At the 14th convocation of Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (YSPUHF), Nauni, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla underscored the university’s strong research credentials, citing 334 publications, 10 patents, and 11 national and international MoUs.
He praised the institution’s growing prominence in medicinal plant research, biocontrol, and allied scientific fields, and commended the exceptional performance of students, especially the girl students who secured top distinctions.
Presiding over the ceremony held in Solan district today, the Governor conferred 12 gold medals on meritorious students, including nine awarded to girls.
He also distributed 518 merit certificates and 855 degrees in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines.
Congratulating the graduating students and their families, he said the convocation marked not only academic achievement but also a renewed responsibility toward farmers, society, and the nation.
Shukla appreciated the university’s contributions in promoting high-value crops such as dragon fruit, avocado, blueberry, macadamia nut and coffee.
He acknowledged YSPUHF’s efforts to encourage natural farming practices aimed at reducing chemical dependency and improving long-term soil health. He said the university’s research and outreach were critical to strengthening the agricultural economy of Himachal Pradesh.
The Governor urged students to uphold values of service, ethics and responsibility as they begin their professional journeys.
Calling upon them to become innovators and job creators, he emphasised the need for young scientists and professionals to contribute meaningfully to the rural economy. Referring to his statewide anti-drug campaign, he appealed to the youth to take an active role in building a drug-free Himachal.
He appreciated the university’s involvement in awareness programmes that reached thousands of students, farmers and community groups across the state.
Addressing the convocation as special guest, Agricultural Scientist Selection Board Chairman Dr Sanjay Kumar said the event celebrated learning, scientific inquiry, and the spirit of service inherent in horticulture and forestry. He reminded students that as alumni of an institution named after Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, they inherit a legacy rooted in self-reliance, sincerity and youth-led development.
He highlighted the significance of horticulture, forestry and allied sciences in sustaining rural livelihoods, particularly in a hill state like Himachal Pradesh.
He commended the university’s extensive extension network through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and regional research stations.
The new generation would drive India’s future by developing value-added products in horticulture, floriculture, agroforestry, biofuels, nutraceuticals, and bioplastics, he added.
He urged graduates to contribute actively to national missions including MIDH, NHM and the BioE3 policy.
YSPUHF, Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajeshwar Chandel welcomed the Governor and presented the annual report.
He informed that in the NIRF 2025 rankings, the university secured 20th position among agricultural universities, was placed in the 101–150 band in the university category and the 151–200 band overall. In the IIRF National Rankings, YSPUHF secured 11th position in the Agriculture and Horticulture category.
He added that through 3,766 extension activities, the Directorate of Extension Education and Krishi Vigyan Kendras benefitted nearly 89,344 farmers and stakeholders, while 494 training programmes were conducted with the participation of over 17,000 individuals.
The Governor also released several university publications on the occasion.