Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Rajendranagar, Hyderabad

Name of the University: Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030 Telangana State

Year of Establishment: 2014

Vision :
PJTSAU envisions itself as an Institute of Excellence in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering & Technology and Community Science to serve the farming community in the years to come.

Mission:
To serve the cause of Agricultural Sciences by producing globally competitive quality human resource and generating cutting-edge technologies to address contemporary challenges of agriculture sector; and evolve responsive, effective, dynamic outreach mechanisms

Jurisdiction / Area of Operation: Telangana State

Educational Programmes offered (PG / UG / Polytechnics):

The University offers Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes including Doctoral Programmes in the Faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Technology and Community Science through its constituent Colleges (6 in Agriculture, one each in Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology and Community Science) and Polytechnics (11 in Agriculture, one each in Seed Technology and Agricultural Engineering). The details of the Educational Programmes offered is furnished here under.

UG Programmes:

• B.Sc.(Hons) Agriculture, B.Tech. (Ag. Engg.),
• B.Tech.(Food Technology) and B.Sc. (Hons.) Community Science

PG Programmes:

• M.Sc.(Ag.) – 13 disciplines
• M.Tech. (Ag. Engg.) – 1 discipline
• M.Sc.(H.Sc.) – 5 disciplines

Ph.D. Programmes:

• Ph.D. (Ag.) – 10 disciplines
• Ph.D. (Ag. Engg.) – 2 disciplines
• Ph.D. (H.Sc.) – 5 disciplines

Diploma programes:

• Diploma in Agriculture
• Diploma in Seed Technology
• Diploma in Agricultural Engineering

Major Area of Research:

Development of crop varieties and hybrids through conventional breeding and biotechnological interventions in Rice, maize, sorghum, redgram, greengram, soybean, castor, groundnut, safflower and fodder crops. Breeder seed production in major crops, Water management including micro irrigation, Agro-meteorology and Climate Smart Agriculture, Soil Health Management, Crop diversification and Integrated Farming Systems, IPM, ICT tools, Post-harvest technologies including value addition in millets, pulses and oilseeds; farm mechanization, market intelligence, Food safety and quality control, eco-friendly dyes and textiles.

Highlights of Extension Education Activities (including number of KVKs, training programmes / Certificate courses, etc.)

The extension services are carried out by 9 District Advisory Agriculture and Transfer of Technology Centers (DAATTCs) and eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), besides one each of Extension Education Institute (EEI), Electronic Wing, Agricultural Information and Communication Centre (AICC) and Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) located at Hyderabad. The Extension wing of PJTSAU through KVKs and DAATTCs have assessed and refined the PJTSAU technologies through 388 number of minikit trials, on-farm trials & front line demonstrations related to field crops, horticulture crops, animal husbandry/ fisheries and home science organized during the year 2019-20.

The University through its extension centers conducted 1274 capacity building programmes on various topics related to agriculture and allied subjects for knowledge empowerment of the farming community, 1368 diagnostic surveys for providing timely solutions to the crop problems, organized 37 kisan melas on the occasion of the World Soil Day for showcasing and educating the farmers about the University technologies and soil testing and through 142 TV programmes, 1670 press notes and 171 radio scripts disseminated the latest agricultural information to farmers besides organizing 103 field days and 201 group discussions.

In addition to the above targeted activities the extension wing of the University has taken following initiatives during 2019-20 for improving the outreach and benefit the farming community.

DAESI Programme

During 2016-17, the University singed has MoU with SAMETHI, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Telangana for organising the Diploma in Agricultural Extension services for Input Dealers (DAESI). Accordingly, 4 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) namely, Wyra, Palem, Kampsagar and Rudrur were identified as Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) and around 160 input dealers have undergone the course at NTIs. As a part of this programme NTIs in consultation with the SAMETHI developed the Reading Material for the course.

Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA)

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kampasagar and Malyal of PJTSAU implemented the “Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture” (ARYA) project in Nalgonda and Mahabubabad districts of the State, wherein, the KVKs provided technical and capital support to the identified beneficiaries for the establishment of commercial nursery, honey bee rearing, vermicompost production, integrated farming system modules and bakery units. KVK also organized various skill development programmes for rural youth in areas of value addition, commercial vegetable nursery management and vermicompost production, rajashree broiler production, commercial nursery raising of vegetables under shade net, value addition to millets and honey bee rearing for improving their confidence levels and to pursue farming as profession, generate additional employment opportunities, to absorb under employed and unemployed rural youth in secondary agriculture in rural areas.

Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)

Six Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the University viz., Adilabad, Kampasagar, Wyra, Mancherial, Malyal and Kothagudem implemented the Tribal Sub Plan project, wherein they provided technical support in the form of agro advisory services, micro-enterprises establishment, skill development training programs and exposure visits to the tribal farmers to bridge the gap between ST population and others by accelerating development in tribal areas. The programme aims to provide (a) enhanced access to education and health, (b) providing basic amenities including housing, reducing poverty and unemployment through creation of productive assets and income generating opportunities, (c) enhanced capacity to avail opportunities, gain rights and entitlements and improved facilities at par with other areas and protection against exploitation and oppression.

During the period under report, a total of 19672 tribal farmers were benefitted with the various activities of the project. Forty six (46) technology demonstration programmes and fifty four (54) training programmes were conducted on various innovative technologies like, introduction of improved varieties, value addition, IFS, ICM, IPM etc., to create awareness and enlighten them about the sustainable and innovative technologies suitable to their local conditions. During 2019-20, under physical assets creation category, high pressure knapsack sprayers, sprinklers, tarpaulins, portable vermi beds, shade net units, cultivators, rotovators, multipurpose flour mill, power weeders, hand weeders, storage bins, cotton stem applicators, knitted gloves, portrays, sewing machines, bee box accessories, embroidery machines etc., were distributed among the tribal farmers and farm women to develop skills and encourage them to take up the activities as a source of additional income. In addition, the tribal farmers and women were also supplied with fish fingerlings, poultry chicks and sheep for promoting livelihood programmes.

Seed Hub Project

During the period under report, 136.82 quintals of green gram (WGG42), 42.14 quintals of red gram (PRG 176) and 7.65 quintals of black gram (PU 31) seed was produced by the KVK, Palem under seed hub project and supplied to the farmers covering an acreage of 1,525 ha area contributing 18% of total pulses area of Nagarkurnool district during kharif, 2020. This has resulted in increased seed replacement rates of pulses in the low productivity area and there by reflected in enhanced productivity of major pulses.

District Agromet Units (DAMU)

District Agromet Units (DAMU) were established at four KVKs of the PJTSAU viz., Adilabad, Wyra, Malyal and Kampsagar under Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) project for giving agro-met advisories to the farmers at block level in each district. Under this project, one SMS (Agro-meteorology) and one Agro-met observer posts have been provisioned in each KVK for preparation and dissemination of Agro Advisory Bulletins and creating awareness at block level of the concerned district for the benefit of the farming community. Farmers WhatsApp Group, SMS, Voice calls, Display on Black boards at Grama Panchayat Office, alert messages through “Annapurna Krishi Prasaar Seva” and Local News Papers were used to disseminate the Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) bulletins.

Gyan Kisan Mobile App

Gyan Kisan Mobile App is being developed by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in Collaboration with School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics (SCEM), Western Sydney University Australia and River Bridge Ventures, Hyderabad. Gyan Kisan is an Application which delivers scientific knowledge as context specific actionable knowledge to the farming community via a mobile system and thereby empowering them with the right knowledge at the right time. It enables all Agri-stakeholders to effectively optimize and coordinate their offerings based on both published knowledge and real-time information generated by aggregating farmer actions and transactions. As part of App development, Dr.M. Sreenivasulu Professor (Agril.Extension) and M.Parimal Kumar Scientist (Agronomy), RARS, Palem visited Western Sydney University Australia (WSU) from 16th August to 7th November 2019, for undergoing training on the subject.

Pilot testing has been completed in four selected villages for first season (Kharif, 2019) with baseline survey of 200 farmers. Collected feedback from farmers at four test bed villages on App utility in terms of Agro-advisories, user friendliness, problems encountered while using App and suggestions to overcome during 27th and 28th February, 2020 along with Prof Athula Ginige, WSU and Team from River bridge ventures. Second season (Kharif, 2020) pilot testing is in progress with modified version at three test beds viz., KVK Malyal, KVK Palem and DAATTC Karimnagar with about 150 farmers.

Soil Health programme

All the extension units of the PJTSAU created awareness about the soil test & soil health management among the rural youth and farming community. Utilizing print and electronic media, conducting skill oriented training programmes, method demonstrations for the benefit of the farmers and educating them on the soil sampling techniques, soil analysis and interpretation of soil card results for effective management of crop and soil nutrition/health. All the KVKs of the University celebrated World Soil Day on 5th December. On this occasion soil health cards to the farmers were distributed.

ICT Mediated Transfer of Technology

The Extension wing of the University is extensively utilizing the ICT tools for effective ToT and for reaching the unreached.

Interactive DVDs

The Electronic Wing has produced six DVDs on Kandi Sagu, Thumpara sedyam, Bindu sedyam, Nilva dhanyamnu asinche purugulu-Yajamanyam, Vanapamuluto vermi compost tayari, Mokka jonna sagulo yantrikarana and two Success stories on Yuva Rhythu Sagu badilo Patalu - Rythuinutna Avishkaranalaku kshetralu and Paired row system in Maize for the benefit of farming community of the state.

Information Kiosks

The University has installed information Kiosks in the KVKs and DAATTCs at nine locations. Through these Kiosks, the extension centres are facilitiating the farmers by providing innovative technological information and helping them to adopt timely recommendations. In addition, the university has created WhatsApp groups with the young practicing farmers in the state for effective and timely transfer of technology.

Annapurna Krishi Prasara Seva - Interactive Information Dissemination System

“Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS)” has been designed after rigorous field study of various ICT initiatives in agriculture in India and information needs assessment of farmers with an objective to provide ‘Information to the farmers as and when they require’. IIDS is a pull and push based system. There is a mobile interface at the front end with a Toll free IVRS (1800 425 3141) and web interface at the back end. Data can be transmitted through voice, text, images and videos from both ends (farmers to expert and back). This system would be helpful in addressing farmers’ need for information on important aspects including agriculture technology, crops, plant protection, weather, market prices, government schemes etc., in location specific manner.

USP of IIDS Model

• Personalized ‘Agro Advisory’ Based on ‘Farm and Farmer Profile’.
• Live Interaction with Scientists over toll free number
• Facility to ‘Refer Critical Problems’ to relevant ‘Crop Specialist’ available virtually
• ’Round the Clock Query Registration Facility’ through IVRS & Smart Phones
• ’Anywhere Anytime Access’ on Past Advisories
• Facility to ‘Push Emergency Message’ to Farmers based on Location and Crops
• ’Network Independent’ – Accessible from All Networks

The IIDS model is useful in enhancing the extension outreach through KVKs and DAATTCs. Eight (08) KVKs viz., Kampasagar, Wyra, Palem, Rudrur, Adilabad, Malyal, Bellampalli and Kothagudem and six (06) DAATTCs viz., Sangareddy, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar and Warangal are implementing the AKPS model. A total of 22030 farm families were benefit through IIDS services.

Strength of the University (including 5 important achievements)

The Research activities of the University in three faculties are being carried out at 15 Research Stations including Regional Agricultural Research Stations spread over entire State of Telangana.

Crop Improvement

Release of high yielding varieties / hybrids of crops by CVRC and SVRC

During the period 2019-20, seven (7) improved crop varieties, three in rice (Warangal Rice-1, Kunaram Rice-1 and Jagtiala Rice-1 ) and one each in sorghum (Palem Pachha Jonna-1), pigeonpea (Warangal Kandi-1), groundnut (Jagtiala Palli-1) and cotton (Adilabad Kapas-1) were developed and released from PJTSAU at State level.

Seven improved varieties, one variety each in rice (Telangana vari 1 - WGL 739), sorghum (Telangana jonna 1 - SPV 2437), redgram (Telangana kandi 1 - WRGE 93), fodder maize (TSFM 15-5), hedge lucerne (TSHL 1) and two in fodder bajra (TSFB 15-4 and TSFB 15-8) developed at different research stations of the University were evaluated under AICRP system at National level and were notified and released by CVRC during 2019.

Quality Seed supply

Breeder seed of major crops to an extent of 2200 quintals was produced and supplied to seed producing agencies for multiplication and distribution. In addition, 12000 quintals foundation / truthfully labeled seed of various crops was also produced during the year 2019-20.

Soil and Water Productivity

Soil, Water and manure analysis

The soil science research schemes comprising of AICRP- Soil Test Crop Response and AICRP-Micronutrients at Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar carry out soil and water sample analysis as a part of service to farming community depending upon needs. Accordingly, soil health cards/water analysis reports reports are provided to farming community. Fertilizer recommendations to the desired crops based on soil test results are furnished in soil health cards so as to enable farmers to optimize the fertilizer input cost and improve productivity. During 2019-20, a total sum of 600 soil and water samples were analysed.

Agromet Advisory Services

Agromet Advisory bulletins are being prepared based on Medium Range Weather forecast for five days and observed weather conditions for the past five days, twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday and were disseminated through Dept. of Agriculture, websites of IMD, PJTSAU, emails to NGOs, Famers groups, Climate Information Centers, T.V, Radios and Newspapers. SMS alert messages on key issues were sent through m-Kisan portal. During 2019-20, 72 AAS bulletins and 61 Short Message Service (SMS) were issued. A total of 515976 farmers have received SMS alert messages on key issues and key advisories pertaining to crop production and protection.

Nutritional profiling of raw and processed food

During the year 2019-20, 2020 samples of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, raw and processed food material were analyzed for various nutritional parameters by the MFPI – Quality Control Laboratory at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.

Bio-fertilizers produced

1.5 tonnes of Biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, Rhizobium Phosphorus solubilizing fungi, Zinc solubilizing bacteria) with carrier based formulation was manufacture and supplied to the farmers of the State during the year 2019-20.

Pesticide Residue Analysis

3300 samples of Fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, milk, water, spices, organic vegetables were analyzed for pesticide residues as a part of monitoring the pesticide residues in identified areas of Telangana.

Soil Status maps

Status map related to micro nutrient deficiencies, particularly Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were prepared for the State.

Price forecast for crops

Thirty eight (38) price forecast bulleting for 16 crops (Paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, ragi, greengram, redgram, blackgram, bengalgram, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, castor, cotton, chilli, and turmeric) i.e., twice (pre-sowing and pre-harvesting) for each crop in each season every year are being developed and disseminated.

Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition

Millet Products Produced & Supplied

The Millet Processing and Incubation Centre located at Rajendranagar developed technologies for value addition of millets and supplied 33.4 tonnes of nutritious millet products to the social welfare hostels in the State through an entrepreneur M/s. Millet Bowl Food Products Limited, Hyderabad.

Natural Dyes Produced & Supplied

Under TSPCB project, Natural Dye Processing and Incubation Centre, Rajendranagar produced natural dye paint of 22 tonnes out of which 12 tonnes of white and 10 tonnes of colours in fourteen shades were supplied to paint 2,00,000 Ganesh idols of various sizes ranging from 8 inches to 6 feet. The Centre also produced and supplied Eco Holi powders 50 kg each of five shades of Pink, Yellow, Orange, Blue and Green is order to reduce environmental pollution.

Niche area of Excellence (Area in which University is strong)

Niche area of Excellence project on “Molecular breeding for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in rice and genetic manipulation in Pigeonpea” in the Institute of Biotechnology

11. Status of Autonomy :Autonomous institution

Funding support received (From state and other agencies)

The major financial grants to the University come from the Govt. of Telangana under Non-Plan Scheme. The Non-Plan assistance is by way of block grants for running the University. The budgetary support from State Government, the ICAR assistance and Funding from other agencies is provided hereunder.

Faculty position particularly the vacant:

Sanctioned Strength

• Total Faculty Strength: 796
• Professors: 63
• Assoc. Professors: 182
• Assistant Professors: 551

Faculty in-position

• Professors: 117
• Assoc. Professors: 71
• Assistant Professors: 302

Vacant Positions:

• Professors: 0
• Assoc. Professors: 111
• Assistant Professors: 249

Vacant Percentage

• Professors: 0%
• Associate Professors: 60.98%
• Assistant Professors: 45.19%

Student Intake:

• UG: 848 (Three faculties viz., Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Community Science)
• PG: 168 (Three faculties viz., Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Community Science)
• Ph.D: 49 (Two faculties viz., Agriculture and Community Science)

Contact Details