03-10-2026:The 120th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition was inaugurated at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, by the Governor

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

120th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition inaugurated at Pantnagar

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 03 October, 2026

The 120th All India Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition was inaugurated on Saturday at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, by the Governor of Uttarakhand and Chancellor of the University, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.). Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Ganesh Joshi, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap, Director Research Dr. S.K. Verma and Director Extension Education Dr. Jitendra Kwatra were also present on the occasion. Following the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor accompanied the Governor and the Chief Guest through various stalls set up by different colleges, innovation-based initiatives and Self-Help Groups showcasing a wide range of agricultural and locally produced products.

Addressing the inaugural session, the Governor said that to give a new direction to 21st-century agriculture, technology, research and innovation must reach the farmers’ fields. He said agriculture will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047, and along with increasing agricultural productivity, special emphasis must be placed on enhancing farmers’ incomes. Paying his respects to the land of Pantnagar University, the Governor said that the region, which was once largely covered by forests and inhabited by wildlife, was transformed into an agricultural landscape through the hard work and contribution of farmers and generations who settled and cultivated the area. He expressed gratitude to all those who contributed through their dedication and hard work to making this region a centre of agriculture.

The Governor said that the 120th edition of the Farmers’ Fair carries with it the rich experience and legacy of 119 previous editions. Describing the enthusiastic participation of farmers, students and researchers as encouraging, he said the fair provides an important platform for bringing together scientists, farmers, youth, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies. He noted that Pantnagar University has made a significant contribution towards making the country self-reliant in food production. He said the time has now come for the University to move beyond “food surplus” towards “income surplus” through agriculture, with the objective of creating greater economic opportunities for farmers.

Highlighting the need for three major agricultural revolutions, the Governor laid emphasis on the Honey Revolution, Aroma Revolution and Shree Anna (Millets) Revolution. He said Uttarakhand has immense potential in natural honey, aromatic and medicinal crops, and millets, and that the State can play a significant role in these sectors. He called upon farmers to embrace Artificial Intelligence, drones, quantum computing, semiconductors and other emerging technologies to transform agriculture.

The Governor said that instead of keeping away from technology, farmers should develop a partnership with it. Citing the examples of the expansive vision of Lord Hanuman and the qualities associated with Lord Ganesha, he encouraged farmers to think big and bring transformative changes to agriculture. He stressed the need to strengthen the concept of “Lab to Land”, stating that scientific research can deliver its true value only when it moves beyond laboratories and reaches the farmer’s field. He also emphasized strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras as centres for addressing local agricultural challenges and ensuring that scientific knowledge reaches farmers across all districts of the State.

The Governor said that the modern farmer must not remain confined to production alone, but should also develop an understanding of packaging, quality, branding, markets, logistics and supply chains. He appreciated the efforts of women and Self-Help Groups in Uttarakhand in adopting modern practices in processing, packaging, marketing and drone technology for local products. He said that innovation in the field, technology in the hands of farmers, market access for local products and employment opportunities in rural areas are among the pressing needs of the present time.

The Governor said that the path to the development of Uttarakhand and India runs through the fields. He called upon farmers, scientists, youth and entrepreneurs to make collective efforts towards making agriculture more profitable, sustainable and technology-enabled. He emphasized the importance of greater participation of women, the spirit of Nation First and national unity in achieving inclusive development, and called upon everyone to move forward with renewed resolve.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Ganesh Joshi said that the true benefits of agricultural research can be realised only when scientific technologies and research reach farmers’ fields. He emphasized strengthening the spirit of “Lab to Land” and ensuring regular interaction between agricultural scientists and farmers. He said Uttarakhand has immense potential in horticulture, high-density apples, kiwi, dragon fruit and millets. Traditional crops such as Koda and Jhangora can also be connected with modern markets to create new opportunities and improve farmers’ incomes.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap welcomed all the dignitaries and said that the primary objective of Pantnagar Agricultural University is to address farmers’ challenges through agricultural education, research and extension. He said agricultural research can be considered truly meaningful only when the technologies developed and their outcomes reach the farmers’ fields and provide them with tangible benefits.

At the outset, Director Extension Education Dr. Jitendra Kwatra informed that more than 560 stalls have been set up at the fair and that an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 farmers are expected to visit this year. The stalls showcase agricultural machinery, organic products, animal husbandry, beekeeping, dairy products, new varieties of flowers and vegetables, drone technology, sensor-based farming systems and smart agricultural equipment. Women Self-Help Groups are also showcasing a range of household and local products, including jams, jellies, papads, pickles, bakery products, badi and handicraft items.

At the conclusion, Director Research Dr. S.K. Verma proposed the vote of thanks. On the occasion, the dignitaries on the dais released various agricultural publications and felicitated nine progressive farmers selected through Krishi Vigyan Kendras from different districts of Uttarakhand.

The event was attended by Dr. Bhagwati Prasad Bhatt, Vice-Chancellor, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal; Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani, Vice-Chancellor, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani; officers of the district administration; Senior Superintendent of Police; Deans; Directors; faculty members; farmers; students; scientists; teachers; officials; and representatives of various companies.
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