LUDHIANA, JANUARY 27: The Convocation and Prize Distribution function of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (COAE&T), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), was held, today in the Pal Auditorium. Dr B.C. Gupta, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, was the chief guest while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, presided over.
In his convocation address, Dr. Gupta said, growth of agriculture sector is vital for Indian economy as it leads to faster growth rate in other sectors. Since majority of the business sectors are associated with agriculture, directly or indirectly, the growth and development of agri-business assumes greater importance for which Agricultural Engineering plays a crucial role.
Highlighting that farm mechanization was pivotal for the green revolution in the past, Dr. Gupta said the problems of small and marginal in the post-green revolution era, can only be solved by developing suitable technologies. He further said that the climate change has but additional burden on the shoulders of agricultural engineers to develop suitable technologies for precision agriculture.
Dr. Gupta also highlighted the need to develop technologies for safe storage and processing of farm produce. The storage of grains, vegetables and fruits require massive investments and latest technologies, he said adding that agricultural engineers are expected to contribute extensively in this area. Massive opportunities exists for young engineers for developing efficient technologies for post-harvest processing, he said. Asking the young graduates to work hard to grab the enormous opportunities available Dr. Gupta said India can shine in the agri-business sector and can hopefully become the ‘food factory’ for the world. He congratulated the students who received degrees and awards and motivated them to be good citizens.
Earlier, Dr. P.P.S.Lubana, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. In his convocation report, Dr. Lubana highlighted that College has strengthened its professional tie-ups with leading industrial and educational institutes of the world. The College has signed MoU for collaboration with New Holland Fiat India, Tractor and Farm Equipment (TAFE), CLAAS India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Moscow State University of Environment Engineering and Moscow State Agricultural Engineering University.
He also informed that to reap the benefits of Information Technology, the Computer Centre of the College has been upgraded to School of Information Technology. Talking about the future plans of the College, Dr. Lubana said initiatives would be taken to develop better post harvest technologies and entrepreneurship programmes for value added products using novel and innovative ways. Dr. Lubana informed that the degrees were awarded to the students who passed out during the years 2005-10.
PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon awarded degrees to the students. A total of 248 degrees in B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering), three Gold Medals, 72 Merit Certificates and 99 College Merit Colours including College Colour were awarded to the students. In addition, 11 Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE) Sivasailam awards and 13 running trophies were given during the convocation.
