Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today attended the 4th convocation ceremony of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. On this occasion, he inaugurated the newly constructed Vikramshila Hostel and Aryavart International Guest House. Shri Chouhan also released two important books – Pusa Bihar: The Birthplace of Agricultural Research and Education, and Textbook on Natural Farming.

In his address, Shri Chouhan praised Bihar’s rich cultural and historical legacy and said, “Samastipur is the gateway to Mithilanchal, the sacred land of King Janak and Goddess Sita, who is an inspiration to women in India.” Remembering Bharat Ratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Karpoori Thakur, Shri Chouhan expressed his gratitude and said that Bihar is a land of talent and hard work, which has given the message of Buddha to the world.

Encouraging the graduating students, Shri Chouhan said, “You are a reservoir of infinite potential, as Swami Vivekananda once said. Work hard, aim high, and apply your knowledge to revolutionise the agricultural sector. Take Indian agriculture to new heights with the education attained from Pusa University.”

He highlighted the achievements over the past 11 years, including a 40% increase in agricultural production, free food grains to 80 crore people, and Basmati rice exports worth ₹50,000 crore. Appreciating the remarkable growth in maize, litchi, and makhana production in Bihar, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for forming the Makhana Board.

Calling agriculture the backbone of India’s economy, he said, “Farmers are the soul of the Indian economy, and serving them is our duty. We need to increase per-hectare yield, promote mechanisation through small equipment, and boost modernisation through startups.”

Emphasising the importance of natural farming, he said that it is essential for the health of the soil. He also mentioned the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana, under which 100 districts have been identified to increase agricultural output. He urged students to apply their knowledge and research into practical solutions, and contribute to ensuring India’s food security.

Concluding his address, Shri Chouhan praised the university’s contribution and said, “Dr. Rajendra Prasad Agricultural University can play a vital role in shaping the future of Indian agriculture. I am always eager to hear new ideas.” He congratulated all the faculty members, students, and the university community for their achievements.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, was established on October 7, 2016, when the then Rajendra Agricultural University (established in 1970 by the Government of Bihar) was converted into a central university. Today, it stands among the leading institutions promoting research in the field of agriculture.

The convocation ceremony was also attended by Ramnath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture; Vijay Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister of Bihar; Maheshwar Hazari, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Bihar; and Samastipur MP Shambhavi.

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RC/KS/MKP