Agriculture Crucial for Food Security and Economic Stability: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma

Ahilyanagar, March 2026 : Agriculture plays an extremely important role in ensuring the country’s food security, economic stability, and sustainable development, said Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth. He said that conflicts and wars in one part of the world affect the entire globe, making it essential to strengthen the country’s agricultural system and ensure food security. He added that the future of Indian agriculture will depend on technology-based solutions, startups, and sustainable practices.

He was speaking at the 39th convocation ceremony of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth held at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Auditorium on the university campus in Rahuri. On the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was conferred the honorary Doctor of Science degree by the Governor.

Also present on the occasion were Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, Water Resources Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Agriculture Minister and Pro-Chancellor of the university Dattatray Bharne, former Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vilas Kharche, and Secretary to the Governor Prashant Narnaware.

Governor Varma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expanded the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan” by adding “Jai Anusandhan”, highlighting the importance of research. He stated that due to climate change, technological advancements, and changing global scenarios, the agriculture sector requires visionary leadership and innovation. He praised the university for taking the initiative to promote natural and sustainable farming methods and for 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 said students should not only seek jobs but also embrace agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship. He added that the state government is committed to creating a supportive environment for innovation in agriculture and rural development.

Extensive Research Needed for Sustainable Agriculture – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that over the past ten years the government has undertaken fundamental changes in the agriculture sector. Sustainable improvements in infrastructure will help increase investment in agriculture. He stressed the importance of conserving every drop of rainwater and mentioned that the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana has helped raise groundwater levels in the state.

He noted that the “Magel Tyala Shettale” scheme has been successfully implemented in Ahilyanagar district. To ensure water security and electricity security for farmers, the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Yojana has been launched. By the end of this year, the government aims to generate 14,000 megawatts of electricity, which will allow farmers to receive 12 hours of free electricity during the daytime.

Fadnavis added that due to climate change, agriculture now requires extensive use of technology. Under the AgriStack, about 13 million farmers have been given digital identities in the country. Using this data, major changes will be introduced in agriculture through artificial intelligence. Farmers are also receiving guidance through the Mahavistar app. Artificial intelligence is reducing production costs by up to 25 percent while increasing crop yield by around 50 percent.

He said that sustainable farming models will help free farmers from debt. Over the next decade, further transformation is required in the agriculture sector.

The Chief Minister emphasized 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 should be reduced. Research aimed at preventing soil degradation must reach farmers. If policies are designed keeping small farmers in mind, significant improvements will be seen. Reducing production costs and building value chains will be necessary, he added, while stating that the government is making efforts to promote agriculture technology-based industries.

Agriculture Minister’s Remarks

Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne said that families and society have high expectations from agriculture students. Instead of merely seeking jobs, students should become agricultural entrepreneurs who generate employment. He emphasized that there is now no alternative to the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture, and research must move in that direction.

Former IARI Director Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh said that agriculture contributes significantly to the country’s economy and employment. With the support of the Green Revolution and technology, India has achieved unprecedented growth in food grain production. Farming is not just a profession but a service to humanity, he said, urging students to dedicate their knowledge to the overall development of farmers and rural areas.

University Report and Degrees Awarded

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vilas Kharche presented the university report, providing details about technologies developed by the university, crop varieties, and its contributions to natural farming. Over the past five decades, the university has produced more than 150,000 skilled professionals, developed 320 high-yield crop varieties, 56 agricultural tools, and conserved 6,284 plant genetic resources.

At the convocation ceremony, Governor Varma conferred degrees upon a total of 4,602 graduates from various faculties. This included 4,182 undergraduate degrees, 346 postgraduate degrees, and 74 doctoral (PhD) degrees. Additionally, 42 meritorious students were honoured with gold medals and cash prizes for their outstanding academic performance.

The event was attended by MLA Monika Rajale, District Collector Dr. Pankaj Ashiya, Zilla Parishad CEO 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 Rajendra Kumar Patil, along with university officials, members of the executive and academic councils, former vice-chancellors, professors, officers, students, parents, and progressive farmers in large numbers.