Guv urges agriculture varsities to enlighten farmers on FDI benefits

He even appealed to agriculture universities to step in and convey the same to farmers of the benefits of FDI in retail.u00a0"The agriculture universities in the state, along with industries, have to come forward and see how the new FDI in retail would help farmers," said Governor K Sankarnarayanan, while addressing a gathering at the University of Pune (UoP).

Following thy footsteps: Governor K Sankarnarayanan, along with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, addresed a gathering at the UoP yesterday. PIC/ Krunal Gosavi

"The farmers are facing many challenges while trying to grow more crops in the limited available land, as well as limited area under irrigation, said Shankarnarayanan. "The proposed FDI in retail will only favour farmers," he added.u00a0

Mahatma Phule's Statue unveiled
The Governor unveiled au00a012-feet statue of social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule at the UoP's campus. CM Prithviraj Chavhan, Public Works and Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Dr W N Gade, UoP Vice- Chancellor, officiating registrar Dr C M Chitale were also present at the function.

While remembering the work of Mahatma Phule, Chavan said, "Mahatma Phule and his wife Savitribai had started the first girls' school in the country way back in 1848. The couple devoted their whole life to women and adult education. But it took 150 long years to implement the Right To Education Act in the country, which has assured right of education to every children." u00a0