Agriculture

Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday distributed appointment letters to 483 selected candidates for posts in the irrigation and agriculture departments during a programme held at Chief Sevak Sadan at the Chief Minister’s camp office in Uttarakhand.

According to the state government, 473 candidates were appointed to the irrigation department, while 10 candidates received appointments in the agriculture department.

During the event, the chief minister paid tribute to former Uttarakhand chief minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri and recalled his emphasis on providing opportunities to youth through merit and hard work.

Addressing the newly appointed candidates, Dhami said the appointment letters reflected their dedication and perseverance. He expressed confidence that the recruits would contribute to the state’s development through public service and administrative work.

The chief minister also highlighted the state government’s focus on transparent recruitment practices and merit-based selection processes. Referring to measures taken against irregularities in recruitment examinations, he said the implementation of Uttarakhand’s anti-cheating law had strengthened confidence in government hiring systems.

According to Dhami, nearly 33,000 youths have received government jobs in Uttarakhand over the past four-and-a-half years.

He further stated that the government has been working to strengthen key sectors such as irrigation and agriculture in line with broader national development priorities under Narendra Modi.

Discussing the state’s economic performance, the chief minister said Uttarakhand recorded a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth rate of 7.23 per cent. He added that per capita income in the state had increased by approximately 41 per cent over the last four years and noted that the state budget had crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark.

Dhami also referred to a decline in unemployment rates and spoke about increasing reverse migration trends in hill regions, which he said reflected improving economic opportunities within the state.

Satpal Maharaj said the recruitment drive represented growing youth participation in the state’s development process. He noted that the irrigation department contributes not only to canal and water management projects but also to agricultural productivity, water conservation and the rural economy.

Meanwhile, Ganesh Joshi described the appointments as the beginning of a new professional journey for the selected candidates. He also highlighted emerging employment opportunities through startups, innovation and agriculture-linked initiatives in the state.

A new book by development economists Santosh Mehrotra and Jajati Parida has raised serious concerns about India’s employment landscape, arguing that headline economic growth figures are masking a worsening jobs crisis, rising inequality, and shrinking opportunities for young people.

In their book India Out of Work, the authors challenge the narrative of strong economic recovery by pointing to what they describe as “structural retrogression” in the labour market. One of the book’s most striking claims is that nearly 80 million people moved back into agriculture between 2020 and 2024 — a trend the authors describe as unprecedented for a developing economy seeking industrial growth.

According to Mehrotra, government economists celebrated the addition of nearly 80 million jobs during this period, but most of those jobs emerged in agriculture — a sector already burdened by surplus labour and low productivity.

“Never in human history had 80 million workers been added to an already labour-surplus farm sector in just four years,” Mehrotra said in an interview discussing the book.

The economists argue that India’s growth has become increasingly “K-shaped,” where high-end services and capital-intensive infrastructure benefit upper-income groups while the bottom majority experiences stagnant incomes and declining employment quality.

The book warns that the country may be entering a “lost decade” for employment generation. The authors highlight that youth unemployment has tripled since 2012 while nearly 121 million young Indians are currently categorised as NEET — not in education, employment, or training.

Mehrotra argues that India still has a narrowing demographic opportunity window until around 2040, but insufficient non-farm job creation is rapidly eroding that advantage. He identifies three major groups struggling for employment: surplus agricultural labourers, unemployed youth, and nearly six million new entrants joining the workforce annually.

The book is also sharply critical of India’s manufacturing performance and industrial strategy. According to the authors, manufacturing’s share of gross value added has remained stagnant for decades and employment in the sector actually declined between 2012 and 2019 — an unusual development for a growing economy.

Mehrotra argues that without a strong manufacturing strategy supported by employment-focused industrial policy, India cannot generate large-scale non-farm jobs with rising wages. He points to East Asian economies and countries such as Vietnam as examples where manufacturing-led growth created broad-based employment opportunities.

The authors also raise concerns about women’s employment. While official data suggests female labour force participation has improved since 2020, Mehrotra argues much of the increase reflects women returning to unpaid agricultural and family work rather than entering stable, formal employment.

According to the book, nearly 96% of discouraged workers are women. Mehrotra believes expanding women’s participation in manufacturing and non-farm sectors is essential for India’s long-term economic transformation.

The economists further warn that rising educated unemployment, stagnant wages, exam paper leaks, and poor social security could intensify social tensions in the coming years. Mehrotra noted that worker protests and labour unrest have already begun appearing in industrial regions such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Noida.

The book also questions the credibility of India’s GDP growth narrative, arguing that the unorganised sector suffered major losses after 2016 while official economic estimates failed to fully capture those disruptions. Mehrotra pointed to the IMF’s recent concerns over India’s national accounts statistics as validation of long-standing critiques raised by economists.

Despite the bleak assessment, the authors argue that India still has an opportunity to reverse course through employment-driven industrial policy, expansion of manufacturing, improved education quality, and stronger support for women entering the workforce.

For the authors, the central message is clear: economic growth alone may no longer be enough unless it translates into meaningful, broad-based employment generation.

In a major push to strengthen India’s premium rice export ecosystem, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh government to establish the country’s first integrated Basmati and organic training-cum-demonstration farm in Pilibhit.

The project, announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is being developed on nearly seven acres at Tanda Bijaisi under a 70-year lease agreement with the state’s agriculture department. The initiative is expected to become a landmark in Basmati rice production, organic farming training, and agri-export development in India.

India’s first integrated Basmati organic training hub

Once operational, the Pilibhit centre will serve as a national hub for Basmati cultivation and organic agriculture training, combining both conventional and organic farming practices under one platform. This makes it the first facility of its kind in India, aimed at bridging the gap between traditional farming knowledge and modern agricultural technologies.

The centre will feature advanced infrastructure, including an auditorium, research laboratory, conference rooms, and dedicated storage for organic inputs. A key highlight is the proposed AI-powered interactive museum, designed to offer experiential learning for farmers, students, and agricultural researchers.

Boost for farmers, research and skill development

The training-cum-demo farm is expected to significantly benefit farmers in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakhand by offering hands-on training, capacity building programmes, and scientific advisory support. It will also function as a resource centre for agricultural experts and students, aligning with India’s broader push towards skill-based and technology-driven agriculture.

Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada emphasised Pilibhit’s growing importance as a key Basmati-producing region, highlighting the need to expand organic cultivation and strengthen farmer engagement.

AI-driven Basmati survey to transform crop planning

In parallel, the government has unveiled an ambitious AI-based Basmati Paddy Survey (2026–2028), which will cover nearly 4 million hectares and engage over 500,000 farmers. The project will use data from more than 150,000 ground-truth points to enable accurate crop assessment, varietal identification, and scientific advisory services.

This data-driven approach is expected to improve agricultural productivity, export planning, and supply chain efficiency, reinforcing India’s position in the global Basmati market.

Strengthening India’s agri-export ecosystem

The upcoming facility has also been designated under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) framework, allowing it to conduct national-level trials for new Basmati varieties suited to different agro-climatic conditions.

With global demand for organic and premium rice rising, the Pilibhit initiative is seen as a strategic step to enhance India’s agricultural exports, farmer income, and sustainable farming practices.

As India moves towards integrating AI in agriculture, organic farming, and export-led growth, the Pilibhit Basmati training centre could emerge as a model for future agri-innovation hubs across the country.

Shimla: Emphasising a shift towards sustainable agriculture, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said natural farming is the future of Himachal Pradesh, underlining the crucial role of academic institutions in driving this transformation.

Addressing an event at Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹34.31 crore. He stressed that the university must actively guide and support farmers in adopting natural farming techniques.

Sukhu noted that over two lakh farmers in the state have registered under natural farming initiatives, with nearly 1.98 lakh already receiving certification. He described this as a strong indicator of growing acceptance of eco-friendly agricultural practices among farmers.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 107-bed hostel at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri, Hamirpur, built at a cost of ₹3.63 crore. He also inaugurated the administrative building of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti, constructed for ₹1.48 crore.

Further, foundation stones were laid for multiple working women’s hostels to support students and professionals. These include two 50-capacity hostels at Neri and Khaggal in Hamirpur district, costing ₹8.57 crore and ₹8.68 crore respectively, and a 100-capacity hostel at the university’s main campus in Nauni, Solan, estimated at ₹11.95 crore.

Reinforcing the importance of agriculture, Sukhu said nearly 90% of the state’s population lives in rural areas, with around 53.95% directly dependent on farming for their livelihoods. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy through progressive, farmer-centric policies and expanding the adoption of natural farming practices.

In a major boost to agricultural education in southern India, SR University has become the first private university in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to secure accreditation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for both its School of Agriculture and B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture programme.

The recognition was granted by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board during its 42nd meeting, with accreditation valid for five years from March 16, 2026. The milestone places SR University among a select group of institutions nationwide whose agricultural programmes meet ICAR’s stringent academic and infrastructure standards.

A Milestone for Private Agricultural Education

ICAR accreditation is considered a gold standard in agricultural education, ensuring that curricula, faculty, infrastructure, and research output align with national benchmarks. For students, this translates into degrees that carry strong national and global recognition, improving prospects in:

• Government agricultural services
• Research institutions
• Agribusiness and agri-tech industries
• Higher education in India and abroad

Industry-Aligned Curriculum and Hands-On Learning

SR University’s agriculture programme follows the Fifth and Sixth Deans’ Committee guidelines prescribed by ICAR. The curriculum has been designed with inputs from academic experts and industry stakeholders, ensuring relevance to modern agricultural challenges.

The university has also emphasised experiential learning through:

• A 24-hectare campus equipped with rainwater harvesting and wastewater management systems
• Field visits and direct farmer engagement
• Research-driven projects and practical training modules

Students are trained in emerging areas such as climate-resilient farming, smart agriculture technologies, agribusiness management, and entrepreneurship, aligning with India’s push toward sustainable and tech-enabled agriculture.

Strategic Advantages for Students

This accreditation gives SR University a competitive edge among over 100 agricultural colleges in the region. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced credibility and employability of graduates
• Access to government schemes and agri-startup ecosystems
• Eligibility advantages in competitive examinations and research opportunities
• Exposure to industry-linked training and innovation pipelines

Leadership Perspective

Chancellor A. Varada Reddy described the achievement as a defining moment for the institution, stating that ICAR accreditation validates the university’s academic quality and opens global pathways for students.

Strengthening Warangal’s Education Hub

Launched in the 2020–21 academic session, the School of Agriculture at SR University has rapidly positioned itself as a centre for innovation and skill-based learning. With this recognition, Warangal further strengthens its reputation as an emerging hub for agricultural education and research.

As India continues to modernise its farming sector, institutions like SR University are expected to play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of agri-professionals—equipped not just with theoretical knowledge, but with the practical skills needed to transform the future of agriculture.

In an era where erratic weather patterns and shrinking farm margins are redefining agriculture, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation. Fresh off securing the top spot in the Agriculture and Allied Sector in the state’s latest Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF), the institution is now sharpening its focus on climate-smart and precision agriculture—two pillars expected to shape the future of farming.

A constituent college of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), the Vellayani campus has long been a cornerstone of agricultural education in southern India. Its latest recognition, officials say, is not just a badge of honour but a mandate to scale up research that directly responds to climate challenges faced by farmers.

“Climate variability is no longer a distant concern—it is a lived reality for farmers. Our research must evolve accordingly,” said Dean of Faculty Jacob John. He emphasised that the KIRF recognition reflects years of consistent work by faculty, students, and alumni in combining academic rigour with grassroots impact.

From Legacy to Leadership

Established as Kerala’s first agricultural college, the institution is currently celebrating its Platinum Jubilee year—a milestone that underscores its legacy while also marking a turning point. The college now aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, data-driven crop management, and AI-enabled advisory systems into its research framework.

Precision agriculture, which relies on data analytics to optimise inputs like water, fertilisers, and pesticides, is expected to be a major thrust area. By promoting site-specific farming practices, the college hopes to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact—a balance that has become increasingly crucial in the context of climate change.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

Another key priority is strengthening international collaborations. Officials indicate that partnerships with global research institutions will enable knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and access to advanced technologies. These collaborations are expected to accelerate innovation while ensuring that solutions are adapted to local conditions.

The institution also plans to expand its technology incubation ecosystem, providing a platform for agri-startups to develop and scale solutions. From farm mechanisation tools to climate-resilient crop varieties, the focus will be on translating research into real-world applications.

Driving Farmer-Centric Innovation

What sets the College of Agriculture, Vellayani apart is its emphasis on farmer-centric innovation. Rather than confining research to laboratories, the institution actively engages with farming communities to test and refine its solutions. This approach ensures that innovations are both practical and scalable.

The KIRF top ranking, officials believe, validates this model. It recognises not just academic excellence but also the institution’s contribution to sustainable agricultural development in the state.

As climate uncertainties continue to challenge traditional farming systems, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani appears ready to lead from the front—blending legacy with innovation, and local wisdom with global expertise.