Jhansi: Minister for agriculture Surya Pratap Shahi said that there was an increase of approximately two lakh metric tonnes in food grain production in the state, and Bundelkhand was changing due to constant efforts and productive schemes. The minister was inaugurating the three-day North Regional Farmers’ fair at Banda Agriculture and Technology University on Thursday.While appreciating the growth of the university, Shahi said “The technologies being developed at the university should reach the farmers. The state govt is supporting various projects running at the university. The administration is to provide an edible oil processing unit to the university,” he said. He advised that the university should conduct research and efforts for long-term storage of mustard seeds.Renowned agricultural scientist Girish Prasad Dixit,director, Indian Pulses Research Institute was honoured with Agricultural Research Gaurav Award. Ten farmers of the region were also awarded for their contribution in agriculture and allied sectors. The Kakrua Self Help Group of women farmers from Lalitpur was honoured for its achievements in animal husbandry and milk production.Water conservationist Padma Shri Umashankar Pandey emphasised developing water conservation models to solve water issues. VC Prof SVS Raju highlighted achievements of the university in his address. tnn
