Banda, October 16, 2025 — Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel emphasized the importance of women’s participation in agriculture education and research during the 11th Convocation of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology.

“Where there is a woman, there is creation. Women create and nurture the universe. Participation of women students in agricultural education is increasing. Women students should be promoted in agricultural education and research. Women’s participation in the agricultural sector is important; this contribution should also extend to education and research,” said Governor Patel while chairing the convocation on Thursday.

Awards and Degrees

A total of 350 students received degrees across BSc, MSc, and PhD programs in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, and Community Science faculties. Additionally, 19 students—including seven women—were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals for academic excellence. Key medalists included:

• Horticulture Faculty: Ansh Saxena (Chancellor’s Gold), Saban (Vice Chancellor’s Gold), Deepak (Silver), Akanksha Chauhan (Bronze)
• Agriculture Faculty: Alok Sahu (Vice Chancellor’s Gold), Soumya Pandey (Silver), Srijan Yadav (Bronze)
• Forestry Faculty: Abhilash Yadav (Vice Chancellor’s Gold), Sudhir Prajapati (Silver), Ritik Roshan (Bronze)

New Initiatives

Governor Patel announced that the university will introduce a veterinary course in the upcoming academic session. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to achieve self-reliance in crops like groundnut, mustard, linseed, and other oilseeds under the Pulses and Oilseeds Mission.

Expert Advice

The chief guest, Chirupamalli Nivas Rao, Director of the Pusa Agriculture Research Centre, New Delhi, stressed the need for climate-friendly agriculture in light of rapid climate change. Key recommendations included:

• Increasing soil carbon and conducting soil testing for better crop yields
• Adopting micro-irrigation techniques, especially in Bundelkhand
• Promoting the use of solar energy in agriculture

Vice-Chancellor Prof. SVS Raju welcomed the guests and dignitaries at the event, highlighting the university’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.