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Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University's 27th Convocation Ceremony
: Chief Minister Fadnavis and Shrirang Lad conferred with honorary 'Doctor of Science' degrees
Parbhani, December 11, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and progressive farmer Shrirang Lad were today conferred with honorary 'Doctor of Science' degrees by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (VNMKV). This momentous occasion took place at the university's 27th convocation ceremony, which was approved by Governor Acharya Devvrat. The ceremony commenced at 3:30 PM at the university premises in Parbhani, with hundreds of students and farmers in attendance.
The degree was conferred upon Chief Minister Fadnavis in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to the field of agriculture and farmer development. He has played a crucial role in making Maharashtra emerge as a 'lighthouse state' in the Indian agricultural sector by implementing ambitious schemes such as the 'SMART Project', 'PoCRA', and the 'Maharashtra Agriculture AI Policy'. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vithalrao Bhikuji Dalvi, stated that various government schemes implemented for rural development have improved the lives of millions of farmers. "Chief Minister Fadnavis is not just a political leader, but a true guide for farmers. His policies have brought about an agricultural revolution in Marathwada," he noted.
Progressive farmer Shrirang Devba Lad received this honor for his 'Dada Lad Cotton Technology'. Lad, from Malsona (Taluka Paltan) in Parbhani district, developed an early pruning method to control the soft branches (monopodial) of cotton plants through farmer-based research since 2002-03. By using techniques such as square planting, high-density planting, drip irrigation, and mulching in combination, he developed a scientific and profitable technology for cotton cultivation, which has received national recognition. "This technology is not just mine, but belongs to all farmers. I was able to achieve this with the inspiration of the Chief Minister," Lad said at the ceremony.
At this convocation ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis also distributed the 'Farmer Scientist Award' suggested at the recently held Joint Agricultural Research Council meeting. Eleven progressive farmers were selected for this award, and they were given a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each and a certificate of honour. Two special awards were also announced for women farmer groups.
: Chief Minister Fadnavis and Shrirang Lad conferred with honorary 'Doctor of Science' degrees
Parbhani, December 11, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and progressive farmer Shrirang Lad were today conferred with honorary 'Doctor of Science' degrees by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (VNMKV). This momentous occasion took place at the university's 27th convocation ceremony, which was approved by Governor Acharya Devvrat. The ceremony commenced at 3:30 PM at the university premises in Parbhani, with hundreds of students and farmers in attendance.
The degree was conferred upon Chief Minister Fadnavis in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to the field of agriculture and farmer development. He has played a crucial role in making Maharashtra emerge as a 'lighthouse state' in the Indian agricultural sector by implementing ambitious schemes such as the 'SMART Project', 'PoCRA', and the 'Maharashtra Agriculture AI Policy'. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vithalrao Bhikuji Dalvi, stated that various government schemes implemented for rural development have improved the lives of millions of farmers. "Chief Minister Fadnavis is not just a political leader, but a true guide for farmers. His policies have brought about an agricultural revolution in Marathwada," he noted.
Progressive farmer Shrirang Devba Lad received this honor for his 'Dada Lad Cotton Technology'. Lad, from Malsona (Taluka Paltan) in Parbhani district, developed an early pruning method to control the soft branches (monopodial) of cotton plants through farmer-based research since 2002-03. By using techniques such as square planting, high-density planting, drip irrigation, and mulching in combination, he developed a scientific and profitable technology for cotton cultivation, which has received national recognition. "This technology is not just mine, but belongs to all farmers. I was able to achieve this with the inspiration of the Chief Minister," Lad said at the ceremony.
At this convocation ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis also distributed the 'Farmer Scientist Award' suggested at the recently held Joint Agricultural Research Council meeting. Eleven progressive farmers were selected for this award, and they were given a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each and a certificate of honour. Two special awards were also announced for women farmer groups.
Parbhani, December 11, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and progressive farmer Shrirang Lad were today conferred with honorary 'Doctor of Science' degrees by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (VNMKV). This momentous occasion took place at the university's 27th convocation ceremony, which was approved by Governor Acharya Devvrat. The ceremony commenced at 3:30 PM at the university premises in Parbhani, with hundreds of students and farmers in attendance.
The degree was conferred upon Chief Minister Fadnavis in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to the field of agriculture and farmer development. He has played a crucial role in making Maharashtra emerge as a 'lighthouse state' in the Indian agricultural sector by implementing ambitious schemes such as the 'SMART Project', 'PoCRA', and the 'Maharashtra Agriculture AI Policy'. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vithalrao Bhikuji Dalvi, stated that various government schemes implemented for rural development have improved the lives of millions of farmers. "Chief Minister Fadnavis is not just a political leader, but a true guide for farmers. His policies have brought about an agricultural revolution in Marathwada," he noted.
Progressive farmer Shrirang Devba Lad received this honor for his 'Dada Lad Cotton Technology'. Lad, from Malsona (Taluka Paltan) in Parbhani district, developed an early pruning method to control the soft branches (monopodial) of cotton plants through farmer-based research since 2002-03. By using techniques such as square planting, high-density planting, drip irrigation, and mulching in combination, he developed a scientific and profitable technology for cotton cultivation, which has received national recognition. "This technology is not just mine, but belongs to all farmers. I was able to achieve this with the inspiration of the Chief Minister," Lad said at the ceremony.
At this convocation ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis also distributed the 'Farmer Scientist Award' suggested at the recently held Joint Agricultural Research Council meeting. Eleven progressive farmers were selected for this award, and they were given a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each and a certificate of honour. Two special awards were also announced for women farmer groups.
