councils, professors, scientists, university officials, medal-winning students, graduates and their parents were present at the ceremony.
