President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 62nd Convocation of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at PUSA in New Delhi. Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was the Guest of Honour, and other dignitaries also attended. President Murmu extended congratulations to the postgraduate and doctoral degree recipients while commending the faculty's excellence in research and academics. She applauded IARI's pivotal role in elevating India's agricultural standing globally through technological advancements, pioneering achievements in crop production, and the development of highly skilled human resources.
Key Achievements and Contributions
The President highlighted IARI's significant contributions to boosting agricultural export earnings, and ensuring sustainable food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for the Indian population. The institute is actively working towards achieving India's goal of self-reliance in oilseeds and pulses.
President Murmu emphasized the institute's commitment to supporting grassroots-level farmers through various extension programs such as Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav, voluntary initiatives, and Pusa Samachar. She expressed satisfaction with the institute's efforts to evolve into a global university alongside its research endeavors.
During the convocation ceremony, President Murmu presented IARI merit medals and conferred prestigious awards to outstanding students. A total of 543 students, including international students, were conferred with Post Graduate Studies during the convocation.
Release of Crop Varieties
The institute released different varieties of crops, including 30 high-yielding varieties consisting of 25 cultivars of field crops and 5 vegetable and fruit crops in the previous year. Dr. A. K. Singh, Director of IARI, provided comprehensive insights into the institute's advancements in wheat and Basmati rice varieties. IARI holds a global leadership position in Basmati rice variety development, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Innovations in Rice Farming
The institute improved the aromatic short grain rice landrace, ‘Kalanamak,’ releasing ‘Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1,’ poised to revolutionize the profitability of rice farming in eastern Uttar Pradesh. In line with the 'International Year of Millets' 2023, IARI introduced a biofortified pearl millet hybrid, Pusa 1801, enriched with iron and zinc, aimed at addressing nutritional deficiencies nationwide. A video-based extension model called 'PusaSamachar' has been devised to provide agro-advisories to remote farmers.
IARI Mega University and Global Recognition
Dr. Anupama Singh, Dean and Joint Director of Education, highlighted the initiation of admissions in various ICAR institutes under the IARI mega university. The institute's global recognition includes playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Notable developments include the inauguration of the International Hostel 'Madhumas' and the recently inaugurated 500-room Girls' Hostel 'Phalguni' by Union Minister Arjun Munda.
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi celebrated its 62nd Convocation Week from February 4 to February 9, 2024.
— Krishi Jagran Official (@kjkrishimedia) February 9, 2024
Graced by the honorable President of India Draupadi Murmu, the event felicitated degrees to 543 students, including 5 foreign students across 26 disciplines in Agricultural Sciences.… pic.twitter.com/AkbaZeiNzo
