15.03.2026: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Conferred Honorary ‘Doctor of Science’ Degree
Role of Agriculture Crucial for the Nation’s Food Security and Economic Stability
– Governor Jishnu Dev Varma
39th Convocation Ceremony of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Held
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Conferred Honorary ‘Doctor of Science’ Degree
Active Participation of All Stakeholders Essential for Sustainable Agriculture – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Ahilyanagar, March 15: Due to the global impact of wars and conflicts occurring in different parts of the world, it has become essential to strengthen the country’s agricultural system and ensure food security. Agriculture plays a vital role in the nation’s food security, economic stability, and sustainable development. The future of Indian agriculture will depend on technology-based solutions, startups, and sustainable practices, said Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Jishnu Dev Varma.
He was speaking at the 39th convocation ceremony of the university held at the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Auditorium on the campus in Rahuri. On this occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was conferred the honorary “Doctor of Science” degree by the Governor.
Among those present were Chairman of the Legislative Council Ram Shinde, State Water Resources Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Agriculture Minister and Pro-Chancellor of the university Dattatray Bharane, former Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s institute in New Delhi Ashok Kumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vilas Kharche, and Governor’s Secretary Prashant Narnavare.
Governor Varma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expanded the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan” by adding “Jai Anusandhan”, emphasizing the importance of research for agricultural development. With climate change, technological advancements, and evolving global conditions, the agricultural sector requires visionary leadership and innovative approaches. He appreciated the university’s initiatives in promoting natural and sustainable farming practices and establishing the country’s first Remote Pilot Training Organization.
Expressing satisfaction over the effective implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 at the university, the Governor urged students to adopt agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship rather than focusing solely on jobs. He also stated that the state government is committed to creating a conducive environment for innovation in agriculture and rural development.
Extensive Research Needed for Sustainable Agriculture
– Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the government has undertaken transformative measures in the agricultural sector over the past ten years. Sustainable changes in infrastructure can increase investment in agriculture. He emphasized the need to conserve every drop of rainwater, noting that the state introduced the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana, which has helped increase groundwater levels in Maharashtra.
He also highlighted the success of the “Magel Tyala Shettale” farm-pond scheme, particularly in Ahilyanagar district. To ensure both water and power security for farmers, the government launched the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Yojana. By the end of this year, the state plans to generate 14,000 megawatts of electricity, enabling farmers to receive 12 hours of free daytime power supply, he added.
Fadnavis further stated that climate change has made technological intervention in agriculture more essential than ever. Under the AgriStack initiative, digital identities have been provided to 13 million farmers in the country—the highest number. Using this data, transformative changes will be introduced in agriculture through artificial intelligence.
Farmers are also receiving advisory services through the Mahavistar App. With the use of artificial intelligence, production costs can be reduced by up to 25 percent, while crop productivity may increase by around 50 percent, he noted. Sustainable farming models will also help free farmers from the burden of debt. Over the next decade, the state aims to bring about further major transformations in the agricultural sector.
He stressed that agricultural universities, the state government, and agriculture graduates must work together to bring change in the sector. Natural farming should be promoted and the use of chemicals reduced. Research aimed at preserving soil health should reach farmers effectively. By focusing on small and marginal farmers, significant improvements can be achieved. Reducing production costs and developing a strong value chain will also be necessary. The state government is making efforts to expand agriculture-technology-based industries.
Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane said that families and society have high expectations from agriculture students. Instead of seeking jobs, students should become agricultural entrepreneurs who generate employment. He emphasized that adopting artificial intelligence in agriculture is now inevitable, and research must move in that direction.
Ashok Kumar Singh stated that agriculture contributes significantly to the country’s economy and employment. With the support of the Green Revolution and technological advancements, India has achieved remarkable growth in food grain production. Farming is not merely a profession but a service to humanity. Therefore, students should dedicate their knowledge and work toward the holistic development of farmers and rural communities.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vilas Kharche presented the university’s report, outlining the technologies, crop varieties, and contributions to natural farming developed by the institution. Over the past five decades, the university has produced more than 150,000 skilled professionals, developed 320 high-yield crop varieties, 56 agricultural implements, and conserved 6,284 plant genetic resources.
During the convocation ceremony, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma conferred degrees upon 4,602 graduates from various faculties. This included 4,182 undergraduate degrees, 346 postgraduate degrees, and 74 doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. In addition, 42 outstanding graduates were honored with gold medals and cash awards for their academic achievements.
The event was attended by MLA Monika Rajale, District Collector Dr. Pankaj Ashiya, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad Anand Bhandari, Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, Vice-Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Dr. Indra Mani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Dr. Sharad Gadakh, Registrar of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rajendra Kumar Patil, along with university officials, faculty members, students, parents, and progressive farmers in large numbers.
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