Today's school students will become tomorrow's farm scientists: PJATU VC

The College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, PJATU, celebrated Agricultural Education Day on Wednesday to mark the birthday of Bharat Ratna Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India and former Union Minister of Agriculture. The event urged school students to pursue careers in agriculture and its allied sectors once more, underscoring its critical role in India's development.

Chief Guest and Vice-Chancellor Dr. AldasJanaiah explained that the programme aimed at introducing students to various aspects of agriculture, thus motivating students to choose agricultural sciences after schooling. The government should consider including agriculture and food sciences as a subject in schools along with biology to build more awareness and interest among the young learners, he said.

A part of the celebrations were the stalls put up by various departments of the university. The latest practices in vermicompost, drip irrigation system, silkworm rearing, beekeeping, integrated crop protection methods, and seed technology aspects were exhibited. Advanced demonstrations included tissue culture, DNA fingerprinting, micro-propagation, speed breeding chambers, biofuels, and organic fertilizers. Latest machinery, storage facilities, hydroponics, indoor gardening and mushroom cultivation were also showcased by engineering, horticulture and community science departments.

Appreciating the commitment of the faculty and students in showcasing these practices and technologies, Dr Janaiah said such exposure would help school students understand the scope of agriculture as a modern, scientific, and sustainable career path. Registrar Dr Vidyasagar, Dean of Agriculture Dr Jhansirani, PG Dean Dr Eshwari, Associate Dean Dr Govardhan, HoDs, and students from more than 20 schools like Government School Shivarampally, Adarsh Vidyalaya, Asia Grammar School, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan attended the program. The staff, teaching and non-teaching, actively took part in making it a vibrant celebration of agricultural education and innovation.