While speaking at the 29th convocation of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, deemed India's first agricultural university, in Pantnagar, President Pranab Mukherjee emphasized on the need to devise ways to boost agricultural productivity and make India a food sovereign country.
"I congratulate all of you in remembrance of a great visionary Govind Ballabh Pant. I hope all of you will contribute in making the nation a food sovereign country," Mukherjee said. 
"By 2030, the world will need at least 50 % more agricultural produce than it needed in 2004. Scholars and scientists like those from this prestigious institute will have to work hard to make ends meet for the people of the country," Mukherjee said.
Apart from the President, Uttarakhand governor KK Paul and state chief minister Harish Rawat were also present at the ceremony.
Rawat said that Indian soil is already impoverished and becoming devoid of even micronutrients. The carbon content is declining rapidly in the soil which is a dangerous sign. We need to work in a very systematic and efficient manner to fill the void.
While addressing the students, Rawat further said that it is up to bright minds like you to enhance the quality of research and development in the agricultural sector. We need to get ahead of times and ensure food security for the people of this country.
Besides PhD degrees, more than 50 medals were awarded to students from various streams including food technology, forestry, horticulture, home science, Biotechnology, information technology and others.
A total of 15 students were awarded the vice-chancellor's gold medal followed by silver (15) and bronze (13). The Chancellor's gold medal was awarded to one Krishna Murari for overall excellence and performance.
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