Describing agriculture as the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and identity, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday called on the region’s youth—particularly budding scientists and agri-graduates to lead a new era of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Speaking at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) in Srinagar, the Chief Minister underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in the Union Territory, noting that over 70% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on it.
“J&K’s future rests in the hands of its young scientists. They are not just receiving degrees they are becoming grassroots problem-solvers,” Omar said, addressing a gathering of students, faculty, and dignitaries.
The event saw 5,250 students being awarded undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, alongside 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates presented to high-performing scholars. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who serves as Chancellor of the university, were also present at the ceremony.
Nurturing Scientific Spirit and Tradition
As Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Omar Abdullah praised the university’s contribution to research in temperate horticulture, high-altitude sustainable farming, organic agriculture, and animal husbandry. He linked the institution’s progress to the visionary ideals of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, saying, “This vision now lives on in the labs, classrooms, and farmlands of J&K.”
However, the Chief Minister also issued a call to action, warning that challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, price volatility, and declining rural interest in farming require new, adaptive solutions. “The agriculture of yesterday cannot solve the problems of tomorrow,” he said.
Transforming Agriculture with Innovation and Investment
Omar outlined his administration’s Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) as a game-changing initiative aimed at overhauling the agri-sector. With a financial outlay exceeding ₹5,000 crore, the program merges science, finance, and governance to create a high-value, technology-driven agriculture ecosystem.
The government, he said, is supporting 29 transformative projects, including:
- High-density apple and walnut orchards
- Saffron revitalisation initiatives
- Dairy and sheep husbandry modernization
- Precision farming projects
- New agribusiness and startup models
“These efforts are already fueling hundreds of startups in areas like food processing, horticulture, dairy, and agri-tech,” he noted. “The mission is to empower your aspirations—this is your moment, your field, and your future.”
A Call to Action for Graduates
In an impassioned address to the graduating students, Omar Abdullah encouraged them to take science beyond the laboratory and into the villages, farms, and grassroots communities of J&K.
“Build your startups. Collaborate with farmer groups. Digitise agricultural extension. Create impact,” he urged. “The world needs not just your knowledge, but your courage, compassion, and character.”
He asked the graduates to introspect and challenge themselves:
“Can you double small farmers’ incomes? Can you pioneer climate-smart farming solutions? Can you mentor the next generation or build enterprises that create rural jobs?”
“If your answer is yes, then you have the full support of the Jammu and Kashmir government,” he affirmed.
Concluding his speech, Omar reminded the graduates to remain connected to their roots. “Whether you find yourself in Bengaluru or beyond, always carry Jammu and Kashmir in your heart,” he said.
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