Chief minister Nitish Kumar hands a student her degree at the convocation ceremony of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. Picture by Amit Kumar

Nitish Kumar on Tuesday stressed the need of more avenues for people professionally engaged in agriculture.

He underlined measures taken by the state government through the agriculture road map for an overall development of the sector and for enhancement of productivity.

Addressing an impressive turnout of students and employees of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, on the occasion of the varsity’s first convocation ceremony, Nitish pointed out the immense possibilities of agriculture.

Nitish mentioned an event in 2007 when he was embarrassed at the residence of the Prime Minister during a meeting with agriculture experts.

“They pointed at me while referring to Bihar as a state which produces less quantity of paddy and other crops. I felt bad but decided to put things into order. The road map was created,” he recalled.

The chief minister also appreciated efforts taken by BAU, Sabour, for the cause of agriculture and allied sectors. He said the varsity has developed a hybrid maize variety for farmers, which would harvest in 72 days.

“On my repeated requests to the vice-chancellor of the varsity, M.L. Choudhary, I was informed that scientists and scholars of the university have conducted detailed study on climatic changes and adverse affect of agriculture. The research would help BAU to develop hybrid seeds that would thrive even in unfavourable climatic conditions,” he said.

Thirteen gold medals and 452 certificates were awarded to passouts for excellent performance. The varsity also awarded three teachers.