Inauguration of the 118th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition at Pantnagar

Pantnagar, October 10, 2025 – The 118th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition at Govind
Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar was inaugurated by the Hon’ble
Governor of Uttarakhand and Chancellor, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh.
On this occasion, the former Union Minister of State for Defence and Tourism and Member
of Parliament Mr. Ajay Bhatt, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister of Uttarakhand Mr. Ganesh
Joshi, Board of Management members, MLA from Rudrapur Mr. Shiv Arora, former MLA from Kichha
Mr. Rajesh Shukla, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Madhuri Barthwal and Mayor of Rudrapur Mr. Vikas
Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Open University Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani, ViceChancellor of Soban Singh Jeena University Prof. Satpal Singh Bisht, and Vice-Chancellor GBPUAT
Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan and many other dignitaries were present.
The event commenced with the Hon’ble Governor inaugurating the newly renovated
auditorium and a semiconductor lab, developed with the cooperation of university alumnus Mr.
Vivek Nautiyal.
In his inaugural address, Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh expressed his delight at the grand
organization of the 118th Farmers’ Fair and congratulated the university for achieving a record
number of 503 exhibition stalls. He stated that the land of Pantnagar has already brought about a
Green Revolution, and further revolutions in areas like honey, aromatic plants, and millets will also
emerge from Pantnagar.
He expressed happiness over the enthusiasm of students and scientists towards innovation
during his visit to the fair. He was especially pleased to see students utilizing Artificial Intelligence.
He reaffirmed the vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047, as envisioned by the Hon’ble
Prime Minister.
The Governor highlighted the immense potential in agriculture through the use of modern
digital technologies like semiconductors, drones, sensors, and GPS. He remarked that while India
missed the industrial revolution during the Mughal and British rule, we now have the opportunity to
achieve it. He emphasized the importance of promoting startups and entrepreneurship. He
appreciated the contribution of a university alumnus who donated equipment worth 10 crore to ₹10 crore to
the university for setting up a semiconductor lab. Over for 40,000 students have graduated from the
university, and each one, he said, is a brand ambassador. He stressed that even with limited
resources, great achievements are possible through dedication. The Governor noted that it is a
matter of great pride that the university has been honored three times with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Agricultural Award. Pantnagar is uniquely recognized for its “Pantnagar Seeds.” He added, “If
we protect agriculture, agriculture will protect us.” He also highlighted various government schemes
such as the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Drone Didi Yojana, and women-focused self-help group
initiatives. He emphasized the need for the technologies developed by scientists to reach the last
farmer and the importance of promoting chemical-free production through natural farming.
Special Guest Mr. Ajay Bhatt praised the university’s efforts for the welfare of farmers and
congratulated the university on the successful organization of the fair. He said Pantnagar University
serves as an inspiration for the farmers of the country. The technical achievements and research
being conducted here are playing a vital role in making farmers self-reliant. He stated that the
farmer is the key player in realizing the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) by the
Prime Minister.
Special Guest Mr. Ganesh Joshi, in his address, recalled how India once had to import poorquality grains, but today, the country not only feeds its population of 1.4 billion but also exports
food grains to 89 countries. He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor’s efforts in improving the university’s
ranking from 361st to 209th. He highlighted government initiatives, including the PM-Kisan scheme
for farmer empowerment. He spoke about new policies for crops like dragon fruit and millets and emphasized developing farming of makhana and water chestnut in Uttarakhand. Due to the
International Year of Millets in 2023, the global demand for millets has surged, and among all such
grains, finger millet (mandua) now has the highest minimum support price (MSP). He noted that
even though the cultivated area in Uttarakhand has reduced by around 2 lakh hectares since the
formation of the state, food grain production has increased by 3 lakh tonnes.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan, while welcoming all the guests, highlighted
the significance of the Pantnagar Farmers’ Fair, mentioning the presence of over 500 exhibition
stalls. He stated that the university’s scientists and students are working with full dedication and are
always ready to disseminate developed technologies to farmers.
Director of Extension Education Dr. Jitendra Kwatra, in his opening remarks, informed that
more than 500 stalls have been installed, and this year, the fair is expected to witness a footfall of
30,000–35,000 farmers. The stalls display agricultural machinery, organic products, animal
husbandry innovations, beekeeping, dairy products, new varieties of flowers and vegetables, drone
technologies, sensor-based agricultural systems, and smart farming tools. Women’s self-help groups
also showcased homemade products such as jams, jellies, papads, pickles, bakery items, vadis, and
handicrafts.
Director of Research Dr. Subhash Chandra proposed the vote of thanks. On this occasion,
various agricultural publications were released by dignitaries, and 12 progressive farmers selected
through Krishi Vigyan Kendras from different districts of Uttarakhand were honored. At Gandhi Hall,
the event was attended by the District Magistrate of Udham Singh Nagar, Senior Superintendent of
Police, SDM, Deans, Directors, faculty members, farmers, students, scientists, teachers, officers,
representatives from various companies, and a delegation of 9 students from France.

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