Agricultural Education, Research and Extension in Gujarat
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Date
2022-12-01
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Chainany E-Journal
Abstract
Agricultural activities involve the production of crops and animal husbandry for commercial or
sustenance purposes. In recent decades, the exponential rise in population has decreased the
availability of arable land or rendered it stagnant. This has necessitated greater efficiency in terms of
technology development and application of cutting-edge technologies in farm practices for cultivating
crops. India has a tropical environment with plentiful sun energy all year long, making it a good place to
grow crops year-round. Through river projects and smaller irrigation projects, there is a significant
opportunity to improve irrigation potential. Moreover, India benefits from an abundance of available
labor. Numerous advances have been made in the hydrological, mechanical, chemical, genetic, and
technical elements of agriculture. Governments are expected to spend more on agricultural
technological development and attract young talent in agricultural universities in different areas of
agricultural research and specialization. Also, planning, devising appropriate programmes and the
implementation of need-based agriculture needs to be prioritized in the changing climatic conditions.
In this regard, the present paper outlines some technological pathways for sustainable agricultural
development in the context of agricultural education, research and extension related issues and
practices in Gujarat. Agricultural production is significantly influenced by environmental conditions in
Gujarat. This relationship between farming and climate change necessitates innovative farm
technologies and the need for skilled agri-professionals to improve crop production. Agricultural
colleges and universities in Gujarat have been engaged in research on various issues, including
declining groundwater supplies and issues related to salinity in soil and water and have developed new
technologies to address these challenges. This also necessitates the emergence of a critical mass of
researchers, equipped with know-how related to innovative farm technologies in the agricultural
institutions in the state.