Students Must Lead Sustainable Future: Telangana Governor at SKLTHU”
Telangana Ranks 2nd in Chilli, 3rd in Turmeric: Governor at Convocation”
India to Be 3rd Largest Economy by 2027: Big Statements at SKLTHU Event
Hyderabad, July 1, 2025 – “Students must become ambassadors of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development to shape the future of Indian agriculture and horticulture,” declared Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, as he delivered the Chancellor’s address at the Fourth Convocation of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU), held at the PJTSAU auditorium in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, on Tuesday.
In a speech that was both inspirational and visionary, the Governor underlined the growing importance of horticulture in national development and its role in ensuring food security, nutritional balance, and economic empowerment, especially in rural India. He emphasized that with the global climate crisis, post-harvest losses, and increasing market volatility, there is an urgent need to adopt innovative and sustainable agricultural practices supported by strong public-private partnerships, advanced infrastructure, and progressive policies.
India: A Global Horticulture Leader
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for smarter and more sustainable growth, Governor Varma highlighted that India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, with over 353 million tonnes of horticultural production annually—surpassed only by China. “We lead the world in bananas, mangoes, and papayas and are among the top producers of onions, ginger, and okra,” he said.
He went on to explain Telangana’s emerging leadership in horticulture. “With just 7% of the total agricultural area, Telangana contributes a remarkable 34% to the state’s agricultural output through horticulture alone. Crops are cultivated across 12.94 lakh acres, yielding over 61.64 lakh metric tonnes,” the Governor noted. Telangana currently ranks second in chilli production and third in turmeric, with mango exports expanding nationally and internationally.
Connecting Academia with the Field
In a noteworthy appeal, the Governor encouraged the university to take its expertise beyond the classroom and labs by engaging in off-campus training programs and field outreach initiatives. He specifically mentioned the tribal village Kondaparthi in S. Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu District, which has been adopted by the Raj Bhavan. With the university’s technical support, chilli and turmeric processing units have been established in the village, promoting local entrepreneurship and value addition.
Appreciating the Government of Telangana and SKLTHU for launching an Overseas Fellowship Programme, Governor Varma praised the initiative that allows meritorious students from agricultural and horticultural backgrounds to pursue fully funded M.S. programs in the USA, notably at Auburn University in Alabama. He called the program a game-changer in shaping global agricultural leaders from Telangana.
India’s Growth Story: From Scarcity to Surplus
The convocation’s Chief Guest, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, echoed the Governor’s sentiments and spoke about India’s transformation from a food-deficient nation to one of self-sufficiency and export strength.
Quoting projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said, “India is expected to become the third-largest global economy by 2027, trailing only the United States and China.” Dr. Pathak called for a shift in national priorities towards inclusive agricultural growth, better income for farmers, and sustainable use of natural resources.
He highlighted the role of technology and innovation in improving crop yields, reducing cultivation costs, and addressing post-harvest challenges. Referring to the Economic Survey 2024–25, Dr. Pathak said agriculture has recorded an average annual growth rate of 5% from 2016–17 to 2022–23, now contributing nearly 20% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Vice Chancellor Dr. D. Raji Reddy delivered the welcome address and presented the university’s progress report, showcasing SKLTHU’s academic, research, and extension milestones.
Outstanding students were honoured with gold medals for their academic excellence across undergraduate and postgraduate programs:
B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture
- Gudise Chaithanya received four gold medals, including:
- SKLTGHU Gold Medal
- Dr. Sri Haribabu (Retd. Prof. Hort.) Gold Medal
- Vishwa Shanti Gold Medal
- Dr. Nagesh Marri (1983 APAU Alumnus) Gold Medal
- Korra Roshini won the Dr. Komma Chandrasekhar Reddy Memorial Gold Medal for excellence in Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology.
- Kothakapu Mounika Reddy bagged the Smt. Gajjala Lakshmi & Sri Bali Reddy Gold Medal for topping in core Horticulture courses.
B.Sc. (Hons) Forestry
- Togita Renuka and Sudarsi Ramya were conferred gold medals for academic distinction.
M.Sc. (Horticulture)
- Atchuta Monika Sri Nagini was awarded two gold medals for overall academic excellence.
- Sindhuja K received the Smt. & Sri Boga Chandraiah & Gangu Bai Memorial Gold Medal in Vegetable Science.
- Ranjith Kumar was honoured with the Smt. Kesar Annamwar Memorial Gold Medal in Plantation, Spices, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops.
- Disha S.K received the Nova Icon Gold Medal in Fruit Science.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by several notable personalities from the agricultural and academic community, including:
- Dr. Alda Janaiah, Vice Chancellor, PJTSAU
- Dr. Jnana Prakash, Vice Chancellor, PVNRTVU
- Dr. R.K. Mathur, Director, Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR)
- Dr. A. Bhagwan, Registrar
- Dr. J. Cheena, Dr. Seenivasan, Dr. Prasanth, Dr. Saidaiah, Suresh, and Laxmi Narayana
Faculty members, parents, students, and members of the academic council also participated in the convocation, making it a memorable and inspirational day for the graduates and the university.
