Assam Governor lauds AAU’s role in transforming agriculture through innovation and tradition at 25th convocation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 10, 2025

Assam Governor and Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Lakshman Prasad Acharya, addressed the 25th Convocation Ceremony of the university in Jorhat on Wednesday, praising AAU for its pioneering work in agricultural research and development. Held at the Dr. Madhab Chandra Das Memorial Auditorium, the event celebrated the achievements of 548 graduating students and conferred honorary doctorates to environmentalist Padma Shri Jadav Payeng and wildlife biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman.

In his keynote address, Governor Acharya emphasized the vital role agriculture plays in India’s heritage and future. Quoting a Sanskrit verse, he reminded the gathering that food is not only sustenance but also the source of healing—an idea deeply rooted in India’s traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda.

“Assam Agricultural University is a beacon of progress for our state’s agriculture,” he said. “Its research, innovation, and outreach have helped improve crop quality, support farmers, and preserve the ecological balance.” He highlighted the university’s active role in strengthening agriculture through science, while also honoring time-tested traditional practices.

The Governor spoke about the complexity and diversity of India’s farming ecosystem, shaped by 15 agro-climatic zones. “Our approach to agriculture must respect this diversity—no one-size-fits-all solutions,” he noted. He pointed to Assam’s unique contributions, such as tea, Majuli rice, Joha rice, and Tezpur litchi, as examples of local excellence gaining national and global recognition.

Acharya praised India’s advancements in agricultural modernization over the past decade. Citing government initiatives like the Soil Health Card, e-NAM (National Agriculture Market), Kisan Credit Cards, and the Mukhya Mantri Krishi Sa-Sajuli Yojana, he underlined how technology and policy are empowering farmers with better tools and information.

He reaffirmed agriculture’s critical role in achieving the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), applauding both the Central and Assam governments for their continued support of the sector. Initiatives such as PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Kisan Maandhan Yojana were credited for delivering much-needed support to farmers on the ground.

Turning to the students, the Governor called on the new graduates to lead the charge toward sustainable farming practices. “You are the future of Indian agriculture,” he said. “Your challenge is not just to grow more, but to grow smarter—develop climate-resilient crops, improve water use efficiency, and work with, not against, nature.”

He encouraged them to stay rooted in service—of the farmer, the environment, and the country—and to embody the spirit of innovation with responsibility. He also urged AAU faculty and administrators to continue striving for excellence, to place AAU among the top agricultural universities in the country. He promised full support from the Governor’s office in this mission.

The ceremony was attended by Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Chairman of the Assam Agricultural Commission Dr. Hari Shankar Gupta, AAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bidyut Chandra Deka, as well as senior university officials, academic council members, and faculty.