Mastering time is the key to mastering success.
Mastering time is the key to mastering success.
Veteran Agriculturalist Dr. V. P. Chovatia has been serving as the esteemed Vice Chancellor of Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujarat, since August 2022. Under his leadership, the university has witnessed significant growth and development. Committed to academic excellence and institutional progress, he continues to drive initiatives that enhance education, research, and innovation at the university.
Junagadh Agricultural University is dedicated to agricultural education, research, and extension, operating under the guiding slogan “कृषिमूलम जगत सर्वम्.” The university has a strong presence across 10 districts in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, contributing to the advancement of agricultural sciences and rural development.
Since his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Dr. V. P. Chovatia has contributed significantly to the developments at Junagadh Agricultural University. He has established two new agricultural colleges and initiated 15 new research projects. In the field of agricultural extension, three new projects have been introduced with the support of the Government of Gujarat. Over the past five years, the university has successfully developed more than 25 crop varieties, further strengthening its contribution to agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Junagadh Agricultural University offers a diverse range of courses in fields such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, and Agribusiness Management. Beyond academics, the university plays a crucial role in addressing farmers' challenges across the Saurashtra region by providing on-the-spot solutions. It is also actively engaged in developing and distributing improved seeds, new crop varieties, advanced breeding techniques, and innovative agricultural technologies to support and empower farmers.
V.C. Dr. V. P. Chovatia emphasizes that the education system at Junagadh Agricultural University differs from traditional models. He describes it as a more residential, technology-driven, and professionally oriented approach, ensuring holistic learning and practical exposure for students.
Junagadh Agricultural University admits students from the science stream (both Group A and Group B) based purely on merit. It is mandatory for students to reside in the hostel after admission. The university maintains a balanced gender ratio of 52:48 (boys to girls). To promote women’s empowerment and education, the university, in collaboration with the state government, provides free education for female students, covering both tuition and hostel fees.
Vice Chancellor Dr. V. P. Chovatia shares that despite Agriculture being a technical field, the university follows a semester-based education system. Every student receives a fellowship through the university. Additionally, an annual convocation ceremony is a mandatory tradition, where outstanding students are recognized for their achievements. The university awards approximately 63 gold medals, including the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, the Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal, Donor’s Gold Medal, and various other honors. In addition to medals, deserving students also receive cash prizes as a token of appreciation for their academic excellence.
In addition to academic education, the university emphasizes training and upskilling students to enable them to become entrepreneurs. It has 14 dedicated units that guide students through the entire entrepreneurial path, from developing product concepts to marketing the final products. These initiatives equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to successfully establish and manage their own ventures.
Dr. V. P. Chovatia underscores the uniqueness of Junagadh Agricultural university in India, pointing out that out of the entire student population in the science stream, only about 3% choose Agriculture and as they select only from science stream, they received the majority of science students.
He emphasizes that their education system is not just theoretical but also highly practical, technical, and professional. Their curriculum integrates hands-on learning, ensuring that students gain real-world experience. In today’s fast-evolving landscape, practical knowledge holds greater significance, and individuals with even basic technical skills are highly valued. The university, however, goes beyond just basics—they offer a comprehensive technical education that equips students with in-depth expertise.
Dr. V. P. Chovatia highlights the strong placement prospects for agriculture graduates, emphasizing that there is no sector where they are not needed. He asserts that agriculture graduates are not only well-qualified but often outperform others due to their specialized knowledge and practical expertise.
He proudly mentions that the demand for agricultural education is evident in the number of applications received—4 to 5 times more than the available intake capacity. This reflects the growing recognition of agriculture as a field with immense career opportunities and value.
Agriculture Education Specialist Dr. V. P. Chovatia emphasizes that there are four agricultural universities in Gujarat, and Junagadh Agricultural University does not enjoy the same locational advantages as the others. Despite this, the university has flourished and made significant advancements in agricultural education and research.
He proudly highlights that Junagadh University has developed state-of-the-art laboratories integrated with AI technology, enhancing research capabilities. Additionally, the university boasts one of the best Bio-Control Units, playing a crucial role in sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Dr. V. P. Chovatia highlights the capabilities and global opportunities available to Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) students. He shares that he personally initiated a project that enabled 102 students to receive training at the world’s top institutes. As a result, many students secured admissions in prestigious international agricultural institutions in countries like Japan, Israel, and Taiwan for their postgraduate studies.
Additionally, Junagadh Agricultural University has signed an MoU with Western Sydney University to offer a dual-degree specialization program. Under this program, undergraduate students will complete three years at JAU and then one year of research at Western Sydney University. This initiative allows students to earn a degree from JAU while also receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Sydney University, providing them with global validation and recognition.
Furthermore, the university has expanded this collaboration by signing MoUs for masters and Ph.D. programs, enhancing research opportunities and academic mobility for students. Last year, three students successfully joined Western Sydney University under this arrangement.
Recalling his childhood, Dr. V.P. Chovatia shares that he was born in Dhundhoraji, a small village in the Kalavad Tehsil of the Jamnagar District in Gujarat, with an approximate population of around just 3,000 people. He completed his education up to the 10th grade in his village itself. He was the first student in his school to pursue higher education, as the higher classes had just been introduced at that time.
During his schooling, the 11th standard was considered equivalent to the SSC, for which he moved to Jamnagar, Gujarat and studied at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. After completing his SSC, he secured admission to the College of Agriculture in Junagadh, from where he graduated in 1981. He then pursued a master's degree with an ICAR Research Fellowship, also in Junagadh.
Renowned Educationist Dr. Chovatia shares that from his graduation days to his current position as Vice Chancellor of Junagadh Agricultural University, he has dedicated a significant part of his life to the institution.
When asked what inspired him to enter the field of Agriculture, Dr. V.P. Chovatia attributes it to his roots in a farming family. He recalls that during his primary school years, he instinctively felt drawn to agriculture. Reflecting on the challenges faced by farmers during that time in the Saurashtra region, he highlights that famine occurred three times in every ten years. Out of those ten years, only one provided a sufficient harvest for farmers to sustain themselves for the next ten years. This harsh reality left many, including his own family, in difficult financial conditions, further strengthening his resolve to contribute to agricultural advancements.
Dr. Chovatia highlights that during his youth, many people, especially the younger generation, were migrating to Surat in search of employment. However, he was never drawn to other fields, as his passion for agriculture had been ingrained in him since childhood. He recalls a defining moment when his maternal uncle came to take him to Surat, hoping to steer him toward a different career. Determined to stay true to his aspirations, he left home that day and spent the entire time in his fields and only returned after ensuring his uncle had left.
Reflecting on this, he remarks that while some might see it as a struggle or inner calling, he himself never questioned why he was so resolute about agriculture. His unwavering dedication led him to excel in his studies, securing first-class distinction grades and successfully completing his undergraduate program in agricultural education.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. V.P. Chovatia pursued a master’s degree with a fellowship from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). During that time, he had several career opportunities in various sectors, including bank or Gramin Bank, as well as organizations like GNFC, IFFCO, and GLEC. However, despite these promising prospects, he remained committed to his passion for agriculture.
He chose to stay in the field and started his career from the lowest technical position in agriculture, working tirelessly for two and a half years.
Dr. Chovatia recalls that, as the son of a farmer, he deeply understood the challenges faced by farmers. This awareness instilled in him a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to their well-being. Perhaps it was this aspiration—to support farmers through his knowledge and education in agriculture—that kept him rooted in the field. Despite starting his career from the lowest technical position, his dedication and perseverance have led him to the most prestigious position in the agricultural sector today.
Talking about his role models, Dr. Chovatia emphasizes that his parents have been his primary inspirations, as they are for many other individuals. Apart from them, he considers Govindbhai Shekhda as his role model. Govindbhai Shekhda, a former Vice Chancellor of the university, also served as the Member of Parliament for the Junagadh region and worked as the Campus Director for two years.
Dr. Chovatia admires him for his dedication and inspiring leadership. He recalls that Govindbhai Shekhda always encouraged people to work so diligently during the day that they could enjoy a peaceful sleep at night—an ideology that Dr. Chovatia has always followed in his own life.
He also considers Dr. A.R. Pathak as one of his role models. He describes Dr. Pathak is an exceptionally patient individual, emphasizing that patience is a crucial quality when it comes to managing and running a university effectively.
Dr. V.P. Chovatia shares an inspiring quote that guides him:,
“Time management is necessary at each and every stage.”
He also draws motivation from the saying,
“दिन भर ऐसा काम करो कि रात को आपको अच्छी नींद आ जाए।”
(Work so hard throughout the day that you sleep peacefully at night.)
He emphasizes that these words have had a significant impact on his life, shaping his work ethic and dedication.
Reflecting on the hardships and challenges he faced during his M.Sc, Dr. Chovatia recalls encountering an issue beyond his control, which prevented him from securing a job that matched his qualifications for two and a half years. During that time, he worked at the lowest position in his field. However, he never let his master's degree make him feel entitled or above any work.
He firmly believes that dedication and hard work are always recognized. In his university, he developed a culture where those who work with commitment receive support from the authorities. He emphasizes that throughout his career, he remained focused on his work and never engaged in activities that could cause harm or loss to the university. His perseverance and integrity ultimately helped him rise to the esteemed position of Vice Chancellor.
Dr. V. P. Chovatia shares that while serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, he dedicated himself to the conservation of endangered plant species. His work primarily focused on a botanical garden, where he successfully collected, cultivated, and multiplied more than 25 endangered plant species.
To ensure the long-term preservation of these species, he deposited their seeds at The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). His efforts bore fruit when, before 2009, he succeeded in getting the garden recognized at the national level as a Botanical and Herbal Garden.
His contribution to plant conservation not only helped preserve biodiversity but also established a significant resource for future agricultural and botanical research.
Dr. V. P. Chovatia shares that after a change in authority, he was transferred to another location. While he accepted the transfer as part of his professional life, what deeply saddened him was the destruction of the endangered plant species collection he had worked so hard to preserve.
He explains that gathering such rare species was not just a routine task—it was a mission that sometimes even put his life in danger. Losing that collection was heartbreaking, as only the person who has painstakingly built something over the years can truly understand the pain of its loss.
Despite this setback, his passion for agricultural education and research remained unwavering, and he continued to contribute significantly to the field.
After his transfer, Dr. V. P. Chovatia was appointed as the Principal of the College of Agriculture in Amreli, Gujarat and entrusted with the task of establishing the college. He recalls that it was an extremely challenging situation, as there were no basic facilities available and starting a new college was a tremendous task..
One of the biggest hurdles was adequate land. A new agricultural college needed a minimum of 30 hectares of land, and while they had around 33 hectares, the land was in such poor condition that even hardy plants like Prosopis Juliflora couldn’t grow there.
Despite the challenges, through relentless effort, strategic planning, and dedication, he and his team transformed the institution. Today, the College of Agriculture in Amreli stands as one of the best colleges in the district, a testament to his vision and perseverance.
Dr. Chovatia recalls a significant moment when Dr. A. R. Pathak visited the College of Agriculture in Amreli in 2014. At that time, the college was still in its early stages, and Dr. Pathak expressed his doubts about whether it would ever be fully established. He remarked that even after his tenure and half of the next Vice Chancellor’s term, there would be no certainty of the college’s sustainability.
Taking this as a personal challenge, Dr. Chovatia boldly stated that he would organize a major event at the college during Dr. Pathak’s tenure. True to his word, he successfully organized not just one but two significant functions during Dr. Pathak’s term. His determination and efforts turned the College of Agriculture in Amreli into an inspirational institution and a model for the district.
Dr. Chovatia shares that he thrives on challenges, and this experience reinforced his belief that with dedication and perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome.
Dr. Chovatia then took on the role of Director of Research and Dean of Postgraduate Studies, where he played a crucial role in shaping postgraduate education in agriculture. Under his leadership, the university provided admissions to PG programs in various agricultural disciplines, including Horticulture and Agribusiness Management.
He mentions that there were around 14-15 different subjects in agriculture, and the admission process was a joint effort involving 4-5 universities. Typically, the admission process lasted for at least a week. However, in one particularly challenging situation, he streamlined the process in an extraordinary manner.
On that day, he conducted the written test in the morning, declared the results in the afternoon, and then proceeded with personal interviews for all four universities, working tirelessly until 2 AM. This level of dedication and efficiency showcased his commitment to ensuring a smooth admission process while maintaining transparency and fairness.
Dr. Chovatia emphasizes that challenges are an inevitable part of life, but for those who are truly dedicated to their work, no obstacle is overwhelming. His life, from being the son of a farmer in a small village to holding prestigious positions in agricultural education, reflects this belief.
In his message for everyone, Dr. V. P. Chovatia emphasizes that agriculture is the backbone of India. He highlights that one of the biggest challenges faced by farmers today is the lack of labor. Despite the advancements in agricultural techniques, the availability of manpower remains a critical issue.
He shares that Junagadh Agricultural University provides technical support and assistance to farmers, not just as an act of sympathy, but with the vision of strengthening and advancing Indian agriculture. However, despite India's large population of 143 crore, he points out, the country still lags in agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr. Chovatia acknowledges that farmers are doing their best, but warns that if the current challenges persist, the future of Indian agriculture could be difficult. He concludes with a powerful message: "If Indian farmers prosper, the entire nation will prosper on its own.