International conference on natural farming organized at Nauni University

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said that the farmers of Himachal Pradesh were showing keen interest in adopting natural farming and it was a matter of great contentment that other states were also coming forward to adopting this method of farming. 

He was addressing the two-day international conference on natural farming to enable sustainable food systems at Dr. Y.S. Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni in Solan district, today. Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat was also present on the occasion as a special guest and keynote speaker,

Shri Shukla lauded the contribution of Nauni University in promoting natural farming across the country. He also appreciated the role of Acharya Devvrat, who revolutionized natural farming in Himachal Pradesh. He said that the growing popularity of this system was quite evident from the fact that about 1.94 lakh farmers of 3584 panchayats were growing diverse crops naturally on 34342 hectares of land. 

The Governor said that NITI Aayog had also started the 'National Mission on Natural Farming' based on the model of Himachal Pradesh for the implementation of natural farming. “It is a matter of pride for a small state like Himachal that agricultural scientists, research scholars, tourists, farmers and agricultural officers from all over the country are visiting the models established in Himachal to get detailed information on natural farming”, said Shri Shukla.

He added that to understand the importance of natural farming, the government of India was constantly making efforts to promote it. The Central government had linked this method with the "Traditional Agriculture Development Scheme" and guidelines had been issued for its implementation.

"In the financial year 2024-25, around 36,000 new farmers will be connected to this system by adding 10 new farmers in every panchayat and they will be certified in natural farming through the portal. 10 new farmer-producer associations will be formed to empower the farmers and better marketing of their products", said the Governor.

Governor Acharya Devvrat congratulated the farmers of Himachal Pradesh for adopting natural farming and appreciated the efforts of scientists of the university for the promotion of natural farming. He highlighted the positive results of research done in this direction by various universities and said that this method of farming was necessary for future generations. He detailed the ill effects of global warming and the damage caused by the excessive use of urea and DAP to increase production. He emphasized on adopting natural farming instead of organic farming.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel said that Acharya Devvrat had started the natural campaign in Himachal. He thanked the Agriculture Department for their support in the successful implementation of this campaign in the state.

Dr. R.C. Aggarwal, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, New Delhi said that ICAR was providing all possible help for research and extension activities for natural farming. 

Prof. Allison M Loconto, Deputy Director, LISIS, INRAE, France congratulated the Nauni University for organizing the international conference and said that INRAE was working in the field of agriculture practice, marketing, certification and lowering the agrochemical dependency and much more.

President, of the Indian Ecological Society, Himachal Chapter Dr. Pradeep Kumar said the farmers of the state were adopting natural farming extensively.

 Director Extension, Education and Convener Organizing Committee Dr. Inder Dev, welcomed the Governors and Chairman, Organizing Committee Dr. S.K.Chauhan proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, Padam Shree Dr. Nek Ram and Vidyanand Sareik, Vice Chancellor of various universities and farmers were also present on the occasion.

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                Encourages lifelong learning and urges to contribute to nation's development

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today conferred degrees upon 333 students at the first convocation of Sardar Patel University (SPU), Mandi, where he was the Chief Guest. He also presented medals to 36 meritorious students, including 12 gold medalists.

While congratulating the graduates, the Governor highlighted the university’s commendable progress in a short span, including its phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the establishment of the Indian Knowledge Tradition Cell and the formation of various academic committees. He praised these initiatives as essential steps toward achieving the university’s vision.

Addressing the convocation, the Governor emphasized that the ceremony represents more than just the conferral of degrees. It marks a significant moment in students' lives, inspiring them as they embark on their future journeys. He stressed that education is a lifelong pursuit, urging students to continue expanding their knowledge. He noted that India's education system was rooted in intellectual, moral and spiritual growth and it aligns with the principles outlined in NEP 2020.

The Governor expressed optimism about the university's future, hoping it would emerge as one of the country's leading institutions in the near future. He remarked on India's youthful demographic, with over 55 percent of the population under 25 and highlighted the nation's economic potential. He said that by 2030, India was poised to become the third-largest economy, with the goal of achieving developed-nation status by 2047. He urged graduates to contribute not only to their own success but also for the progress of the country as well as the state.

Director of IIT, Ropar Rajiv Ahuja, serving as Guest of Honour, emphasized the pivotal role of research in the advancement of the university. He advocated for a multidisciplinary approach to education and underscored the need for high-quality, research-driven innovation to position India as a global leader. He also called for the integration of AI and drone technology in sectors such as agritech and food processing.

MLA and University Executive Council member, Chandra Shekhar, welcomed the Governor and called the convocation a historic milestone for the university. He urged graduates to face global challenges while remaining rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the country and the state. He also encouraged the university to commemorate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary with year-long programmes.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthy presented a report outlining the recent achievements and development efforts of the university. He expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his presence and continued support.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Divisional Commissioner, Mandi Rakhi Kehlon, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, professors and staff members of the University and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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   Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his one-day visit to Dehra Assembly constituency in Kangra district today, reviewed the region's development priorities and directed the officials to expedite various projects for early completion.

He asked to resolve issues of the forest department for construction of government college building at Dehra. In order to ensure speedy development of the area, he directed to establish a land bank in Dehra. Besides, he also asked for fast-track construction of circuit house, indoor stadium, SP office, critical care unit at Dehra hospital and offices for Public Works Department, Jal Shakti, and Electricity Board in Dehra.

The Chief Minister also gave directions to implement underground electricity cable project, accelerate road construction and optimal water source utilization in Dehra constituency.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that Kangra district was being developed as ‘tourism capital’ of the state on priority basis and under this project, various important projects had been proposed in Dehra Assembly constituency as well.

He directed to expedite work on construction of Zoological Park at Bankhandi and developing infrastructure around Pong Dam to boost tourism activities besides identifying potential tourist sites in the area.

MLA Sanjay Ratan, Congress leaders Surinder Mankotia and Pawan Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, SP Dehra Ashok Ratan and other senior officials from various departments attended the meeting.

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Will approach Supreme Court for directing Punjab in the matter

 Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Energy Department here today, emphasized on the need to assert Himachal Pradesh's rightful claims in the Court of Law to maximize benefits to the people of the State. He said that 110 MW Shanan Hydel Project in Jogindernagar must be handed over to Himachal Pradesh, as the lease period of this project in favour of Punjab has expired.

He said that the State Government would urge the Supreme Court to direct the Punjab Government to handover the project back to Himachal Pradesh before 31^st October this year. He said that the matter would also be taken up with the Government of India and Punjab Government to ensure prompt transfer of the project.

The State Government would also expedite the matter of securing Himachal Pradesh's legitimate rights in the BBMB, as adjudicated by the Supreme Court earlier, stated the Chief Minister. The State Government will leave no stone unturned to achieve this goal, he affirmed, adding that  a notice of non-compliance of the implementation agreement will be served to JSW Company regarding the 1045 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Power Project as well.

To safeguard the interests of the State in the hydel sector, it has been decided to ensure 12 percent, 18 percent and 30 percent royalty slabs in the power projects and after 40 years, the project will be handed over back to the State, reiterated the Chief Minister. He said that this step would also go a long way in strengthening the economy of the State.

Hydro power and tourism were the key sectors for the economy of the State and the present State Government was giving top priority to both these sectors. The State Government has envisioned making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant State by the year 2027 and positioning it among the most prosperous States in the country by 2032, stated the Chief Minister.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy, Principal Advisor to Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Law Sharad Kumar Lagwal, Managing Director HPSEBL Sandeep Kumar, Director Energy Harikesh Meena, Special Secretary Power Arindam Chaudhary and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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        AFD to fund Rs. 890 crore for climate risk reduction project in HP

To enhance weather data accuracy and improve response to climate-related challenges, the State government signed an MOU with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday late evening.

Under the agreement, 48 automatic weather stations will be installed across the state initially, providing real-time data to improve forecasting and preparedness, particularly for sectors like agriculture and horticulture. The network will later be expanded to the block level in a phased manner. Currently, 22 automatic weather stations are already operational, set up by the IMD. 

The Chief Minister stated that this network of weather stations would significantly improve the management of natural disasters like excessive rainfall, flash floods, snowfall and cloudbursts by enhancing early warning systems and emergency response capabilities.

Additionally, the State government reached a consensus with Agenc Française de Development (AFD) to provide Rs. 890 crore for a comprehensive disaster and climate risk reduction project. The Chief Minister said “The project will help transition the state towards a more resilient disaster management framework, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, governance, and institutional capacity.”

He said that the funds will be directed towards strengthening the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and both state and district Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Additional efforts include conducting Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (CCVA) at the village level and developing an Early Warning System (EWS) for various natural disasters. 

The initiative will also expand fire response capabilities by establishing new fire stations in unserved areas and upgrading existing ones to handle hazardous material emergencies. It aims to build bioengineering nurseries for landslide mitigation, create earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and improve last-mile connectivity through an enhanced satellite network. Continuous monitoring will be carried out through a dedicated software platform. Further support may be provided through a technical assistance grant from France under a bilateral cooperation agreement, said the Chief Minister.

Shri Sukhu stated “A state institute for disaster management would be established besides constructing helipads to enhance disaster response, and a new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) company would be formed to strengthen local disaster management efforts.”

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Congress leader Satpal Raizada, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Advocate General Anoop Rattan, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Advisor Planning Basu Sood, Special Secretary DC Rana, Abrassart Theresa, Camille Severac, Pauline Georges and Jyoti Vijayan Nair from AFD were also present in the meeting.  

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               Himachal selected amongst the six states under 'PM SHRI' Yojna, 180 schools to be covered: Guv

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla conferred State Awards upon 27 teachers and honoured one other with National Award for the year 2023 in a State-level function held at Raj Bhavan Shimla today on the occasion of the Teachers' Day. On the occasion, Lady Governor Janaki Shukla also presented saplings to all the award winners.

The Governor paid rich tributes to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as Teachers' Day throughout the country. He termed Dr. Radhakrishnan as a veracious personality, nobel laureate, academician and an able administrator.

While congratulating the award-winning teachers, the Governor said that the role of teachers, parents and students was important in the field of education. "Teachers should be sensitive towards their role of imparting education and values as only then, the process of teaching and learning could be effective," he said.

The Governor said that the importance of teachers as nation-builders has also been clearly expressed in the National Education Policy 2020. Many provisions have been made in this policy about the students and teachers relationship and the role of teachers in shaping the future of the youth, he said and added that Himachal has always performed excellently in the field of education and can perform much better by implementing the National Education Policy in letter and spirit.

Shri Shukla said that the Government of India has also approved a new centrally sponsored scheme Prime Minister's Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI). Under this scheme, provision has been made to strengthen the existing schools under NEP-2020 so as they emerge as exemplary institutions over the span of time and be a role model to be followed by other schools. It will nurture students in a way that they become engaged, productive, and contributing citizens for building an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by the National Education Policy 2020. He said that 180 schools of Himachal would be developed under this scheme. The Government of India has selected Himachal amongst the six states under the Star Project in which Himachal has been selected as 'Light House' along with three states.

He expressed contentment that under 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', students and teachers of the State were being taken on educational tours to different states and for the first time in the State, International tours have also been organised for building educational ability of teachers. He said that only teachers play a pivotal role to shape and enable the future generation to contribute towards nation building.

Expressing concern, he said that today many youth were in the clasp of drugs, which was a matter of concern for the future of the country. There was a need to start a strong campaign against drugs, he said, adding that students of schools, colleges and other educational institutions should be made aware about the ill-effects of drugs and the teachers could play an important role awaring the students about the ill-effects of drugs and make an important contribution to the entire society. He said that soon a strong anti-drug awareness campaign would be launched at the district level with the cooperation of the district administration along with the Panchayat representatives in which the Education department would also be associated.

The Governor also released a souvenir on the occasion.

Rohit Thakur, Education Minister welcomed the Governor and Lady Governor and said that the State Government was committed to the development of the education sector. He said that the life of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan has been inspirational as he dedicated his life towards prioritising and strengthening the education sector.

He said that for the first time a transparent policy has been adopted for the Teacher's Award in which spot evaluations as well as interviews were done so that this award could be given to the deserving person. He also recalled the contribution of the first Chief Minister of the State, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar in strengthening the education sector. He also showed concern about the low enrolment of children in government schools.

Ashish Butail, Chief Parliamentary Secretary said the Chief Minister has taken several concrete steps to raise the standard of education in the state. Students were being taken on a country tour and teachers have been sent on a foreign tour for exposure visits, he added. Apart from this, English medium schools were being opened in every assembly constituency, he remarked.

Earlier, the Education Minister felicitated the Governor and the Chief Parliamentary Secretary felicitated the Lady Governor.

Rakesh Kanwar, Education Secretary welcomed the Governor and Ashish Kohli, Director, Elementary Education proposed vote of thanks.

A cultural programme was also performed by the students of GSSS Portmore and RKMV.

Surender Chauhan, Mayor, Municipal Corporation Shimla, Uma Kaushal, Deputy Mayor, C.P. Verma, Secretary to Governor, Amarjeet Sharma, Director, Higher Education, Rajesh Sharma, State Project Director, Samagr Shiksha Abhiyan and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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