The Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agriculture University (VNMAU), named after the pioneer of the green revolution in Parbhani and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vasantrao Naik, should focus on agricultural research for the progress of farmers,” opined Maharashtra Governor and VNMAU Chancellor CP Radhakrishnan.

He was speaking during the 26th convocation ceremony of VNMAU here on Thursday. State Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil was conferred with a PhD degree on the occasion.

Radhakrishnan further said that the agricultural sector has been affected due to global warming. The agriculture university should focus on developing seeds that provide double the agricultural production while being environmentally friendly. The professors and students should engage in research on such seeds.

"The Indian agriculture system is gradually heading toward globalization. The country has become an important player in agricultural exports worldwide, benefiting importing nations. Since independence, agricultural production in the country has increased from 50 million tons to 332 million tons," Radhakrishnan said.

VNMAU has produced several brilliant students at the graduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels. The university has initiated skill development, research and development, and extension education, gaining global recognition by participating in various national and international events, he added.

Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Guardian Minister Meghna Bordikar, Pasha Patel, Dr. Indramani, MLA Rahul Patil, Ratnakar Gutte, Rajesh Vitekar, Virendrakumar Triwari, Dr. Santosh Venikar, and others were present.