Lucknow/ Bhopal June 26, 2026

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted saplings at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar on Friday, underlining the importance of environmental conservation alongside agricultural development. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also greeted Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the occasion.

According to an agency report, Chouhan took part in the plantation drive during his visit to the university campus in Udham Singh Nagar district. The programme was attended by university officials and others associated with the institution. The minister planted saplings as part of efforts to promote greenery and encourage wider public participation in environmental protection.

The plantation programme formed one of the key engagements during Chouhan's visit to the country's first agricultural university, which has played a significant role in advancing agricultural education, research and extension services since its establishment. The university has long been recognised for developing improved farming practices and technologies that have benefited farmers across the country.

During his interaction with university students, Chouhan shared a simple but important message on sustainable farming. According to the agency report, he said, "Save the health of the soil, increase organic carbon," and urged farmers to adopt practices that improve soil fertility and enhance organic carbon levels. He stressed that healthy soil is the foundation of productive agriculture and long-term food security.

The agency report said the minister's participation in the plantation drive reflected the Centre's continued emphasis on combining sustainable agricultural growth with environmental responsibility. Tree plantation campaigns have increasingly become part of public outreach initiatives, with governments encouraging citizens, educational institutions and community organisations to contribute to increasing green cover. The event also highlighted the role educational and research institutions can play in promoting awareness about climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Agricultural universities are increasingly focusing on research related to climate-resilient farming, efficient water management and environmentally friendly cultivation practices to address emerging challenges facing the farm sector.

Pantnagar University has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation for decades and continues to serve as a major centre for training, research and technology dissemination. Besides academic activities, the institution regularly organises programmes aimed at promoting sustainable farming, environmental awareness and community participation.

Officials said such plantation drives not only help improve the local environment but also reinforce the message that conservation and agricultural progress must go hand in hand. The initiative is expected to encourage students, researchers and local communities to actively participate in similar campaigns