SGRR University Organizes Youth Dialogue on Transforming Hill Agriculture in Uttarakhand

The School of Agricultural Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, organized a one-day dialogue program on the theme “Youth Dialogue on Transforming Hill Agriculture in Uttarakhand: Prospects and Potential of Aromatic Plants.” The event highlighted the immense opportunities of medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation in the hill regions as a pathway for employment generation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. More than 300 students actively participated in the program.

The program was inaugurated jointly by Dr. Pratap Singh Panwar, Vice President, State Medicinal Plants Board, Uttarakhand (Chief Guest); Dr. Nripendra Chauhan, Director, Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP) and CEO, State Medicinal Plants Board (Guest of Honour); and Prof. (Dr.) Kumud Saklani, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Shri Guru Ram Rai University.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Panwar emphasized the vast potential of medicinal plants such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Sarpagandha, and Shatavari in Uttarakhand. He stated that large-scale promotion of these crops could integrate farmers into mainstream income generation. Women self-help groups, he added, can develop value-added products such as herbal teas, essential oils, and skin-care products, creating local brands and enhancing rural livelihoods.

Dr. Chauhan, Guest of Honour, encouraged youth to adopt organic farming and scientific cultivation of medicinal plants such as Aloe vera, Stevia, and Lemongrass. He underlined the global demand for organic fruits, vegetables, pulses, and herbal products, and urged students to take up agripreneurship projects that could establish Uttarakhand as a hub of herbal and organic farming.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Kumud Saklani, Vice Chancellor, informed that under the guidance of Hon’ble President, Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj, the university is actively engaged in projects promoting organic farming. The large tracts of land under Shri Darbar Sahib have already been successfully brought under organic cultivation, serving as a model for the entire state.

Conducting the program, Dr. Priyanka Bankoti, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, highlighted that such initiatives expose students to real market opportunities and prepare them for emerging challenges in agriculture. She extended a formal vote of thanks to all guests and participants.

The event also received strong support from the Dr.Hitendra Chauhan,Dr.Shagun,Dr.Girish,Dr.AKSaxena,Mr.Amit Bhatt,Mr.Atul Student Council of the School of Agricultural Sciences, who contributed significantly to its successful organization. The council comprises President Sarthak Raturi, Vice President Kanishk Rawat, Secretary Rimjhim Bhadula, Joint Secretary Saurabh Chauhan, Treasurer Anurag Negi, Cultural Secretary Preeti Mahar, Sports Secretary Shubham Bisht, and Historian Mannat Raturi.Anchoring was Coordinated by Ms Kavita and Ms Sakhi. Their enthusiastic involvement ensured smooth coordination and vibrant participation, making the program a memorable and inspiring event for all.