CM Omar Abdullah promises Govt support for agri-innovations
Srinagar, Jul 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Friday said that the university graduates were the torchbearers of change in Jammu and Kashmir and promised full government support to their innovations and ideas.
Speaking as the Pro-Chancellor during the 6th Convocation of SKUAST-K, CM Omar said that convocations are not merely ceremonial but celebrations of commitment. “Today is a celebration of your knowledge, your effort, your discipline, and the dreams you nurtured with care over the years,” he said.
The CM congratulated the young graduates not “just for completing the degrees, but for completing a transformation.”
He said that SKUAST-K was born out of a vision to empower the youth of J&K through agriculture, science, and innovation.
“That vision, rooted in the ideals of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, finds expression today in every laboratory, lecture hall, and field station of SKUAST-K,” CM Omar said.
He said that SKUAST-K has grown into a centre of excellence over the years.
“You pioneered research in temperate horticulture, built models for sustainable farming in high-altitude regions, and contributed to critical work in animal husbandry and organic practices,” the CM said.
He said that SKUAST-K was not just producing graduates but problem-solvers for the grassroots.
“In J&K, agriculture is not only the backbone of our economy, it is our culture, our identity and for many, our daily bread,” CM Omar said.
He said that over 70 percent of the population was directly or indirectly connected to this sector.
“But we know the truth. The agriculture of yesterday cannot meet the challenges of tomorrow. We face climate change, we face land degradation, we face market volatility, and we face the hopes of a generation that wants not only to survive, but to thrive,” the CM said.
He said that the administration had launched a series of ambitious, data-driven reform programmes that were not just transformative on paper, but tangible on the ground.
“The Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is one of these cornerstones of change. With an investment of over Rs 5000 crore, HADP is bringing together science, finance and governance to transform J&K into a hub of high-value, high-tech, and high-return agriculture,” CM Omar said.
To the SKUAST-K graduates, he said that the varsity was their playground and the mission was their field. “Our mission hubs are empowering young aspirations. This is another pillar of our vision for the youth of J&K, where lakhs of youth will be engaged in skilling, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programmes,” he said.
The CM said it would take place at the district level, where the government would support the building of confidence and capability.
“If you have an idea, we will fund it. If you have a plan, we will partner with you. If you have the courage, we will create a platform. Graduates are our new torchbearers,” he said.
CM Omar said that the world needs knowledge of the graduates of SKUAST-K, more importantly, their courage, compassion, and character.
“Let me leave you with three simple requests. Be bold with your ideas, don’t just look for jobs and create them, and build agri-start-ups and digitise inspection services. You are uniquely trained to bridge science and society. Stay rooted in your soil. Never forget your land and the people that raised you,” he said.
The CM asked the graduates to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous J&K.
“As you rise, let others rise with you. Whether you go to Bangalore or to Berlin, carry J&K in your heart. J&K is on the path of a transformation, economically, socially, and politically. Help us shape this new story, not through slogans, but through service, not through entitlement, but through excellence,” he said.
CM Omar said that graduates carry the aspirations of a new J&K, a place that is peaceful, productive and proud.
“You are not just future scientists or officers. You are future problem solvers,” he said.
The CM asked the graduates if they would help level the income of small farmers, build design solutions for climate-smart agriculture, build agri-enterprises that create jobs in villages, and mentor the next generation, just as their professors mentored them.
“If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then know that you will never walk alone. The whole team of J&K will be behind you,” he said.
CM Omar reminded the graduates that behind every gold medal and every degree, there are years of silent support from parents and the faculty.
He said that every graduate was a seed of transformation and urged the students to end with the image of a seed which appears small, buried in the darkness, which faces resistance from the soil.
“But with time, it grows. It breaks the ground. It becomes a tree. And that tree offers shade, fruit, and shelter, even in storms. Each of you is a seed of transformation,” the CM said.
He asked the graduates to plant themselves in the right place, nurture their values, and water their dreams with effort.
“I assure you, the world will benefit from your growth. The future of J&K is not just in government files. It is in your hands. Let us build a future that is scientific, sustainable, and full of dignity for every citizen,” he said.
