Graduating students attending the 56th, 57th and 58th Combined Convocation of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University at Rajendra Nagar Sports Complex in Hyderabad on Monday.
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G.
The Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) on Monday hosted its 56th, 57th, and 58th convocations and handed over graduation degrees to 2,135 students, 480 postgraduate students, and 129 Ph.D. scholars. Gold medals were awarded to six Ph.D. scholars, 26 postgraduate and 64 undergraduate students.
Delivering the convocation address, TATA-Cornell Institute of Agriculture and Nutrition director Prabhu Pingali spoke about India’s journey from food deficit in the 1960s to a food-exporting nation now, due to the Green Revolution. However, he pointed out that the country still lags in the production of pulses and coarse grains, resulting in nutritional deficiencies among a large section of the population.
He emphasised the need to change cultivation practices, cropping patterns and agricultural policies. Mr. Pingali also stressed that advanced technologies, digital systems, and extension services must be made accessible to small and marginal farmers, and agricultural policies that promote crop diversification must be formulated.
Noting that globalisation has significantly changed food habits and western dietary patterns are influencing Indian consumers, he said planning should align with changing consumer food habits while ensuring nutritional security for the population.
TATA-Cornell Institute of Agriculture and Nutrition director Prabhu Pingali and PJTAU Vice-Chancellor Aldas Janaiah at the Combined Convocation on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G.
Vice-Chancellor Aldas Janaiah, presenting the convocation report, explained the decisions in the areas of teaching, research and extension. For the first time, 15% of undergraduate seats were specially reserved for the children of agricultural labourers and the fee for special quota seats has been reduced from ₹10 lakh to ₹5 lakh, he said. Under the ‘Scientists at farmers’ doorstep’ programme, scientists visited 1,200 villages and interacted with farmers, and new agricultural colleges have been established in Kodangal, Nizamabad, and Huzurnagar.
Mr. Pingali was conferred with an honorary doctorate at the convocation.
Gannerapu Navya (B.Tech, Agricultural Engineering) bagged six gold medals, Snehalatha B.Sc. (Agriculture) secured seven gold medals and Maram Sanjana bagged five gold medals.
Published – February 09, 2026 08:15 pm IST
