Two-day Agri Alumni Meet 2023 gets underway at AAU

HT Correspondent

JORHAT, Feb 11: The state minister for agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary and border areas development Atul Bora has called for agripreneurship to take the state forward on the path of development and progress.

Speaking as the chief at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day Agri Alumni Meet 2023 at the campus of the Assam Agricultural University here on Saturday, the minister said that it was heartening that agri and allied sector entrepreneurs have found a place among the newly instituted Assam Gaurav awards.

Bora said that the government is keen to encourage such enterprising ventures in the agri sector and he hopes that more youths will come up to start business in agri and allied fields.

The minister on the occasion said that the agri sector has an important role to play in making Assam one among the top five developing states in India, a goal set by the chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Stating about the need for infrastructure development in the agri sector, Bora said that the government has taken several initiatives on that front.

He said that the government has been in touch with banks to extend support and give loans to upcoming agri entrepreneurs.

The minister also mentioned that the University has undertaken various initiatives to boost entrepreneurship and he hopes that the process would get further momentum.

Speaking about the role played by AAU in the development of agri and allied sectors, Bora said that Krishi Vigyan Kendras significantly contribute and benefit the farmers a lot.

The minister, expressing concern over the climate change happening across the globe, said that new methods and technologies have to be evolved to tackle the challenges.

He further said that the varsity has already taken initiative in this regard and hopes that the transformation will take place soon.

Addressing the alumni, he said their visit to their alma mater revived memories and provided an opportunity to meet former students from across the country and abroad.

The Alumni meet organised as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of The College of Agriculture was earlier inaugurated by the AAU VC Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by dean, Faculty of Agriculture Dr Jayanta Deka, who is the president of the organising committee of the event.