The event featured renowned agripreneur and Niche Group Chairman Harisharan Devgan as the chief guest, who urged students and researchers to embrace organic farming, adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), and transform agriculture into a driver of national development. The seminar also witnessed large-scale recruitment opportunities for PhD scholars and the unveiling of ambitious pharmaceutical and renewable energy initiatives by Niche Group.
Addressing a packed auditorium, Devgan described himself as a farmer at heart and expressed pride in being the son of a farmer. Reflecting on his agricultural journey that began nearly two decades ago with organic pomegranate cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, he stressed that farming is not merely a profession but a responsibility toward nature and society.
He warned that excessive dependence on chemical-based farming has severely damaged soil fertility and environmental health. According to him, a return to organic and natural farming practices is essential for preserving agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Devgan highlighted his own agricultural model, which includes the management of a large cattle shelter housing thousands of cows. Organic manure is produced from cow dung, while natural pesticides are prepared from cow urine. He said these practices help maintain soil fertility, reduce cultivation costs, and improve farmers’ income while contributing to a healthier society.
Encouraging students to take pride in agriculture, he said there should never be hesitation in identifying oneself as a farmer. He emphasized that successful organic farming requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to agricultural transformation rather than merely following trends.
Expanding on the future of agriculture, Devgan said farmers must move beyond the traditional focus on crop production and embrace value addition, processing, branding, and international marketing. He noted that sustainable growth in agriculture depends on creating products that can compete in corporate and global markets.
Responding to questions from students, he advised aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs to carefully analyze weather trends from the previous five years and future climate projections before launching agricultural ventures. He stressed that businesses should be built on thorough research and preparation rather than incomplete knowledge.
The discussion also focused extensively on the role of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. Devgan stated that AI is not a threat but a powerful tool that can help individuals become self-reliant and significantly improve productivity. He encouraged farmers to integrate AI into their operations and urged small farmers to work collectively through cluster-based models while leveraging technology for better decision-making and efficiency.
He cautioned that failure to adopt emerging technologies could leave farmers trapped in cycles of dependency, uncertainty, and recurring economic challenges.
During the seminar, Devgan also highlighted the expanding role of Niche Group in the healthcare sector. He announced that Niche Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals Limited (NAPL) is actively working on the development of affordable treatments for serious diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.
He revealed that the company is collaborating with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) on hemp-based pharmaceutical research. The partnership is focused on developing advanced therapies aimed at providing effective and affordable treatment options for patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
“Timely and cost-effective treatment can make quality healthcare more accessible for millions of families,” Devgan said while outlining the company’s healthcare vision.
In addition to pharmaceutical research, he stated that Niche Group plans substantial investments in renewable energy and biofuel projects, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and energy security.
A major highlight of the event was the recruitment initiative conducted for doctoral researchers. Hundreds of PhD scholars from different parts of the country participated in interviews and interactions with Niche Group experts, with many candidates being selected for opportunities in agriculture and biotechnology.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of CSKHPKV described entrepreneurs such as Harisharan Devgan as a source of inspiration for students. He noted that the seminar represented a strong collaboration between industry and academia, particularly because it combined knowledge-sharing with direct employment opportunities for young researchers.
Supreme Court advocate Shabanand Dalei and Adarsh Singh were also present at the seminar. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Deshraj Chaudhary.
The seminar concluded on a note of optimism and determination, highlighting the potential of Indian agriculture to drive economic growth, healthcare innovation, and technological advancement. Through its activities in organic farming, pharmaceutical research, renewable energy, biofuels, water conservation, education, and farmer welfare, Niche Group presented a model that links agricultural development with broader national progress.
The event underscored the belief that sustainable farming, scientific innovation, and strategic investment can strengthen India’s agricultural foundation while creating opportunities for future generations. Harisharan Devgan’s message reinforced the view that a clear vision, technological adaptation, and commitment to rural development can play a transformative role in shaping the nation’s future.
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