IN
Golden Jubilee Year (1967-2017)
 
VOLUME 17 NO. 2
Apr. - Jun. 2017
 

Contents

EVENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
FOCUS ON UNIVERSITIES

ADVISORY BOARD

Dr K.M. Bujarbaruah,
President
Dr N.C. Patel,
Vice-President
Dr V.S. Tomar,
Secretary-General
Dr A.R. Pathak,
Treasurer
Dr B.S. Dhillon,
Member
Prof. Mathew Prasad,
Member
Dr S.K. Patil,
Member

EDITORIAL BOARD

Dr R.P. Singh
Executive-Secretary, IAUA
Dr Kirti Singh
Ex-Chairman, ASRB
Dr C.S. Chakrabarti
Ex-President, IAUA (2013)& Ex-VC, WBUAFS, Kolkata
Dr Ramendra Singh
Ex-Chief Agronomist, FAI
Mr R.S. Gupta
Ex-Editor (English), T-9, ICAR

Focus on Universities: Events and Achievements

Central Universities

 

CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL

Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurating
multi technology centre

Shri Radha Mohan Singh reviews centrally - sponsored schemes of Tripura

Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Agricultural Minister during his first visit to college of Fisheries, CAU, Lambucherra, laid the foundation stone of Multi-Technology Testing Centre on 19 Mar, 2017. He also reviewed the on-going centrally sponsored development schemes of Tripura state in agriculture and allied fields during discussion with state functionaries.

Shri Singh in his address, highlighted all-round efforts being undertaken by the Central Government in mission mode, by launching multiple schemes, viz., Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav, Pt. Deen Dayal Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana, Soil Health- Management Scheme, Blue Revolution, Organic Farming, Gokul Mission, National Bovine Reproduction Programme, etc. for sustainable development of agriculture and for improving the income of marginal farmers of the country, especially of the eastern and north-eastern region, as envisioned by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister. He also emphasized the need of paradigm
Shri Radha Mohan Singh
addressing the participants
shift for ensuring sustainable productivity of the soil and conservation of local breeds of bovines. He laid emphasis on efforts to increase the proportion of irrigated land in the length and breadth of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Khagendra Jamatia, Minister for Co-operation, Fisheries and Home (Fire Service), Government of Tripura, highlighted the strides made by Tripura in increasing the availability of local fish and drew attention to the requirement of additional fund for undertaking Blue revolution to its logical conclusion. Earlier, Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor, highlighted special achievements of the College of Fisheries

 

Inauguration of Guest House at Headquarters

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra,
inaugurating guest house
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi, inaugurated University Guest house of CAU, Imphal at its new headquarters campus at Lamphelpat, Imphal on 30 May, 2017. He addressed the gathering and acknowledged the hard work of faculty members of CAU, Imphal in increasing the success rate of students. Prof. M. Premjit Singh delivered the welcome address and shared his delight on receiving four National Awards by the University, during 2016-17. The function was attended by Shri Sunil Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, DARE/ICAR, New Delhi; Dr K.M. Bujarbaruah, VC, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, as well as DDG (Agric. Education), DDG (Agric. Extension), DDG(Fisheries) and many ADGs from the ICAR headquarters.

 

Inauguration of Administrative Building at Lamphelpat

Shri N. Biren Singh inaugurated
Administrative building
Shri N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur , inaugurated the Administrative Building of the University, at its new Headquarters campus at Lamphelpat on 4 June, 2017. He said that the people should strive to make organic farming successful in the state. He informed that rain-water harvesting facility would be introduced in hill areas soon, so that water can be stored for drinking and irrigation purposes. Shri L. Radhakishore Singh, the Chairman, Pollution Control Board & Khadi and Village Indutries, Manipur; Shri N. Indrajit Singh, Parliamentary Secretary (MAHUD); Prof. M. Premjit Singh, VC; Prof. C.A. Srinivasamurthy, Director of Research, CAU, besides the officials and students of the University attended the function.

Dr RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA

HRD Training on Value Addition in Maize

Dr R.C. Srivastava inaugurating
the Training programme
A HRD training programme on 'Value addition of maize for nutritional security' was organized by College of Home Science in collaboration with Director, Extension Education during 7 - 8 Apr. 2017. The Subject Matter Specialists (Home Science) of seven KVKs (Jale, Saraiya, Muraul, Begusarai, Birauli, Madhopur, Khodawanpur) participated in the training programme. In an overview of the current position of maize processing, practical demonstration of lime-water treatment and dry milling, demonstration on product development of limetreated maize (flakes and products), practical demonstration on product development (dry milled product such as suji, dalia, flour), food packaging and labelling were discussed at length.

Meeting of Second Research Council

Release of books during
Research Council Meeting
The 2nd Research Council Meeting of the university was held during 2 - 4 May, 2017 in the Vidyapati Sabhagaar. Presentations were made on the projects running at the University, viz., 37 AICRPs, 13 made by Government of India, 18 by Government of Bihar, 4 aided by foreign agencies, 30 by the university and 5 by other agencies. Four new research proposals and one new technology (Control of panama wilt disease in banana) were approved.

On the occasion, two books viz., Agro-Meteorology of Rice in Bihar, authored by Dr A. Sattar and Horticulture Technology Management authored by Dr Udit Kumar and Birendra Prasad were released by the dignitaries. A coriander variety Rajendra Dhania-1 from the university was identified at National level for commercial release.

Deemed-to-be-University

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF FISHERIES EDUCATION, MUMBAI

Second National Convention of Students
Dignitaries on dias with
released innovations
The Second National Students Convention on 'Innovative approaches for academic excellence in higher fisheries education' was successfully organized during 3-5 March, 2017 by ICAR’s Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai in association with Indian Fisheries Association, Asian Fisheries Society-Indian Branch and Post-graduate School Students’ Union. About 500 students from fisheries colleges all over India participated, with display of 134 posters, highlighting their innovative ideas. During 3-6 March 2017, the programme included Poster exhibition, Brain-storming sessions on Blue Revolution: Way Forward, Innovations for Excellence in Higher Fisheries Education, Industry Meet, Alumni Meet, Best Poster Presentations, Book release and Valedictory function. Dr Gopal Krishna, Director, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, highlighted the need to have high growth in fisheries sector, which can be achieved by harnessing the ideas of young minds.
In his address, Dr J. K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi, highlighted the importance of this students’ convention, and stressed that this was a platform for the students to share innovative ideas, to take the fisheries sector ahead. Shri Mahadev Jagannath Jankar, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Development, Government of Maharashtra in his address emphasized the importance of academicians and scientists to give suggestions when the policies are made. The Inauguration of the Exhibition was also done by Minister, and Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG Fisheries, ICAR, and Dr. Gopal Krishna, Director, CIFE, were present. The exhibition witnessed grand display of 134 colourful posters prepared by the students, highlighting innovative ideas to bring excellence in fisheries education and research. Young students bubbling with ideas from 20 college of fisheries across India were present, and the dignitaries interacted with the students, making the event very lively and energetic. Besides, CIMFRI, CIFRI, CIBA, CIFA, NBFGR, DCFR, CIFT, CIRCOT, CSIR-NIO and some industries also participated in the exhibition. Out of 170 posters with innovative ideas submitted, 134 posters were displayed in the poster exhibition. Dr K. Pani Prasad and Dr Arpita Sharma, Organizing Secretaries of the Student Convention co-ordinated the overall event. The poster of Mr Jayapavithran and Mr Deepak from TNFU, Thootokudi was one ‘Transmogrify-Carnivore to Herbivore’. The idea of design up gradation of pelagic trawl net with use of inflatable floating tube, presented by Devndra Sahu from KUFOS, won the second prize. Innovative idea on ‘Self-charged fish tag with pisci-electricity’ by Mr S. Mohamed Faizullah and Mr G. Viswanth from FCRI, Ponneri, won the third prize.

University

ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, ANAND

Visit of Delegation from Saskatchewan, Canada

Delegates from Canada
with AAU Officers

Crop Seminar

Ms Jaonne Baczuk, Director, Business Development and Economic Analysis, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority; (SREDA) and Mr Stephen McLane, Business Development Specialist, SREDA, Saskatchewan, (Canada) along with Sreehari Marar, Senior Research Analyst, Tractus Asia (India) Pvt. Ltd, Puducherry, visited University, on 4 May 2017. They had an interaction meeting with the VC, and all the university officers of AAU, which was followed by discussion on various areas on which collaborative educational and research programmes can be taken up

jointly. Dr Patel briefed about the AAU activities and achievements. Dr M. K. Jhala, Associate Director of Research, made a brief presentation about various educational, research and extension activities of AAU. They also visited Sardar Patel Educational Museum at AAU, Anand.

Visit of Delegation from Zambia

Dr B. Kathiria with
delegation
Mr Chileshe Kandeta, Media and Public Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Zambia; Mr Medson Moyo Senior Budget Analyst, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Zambia; Mr Bangwe Navilley, First Secretary (Press & Tourism), High Commission of the Republic of Zambia, New Delhi; and Mr Saka, Zambia Embassy, New Delhi visited the University, on 26 May 2017. They had an interaction meeting with the university officers, on collaborative educational and research programmes. Dr K. B. Kathiria, Director of Research, briefed about the AAU activities and achievements. Dr M. K. Jhala, Associate Director of Research, made a brief presentation about various educational, research and extension activities of the AAU. They also visited Sardar Patel Educational Museum and College of FPT & BE at Anand.

Dr Patel's Meeting with Karnataka Governor

Dr N.C. Patel meeting, H.E.
Shri Vajubhai Vala
Dr N. C. Patel, VC, visited Rajbhavan, Karnataka on 26 May, 2017. He met Shri Vajubhai Vala, Governor and briefed about various activities carried by the University including the NIRF ranking done by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

ASSAM AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, JORHAT

Annual Rice Group Meeting

Dr K.M. Bujarbaruah,
delivering welcome speech
About 300 rice scientists or workers from all over the country assembled to discuss and deliberate researchable and developmental issues concerning rice in the 52nd Annual Rice Group Meeting, held in the university campus at Jorhat during 8-11 Apr. 2017. Several senior officers from the ICAR, New Delhi and 23 scientists from International Rice Research Institute, Manila (Phillipines) participated, besides the delegates from a large number of private companies working in rice and also 8 farmers from different states of the country. Attending the inaugural function as chief guest, Shri Atul Bora, Mini s ter of Agriculture, Assam, appealed
Release of publication
in Group Meeting
the scientific community to develop high-yielding rice varieties with tolerance to multiple stresses and also management practices to make rice farming more productive and remunerative in the face of labour shortage. Welcoming the gathering, Dr K. M. Bujarbaruah, VC, laid stress on the need of better convergence and collaboration among the disciplines with use of latest technologies for developing problem-solving and demand-
driven technologies. Dr V. Ravindra Babu, Director, Indian Rice Research Institute, Hyderabad informed the house about the varieties released through State Variety Release Committee and Central Variety Release Committee and the flagship programmes of IIRR to address multitude of issues facing the farming community. Dr I. S. Solanki, ADG (FFC), ICAR, complimented the contribution of AICRIP in the country’s record food-grain production. In the inaugural function, 7 leading centres of AICRIP were awarded for their significant contributions in different divisions of research, and 6 innovative farmers from different parts of the country were also felicitated. The committee for revision of criteria for nomination and evaluation of entries under Advanced Variety Trial-Near- Isogenic Lines (AVT-NIL) of AICRIP also met during the group meeting. It examined the existing guidelines and criteria, and decided its recommendations. In the sideline of the meeting, the NRRI scientists and PIs of AICRIP, IIRR deliberated on AICRIP re-orientation and noted several important points. Variety Identification Committee also met during this group meeting under the chairmanship of Dr J. S. Sandhu, DDG (CS), ICAR.

Agriculture Policy of Assam

Dr K. M. Bujarbaruah, in discussion
with Shri Atul Bora and
other officials
The university prepared and presented the new Agriculture Policy for Assam to the government in the presence of all the officers from the line departments headed by Shri Atul Bora, Agriculture Minister on 12 June, 2017. Shri Atul Bora and the participants appreciated the draft policy paper that included policies on land, water and soil, fertilizer, organic agriculture, post-harvest management, ICT application in farm sector, convergence building, skill development, climate change adaptation, dairying, poultry, fish, farm credit, mechanization etc. to reach the target of doubling the farm production and farmers’ income within a reasonable period of 5-6 years.

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, KOTA

Organization of Jaajam Chaupal and Conference in GRAM

Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) 2017 was organized by Government of Rajasthan at Kota during 24-26 May 2017. In this meet State Government gave responsibility to this university to organize Jaajam Chaupal for farmers and conference for students, industrialists and innovative farmers. In these programmes, more than 10,000 farmers got benefited by programme Jaajam Chaupal and more than 2,000 delegates got benefited by different sessions of conference held during this meet.

CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, KANPUR

National Conference

Dr Arvind Kumar inaugurating
the conference
A National conference on "Farmers' Centric Agri- Innovation for Sustainable Development” was organized by CSAUAT, Kanpur during 24-25 March, 2017. Dr Arvind Kumar, VC, RLBCAU, Jhansi inaugurated it. Dr Sushil Solomon, VC, CSAUAT; Dr N.P. Singh, Director IIPR, Kanpur; Dr Vishal Nath, Director, NRC, (Lichi), Muzaffarnagar (Bihar); and Dr B.K. Yadav Managing Director, U.P. Cooperatives Sugar Factories Federation, Lucknow were the key-note speakers in this seminar. About 350 participants from different corners of the country participated in conference.

National Seminar for Increased Farm Productivity

Dr S. Solomon on dias
with others
National seminar on integrated approaches for improving sugarcane and overall farm productivity by adopting improved cultivation and analytical practices, was organized jointly by University and National Sugar Institute, Kanpur during 6-7 April , 2017 under the chairmanship of Dr Sushil Solomon, VC. In this seminar, there were 107 participants, including personnel from sugar industries, research scholars, students and innovators from different states of the country. Dr Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugarcane Institute, Kanpur, delivered the keynote address.

18th Convocation

Shri Ram Naik on dias with
other dignitaries
The 18th Convocation of the university was held on 23 March, 2017 at its main campus Kanpur under the chairmanship of H.E. Shri Ram Naik, Governor of Uttar Pradesh & Chancellor of the university. Dr Panjab Singh, Chancellor, Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, was the chief guest who delivered a lecture on this occasion, 519 students were awarded various degrees. Besides, 10 students were awarded Chancellor’s Gold medal, 10 students Silver medal, 10 students Bronze medal; and 7 students sponsored Gold medal. In addition, 18 students were awarded book prizes.

CSK HIMACHAL PRADDESH KRISHI VISHWAVIDYALAYA, PALAMPUR

Dedication of Robotic Vegetable grafting Machine to Farmers

Prof. Sarial with other
scientists
The CSKHPKV took lead among all 73 farm universities of the country by installing a robotic vegetable - grafting machine. Prof. A.K. Sarial, VC, while dedicating this grafting machine robot in the service of farming community of Himachal Pradesh at vegetable research farm told that high quality planting material of grafted seedlings will be produced for the farmers. He said that the machine can graft 600-800 plants per hour with 90 per cent accuracy.

Prof. Sarial said that his university has taken lead in the country in initiating grafting of vegetables, particularly tomato and capsicum, which are commercial off-season vegetable crops, under poly house conditions in Himachal Pradesh. The university has initiated efforts for grafting by importing bacterial wilt and nematode resistant rootstocks of capsicum, chilli, brinjal and tomato from Taiwan for the purpose. He appreciated the efforts of Dr Pardeep Kumar, Principal Investigator; Dr S.P. Sharma, former Director of Research; and Dr N.K. Pathania, former Head of Vegetable Crops and Floriculture department, for initiating efforts 6 years back on the new technology and getting a research project, "Creation of innovative grafted transplant technology for potential vegetables under protected conditions”, worth Rs 95 lakhs sanctioned under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna.

Office of PPVFRA

Northern Himalayan Region branch office of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Authority (PPVFRA) was inaugurated at CSKAU, on 30 May, 2017 by Dr S.K. Pattanayak, IAS, Secretary
Dr V.L. Chopra on the dias
with other dignitaries
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. This branch office will help sensitize the farmers about the importance of natural agrobiodiversity existing in the country and will help them and scientists by registering such bio-diversity with the PPVFRA. The farmers were also given awards worth Rs 10 lakhs for saving and preserving such crop varieties. This will help make the farming community aware about the importance of PPVFRA Act, so that rich Himalayan bio-resources are protected. The branch office will have its jurisdiction in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh Union Territory as well as on all the adjoining states.

Various dignitaries were present on this occasion viz., Dr V.L. Chopra, former Director General, ICAR; Dr R.R. Hanchinal, Chairperson, PPVFRA; Dr R.C. Aggarwal, Registrar General, PPVFRA; Dr P.L. Gautam, former chairperson, PPVFRA; Dr S. K. Sharma, former VC of CSKHPAU; Dr. R.S. Jamwal, Director of Research, CSKHPA;, Dr Anupam Verma, National Professor (Virology); and Dr J.K. Sharma, Nodal Officer, PPVFRA, in the University were present in the ceremony.

GURU ANGAD DEV VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

Culled HF Crossbred Cows Foster Sahiwal Calves

Promising Sahiwal calves
The cross-breeding of indigenous with exotic breeds of cattle was initiated to improve milk production in the country. However, the crossbred cattle are more prone to mastitis, metabolic disorders, lameness and other diseases, which render their productive life shorter. Such cows are disowned by the farmers, which ultimately come to the roads. However, GADVASU scientists have proved that if the reproductive system of such cows is normal, these cows can be used as surrogate mothers for production of Sahiwal calves through embryo - transfer technology. In such an effort, three pure Sahiwal calves of high genetic value are produced from culled crossbred Holstein Friesians (HF) cow at the dairy farm of GADVASU. Embryos were collected thrice from an elite Sahiwal cow following superovulation and insemination by frozen semen from a high-pedigree bull. The collected embryos were transferred to eight culled crossbred cows used as surrogates, out of which four got pregnant. Three pregnant surrogate HF crossbred cows have calved and have given birth to two male calves and one female calf. The calves were delivered normally and are in good health. Such technologies will boost the objective of the Government of India, who has launched National Gokul Mission to conserve and propagate indigenous breeds, which are better adapted to harsh climatic conditions of tropics.

MoU with Markfed for Transfer of Technology for Calf-feed

Promising Sahiwal calves
The university has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Markfed for transfer of technology for the calf-feed starter. Markfed’s cattle feed and allied industries, Gidderbaha, unit is an organization involved in the manufacturing of cattle feed and feed supplements for different physiological functions. The MoU was signed by Dr J.P.S. Gill, Director of Research, GADVASU and Shri Davinder Singh, General Manger, Markfed, in the presence of Dr A.S. Nanda, VC, Dr Bal Mukand Sharma, Executive Director Markfed, Punjab; and witnessed by the officers of the university and Markfed. Dr A.S. Nanda, emphasized the importance of linkage between GADVASU and Markfed, and hoped that this transfer of technology will deliver good results from lab-to- land. Dr Bal Mukand Sharma said that the transfer of technology and technical knowhow for the formulation and manufacturing of calf starter would indeed help the industry to reach out to the farmers.

GOVIND BALLABH PANT UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, PANTNAGAR

Visit of Union Minister Shri Ajay Tamta to University

Shri Ajay Tamta, Shri Ajay Tamta,
looking at flex plant at NEB CRC
Union Minister of State for Textile, visited Pantvarsity on 8 April 2017. He visited Norman E. Boralaug Crop Research Centre of the university, where he was shown the standing crop of flax and the crude fibre obtained from it, by the team of scientists headed by Dr D.S. Pandey, Dean, Agriculture, and Dr J.P. Singh, Director, Experiment Station. Shri Tamta also had a meeting with Dr H.C. Sharma, officiating VC, as well as Dean, (Agriculture), Director, Experiment Station; and the group of scientists working on this crop. He said that in India linen cloth, which is presently being imported from Belgium, could be produced indigenously from the fibre of this crop. He expected good-quality seed flex from Pantnagar university. He informed the crop could be grown in hill-regions of the state and good amount of foreign currency could be saved, besides the farmers of Uttarakhand and other states could be benefited from this remunerative crop. He also informed about the plan of setting up a Centre of Excellence for research on the fibre of flax crop in Almora. On this occasion officials of Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), Almora; NITRA, Ghaziabad and; Ethenic Attaire India Pvt. Ltd, were also present.

Visit of French Students


French students delegation
with Dean
A French delegation under Indo-French Exchange Programme (DEFIAA2 ) reached Pantvarsity on 14 June 2017. The delegation consisted of three professors and five students of different institutions under Ministry of Agriculture and Agroforestry of France. Among five students, four are studying in second year undergraduate course in food science and technology; and the remaining one student is of field management subject. All the students will be trained at College of Agriculture for 1 month.

The delegation held a meeting with Dr J. Kumar, VC, and the Deans, Directors and other officers of the university to discuss various ways to further strengthen this programme.

Patent for a Process to prepare Fabrics


One application for patent of process was filed, which was about preparing fabrics from fibres of giardinia, agave and sugarcane (bagasse). The invention provides processes for making fabrics from these items and brings into evidence the applicability of these fibres and fabrics in mulching, air layering and packaging of food materials. The patent has been filed in the name of the inventors, Dr Yogita Pandey and Dr Manisha Gahlot of Department of Clothing and Textile of College of Home Science of the University.

JUNAGADH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, JUNAGADH

Krushi Mahotsav 2017

As a part of celebration of Krushi Mahotsav – 2017, an agriculture faircum-exhibition were organized at five places of Saurashtra like
Mr Vijay Bhai Rupani,
addressing the farmers
Junagadh (7 May), Amreli (11 May), Jam Khanbhaliya (13 May), Gondal (19 May) and Vadhavan (23 May). Shri. Mansukhbhai Mandavia, Union Minister for Road Transpor t & Highways, Shipping, Chemical & Fertilizers, Government of India, New Delhi, inaugurated it. Such exhibition was also organized at University, on 7 May, 2017. The dignitaries who graced this occasion were Shri Chimanbhai Saparia, Minister, Agriculture & Energy, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar; Shri Babubhai Bokhiria, Minister, Water Supply, Animal Husbandry and Cow Breeding, Fisheries, Civil Aviation, and Salt Industry, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar; Shri Jashabhai Barad, Minister of Water supply, Civil Aviation and Salt industry; Dr A.R. Pathak, VC, Shrimati Aadhyashaktiben Majmudar, Mayor, Junagadh; MLA, Junagadh; besides other government officers, dignitaries and farmers.

Mr Mnasukhbhai, opening pradarshan
of Krushi mahotsav 2017
Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, CM, inaugurated Krushi Mahotsav event organized at Gondal on 19 May, 2017. Those present on this occasion were MLAs Shri Pravinbhai Makadiya, Shri Kantibhai Amrutiya, Shrimati Bhanuben Babariya and Shri Bavanjibhai Metaliya; Shri Jentibhai Dhol, President of Gondal Marketing Yard; Shri Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary; Dr A. R. Pathak, VC, District Collector of Rajkot and Morbi, DDOs from both districts, besides taluka panchayat Presidents, officers, office-bearers and farmers in huge number were present.

KAMDHENU UNIVERSITY, GANDHINAGAR

Instant Detection of Milk Adulterants

According to the report of FSSAI, in the study of 33 states, milk was found adulterated with detergent, fat and even urea, besides the age-old dilution with water. Detection of adulteration in milk is a huge challenge at the entry level in the village milk cooperatives. For the detection of adulterants in the milk, sophisticated laboratory and costly instruments are required and also trained personnel are needed to handle the instruments. Considering this scenario, Kamdhenu University has developed dip strips for instant detection of adulterants in the milk under the guidance of Prof. M. C. Varshneya, VC, and led by Dr V. M. Ramani, Principal & Dean, Dairy Science. This dip strip test based on nanotechnology helps detect milk adulterants like starch, urea, hydrogen peroxide, boric acid, detergent, neutralizer, maltodextrin and ammonium sulphate. It is portable, accurate, rapid, cheaper and reliable. This dip strip test developed by Kamdhenu University is being patented. It can be used in interior parts of Gujarat and India wherein people are unaware about the tests for milk adulterants.

KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, THRISSUR

Collaboration with University of British Columbia

Graduate students and faculty members from University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada visited College of Forestry on 3 June 2017. Dr Suzie Lavelle, Professor and leader of the team, delivered talk on 'High education prospects of Forestry graduates at UBC', for

the benefit of students and faculty members . The members from UBC and Science and Engineering Research Board of India signed a memorandum of understanding under which SERB has committed funds to support upto five Indian students to pursue Ph.D. degrees at UBC in areas pertaining to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This scholarship includes a monthly living allowance of US$2000 (US$24,000 per annum) plus funding by UBC, covering the tuition costs. The first awards became available for the September 2016 intake, and the selected students have already commenced their Ph.D. work at the UBC. The selection process for the 2017 awards is currently in its final stage. Graduates from the College, Shri T.L. Libin, and Shri Vishal Vijayan were awarded fellowship for full-time Masters programme in Faculty of Forestry, UBC, (Canada) and are currently pursuing their studies.

LALA LAJPAT RAI UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, HISAR

Regional Referral Diagnostic and Extension Centre at Vill. Keorak

LUVAS will establish its third Regional Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre (RVDEC) at Vill. Keorak, Kaithal. The announcement to establish this centre was recently made by Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal. To establish this centre 10 acres of land has already been given by the Keorak village panchayat and other approvals are in active consideration of the Government of Haryana.

The RVDEC will have facilities for X-rays, ultrasonography, surgical operations, clinical diagnosis, artificial insemination, investigation of diseases, analysis of feed/ feed ingredients. At this centre regular trainings will be conducted to educate the rural women and enhancing their knowledge with respect to health and management of livestock animals; making them aware of financial regulations, loans and marketing structure for increased productivity of milk, clean milk production and preparation of value added milk products which will further enhance the farmers’ income from livestock sector.

MoU Between LLUVAS and Minnesota University

Dr Gurdial Singh with officers,
on signing MoU
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between LLUVAS and Minnesota University the USA on 27 May, 2017. The copy of MoU received from Minnesota University was signed and confirmed by Dr Ravindra Sharma, Director of Research, in the presence of Dr Gurdial Singh, VC, as well as officers of the university. On this occasion, Dr Gurdial Singh said that with signing of this MoU there will be easy exchange of technical information and scientists between the institutes, Joint research projects in the field of animal health and production will also be initiated in future, which will help boost the research in this university.

MAHARASHTRA ANIMAL & FISHERY SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, NAGPUR

First Rank of Fisheries Student in PG-Entrance Examination

Shri. Atul Patil, IV year B.F.Sc. student of College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, secured first rank in ‘Post Graduate Entrance Examination – 2017 for admission to Master’s in Fisheries Science” conducted by the Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research, Pune.

23rd Annual Convention of ISVIB and National Conference

The KNP College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal, organized XXIII Annual Convention of Indian Society for Veterinary Immunology and
Inauguration of Conference-
VIBCON- 17 by Hon'ble guests
Biotechnology' and National Conference on "Challenges in live stock and poultry production: Solutions with biotechnology” during 17-19 April, 2017. Prof. S. Thilagar, VC, TANUVAS, Chennai, the chief guest, inaugurated the conference. Those who graced the occasion were: Dr M. L. Madan, former DDG, ICAR & VC, PDKV Akola and Pt Dindayal Upadhyay University of Veterinary Sciences, Mathura; Prof. A. K. Misra, VC, MAFSU, Nagpur; Dr R. K. Singh, President, Indian Society of Veterinary Biotechnology; Dr A. S. Bannalikar, Director of Research, MAFSU, Nagpur; Dr A. S. Ranade, Associate Dean, KNPCVS, Shirwal; Dr K. S. Palaniswami, Vice-President ISVIB; Dr A. Thangavelu, Secretary, ISVIB; Dr Mohan Wani, Scientist, NCL, Pune; Dr Sanjay Gawkare, Executive Member, MAFSU, Nagpur; and Dr A. H. Ulemale, Organizing Secretary, VIBCON, 2017. In the inaugural function Indian Society for Veterinary Immunology and Biotechnology conferred fellow award to Dr Baldev Gulati, Principal Scientist, NRC Equines, Hissar. A compendium was released by all the dignitaries. During these 3 days the participants presented different research work in technical sessions on selected themes and sub-themes. More than 160 scientists, experts, academicians, students, industrialists, and entrepreneurs in the field of biotechnology actively participated in the conference.

NANAJI DESHMIKH VETERINARY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY, JABALPUR

Narmada Basin Plantation Drive

Dignitaries planting trees
On 2 July 2017, Narmada Basin Plantation Drive was organized by NDVSU, Jabalpur. On this occasion Dr A. K. Shrivastava, Member, ASRB, ICAR, New Delhi, was present. Prof. P.D. Juyal, VC, led the drive on by planting trees in the college premises. Those present on this occasion were Dr A. C. Varshney, former VC, DUVASU, Mathura, besides the Dean Faculty, Dean, Registrar and faculty members. Under the aegis of Narmada river and to make Jabalpur green, about 5000 tress (including, mango, peepal, jamun, neem, guava) were planted in Veterinary College campus, Fisheries College, Polytechnic College, Livestock Farm, Poultry Unit and Amanala Farm.

ORISSA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, BHUBANESWAR

Inauguration of KVK Buildings

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the administrative buildings of four KVKs under the university was held at OUAT main campus on 1 April, 2017. The function was attended by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; the Union Minister of State (Independent charge), Petroleum and Natural Gas; Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR; Minister of Agriculture and FE & FARD, Government of Odisha; Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha; Member of Parliament, Bhubaneshwar; Principal Secretary, Agriculture & FE, Government of Odisha among others.

Launching RPL Programme

OUAT organized the launching ceremony of "Recognition of prior learning” programme in agriculture & allied sectors of Odisha’ on 15 April, 2017, the first among SAUs in the country. The event was organized jointly by Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha; Odisha Skill Development Authority and OUAT. Shri Naveen Patnaik, CM, Government of Odisha,

Shri Naveen Patnaik, distributing
certificate to nursery workers
Odisha Skill Development Authority and OUAT. Shri Naveen Patnaik, CM, Government of Odisha, graced the occasion as the chief guest, and distributed certificates to 48 nursery workers and mushroom producers. The Secretary, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI; Chairman, OSDA; Minister of Agriculture and FE & FARD, Government of Odisha; Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha; Member of Parliament, Bhubaneshwar; MLA, Bhubaneshwar North; MLA, Bhubaneshwar Central; Principal Secretary, Agriculture & FE, Government of Odisha and the MD & CEO, NSDC, were present on this occasion. Besides, various Government officials; Deans, Directors, Faculty members, scientists & students of the university as well as the farmers attended the function.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

Km. Pushpa Dhami

Student Achievers

Km. Pushpa Dhami, Ph.D. scholar in Department of Food and Nutrition, attended International short course training on 'Linking emergency aid to food and nutrition security', at Centre for Development Innovation, Netherlands. Her training was sponsored by the ‘Netherland Fellowship Programme’, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Km. Barinder Kaur, a Ph.D student of Vegetable
Km Barinder Kaur
Science, bagged the ‘Prime Minister Fellowship’ for Ph.D research. The fellowship is awarded by Science and Engineering Research Board, an autonomous body of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and Confederation of Indian Industry for a period of 4 years, to pursue doctoral research. Ms Barinder will work on ‘Molecular mapping and inter-specific hybridization for hull-less seed trait in pumpkin for value addition in processing industry’, under the supervision of Dr A. S. Dhatt, Senior Vegetable Breeder-cum-Head, Department of Vegetable Science. The expected research output of this study will be useful to the researchers, growers as well as snack, seed and bakery industry.

Releases of Bt American Cotton

PAU Bt Cotton 1
The PAU, Ludhiana developed PAU Bt 1, the first Bt cotton variety in the public domain in the country. This variety was released for general cultivation in Punjab and Haryana. It carries cry 1Ac gene, imparting resistance against bollworm complex. With the cultivation of this variety, the cotton farmers can retain their seed for planting in the next season and need not purchase the costly Bt cotton hybrid seed each year.

SWAMI KESHWANAND RAJASTHAN AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, BIKANER

Participation of Scientista in International Meetings

Dr N. K. Sharma, Profes sor (Agrostology) & OSD and Technical Adviser to VC, attended the 4th Stress-tolerant orphan legume meeting, organized by M/s Kirkhouse Trust, UK
Dr N.K. Sharma at Tanzania
during 27-28 June, 2017 at Arusha, (Tanzania). Both the teams discussed collaborative project entitled “Evaluation of stress-tolerant orphan legumes for use in dryland farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa and India: Promot ing India-Africa framework for strategic cooperation”. The project was formulated by ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and M/s Kirkhouse Trust, U.K. with total outlay of 1.25 billion US dollar. They included Dr N. K. Sharma as one of the Co-Principal Investigators in the project.

Dr Madhu Sharma among the
participants and dignitaries at Dhaka
Prof. Madhu Sharma , Director, Directorate of Prioritization, Monitoring and Evaluation, SKRAU, Bikaner participated as a Resource Person in the workshop organized by Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo, (Japan) at Dhaka, (Bangladesh). The title of the workshop was “Emerging roles of producers’ associations and farmers’ cooperatives.” During these five days of the workshop, Prof. Madhu Sharma gave presentations on two important topics, viz., ‘Agriculture extension: rural SMEs in co-operatives increasing productivity and profitability: India’s case’ and ‘Changing roles of cooperatives to prepare future challenges in agriculture: Cases in Indian rural communities'.

SHER-E-KASHMIR UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY (J), JAMMU

Release of New Varieties

Toria (RSPT- 6)

Toria (RSPT-6)

RSPT-6 toria matures in 85-90 days. It gives average 10-12 q/ha yield, with 42.0 % oil content. It is moderately resistant to aphid infestation, Alternaria blight and white rust.

 

Raya (RSPR-69)

Raya (RSPR- 69)
It is early maturing (by 8 days) than check varieties. It matures in 135-145 days. The plants are tolerant to lodging. It is moderately resistant to aphid infestation, Alternaria blight and white rust. It gives average seed yield of 15-16 q/ha, and has 39.4 % oil content.

Rice Basmati 129

Rice (SJR – 129)
Basmati 129 is a high yielding (40-45 q ha), aromatic variety of basmati rice. It is resistant to lodging due to its short stature and moderately resistant to stem borer, leaf folder and bacterial leaf blight. It matures 15 days earlier, with yield superiority of more than 15% over Basmati 370.

Wheat JAUW 584

Wheat (JAUW – 584)
It is suitable for timely-sown, irrigated conditions of Jammu province. It is high yielding (45-52 q/ha) with superiority up to 10.47% over the check (PBW 343). It is moderately resistant to yellow and brown rusts. It has excellent grain characters (bold grain, semi-hard to hard texture, amber-colour seed) with high protein content (12.06%). It matures in 140-155 days.

Wheat JAUW 598

Wheat (JAUW – 598)
It is suitable for rainfed areas of Jammu province. It is high yielding (40-42 q/ha) with yield superiority over the checks (33.2 and 16.8 % over national checks PBW 175/ WH 1080 respectively). It is moderately resistant to yellow and brown rusts and blight disease. It has excellent grain characters (bold grain, semi-hard to hard ambercolour seed), high protein content (12.8%) over the check (PBW 175 and PBW 644) and moderately resistant to lodging.

Rapid detection of Foot rot

Foot rot is a specific contagious disease of the feet of sheep, goats and other ruminants, caused by Dichelobacte rnodosus, causing exudative inflammation, followed by necrosis of the epidermal tissues of the hoof, emitting foul odour. Traditionally the identification of D. nodosus has relied on isolation of the bacterium from foot rot lesion material and subsequent microscopic, microbiological and biochemical tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based 16S rRNA sequence has been modified by Division of Veterinary Microbiology SKUAST, Jammu to be used as a practical method for the detection and identification of organism directly from lesion material, without need for isolation. The method involves suspensions of material present on swabs from grade 4 or 5 lesions of the affected animals in 100 µl sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2). The swabs were then discarded and the suspensions were boiled for 5 min., cooled on ice for 10 min and centrifuged at 10,000 × g for1 min. Two µl of the supernatant was used as template for each PCR reaction. The method was validated by testing direct suspension samples from lesions of sheep with different clinical grades of foot rot.

SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY, TIRUPATI

Training on Ornamental Fish Breeding and Farming

Participants receiving certificates
A training programme on Ornamental Fish Breeding and Farming was conducted during 10-14 April, 2017 at College of Fishery Science, Muthukur for women of selfhelp groups to improve their income and provide employment - generation opportunities. The training programme was organized in collaboration with Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Dr T.V. Ramana, Dean of Fishery Science, inaugurated the training programme. Dr D. Sreenivasulu, Director of Extension, attended the valedictory function and distributed certificates to the trainees.
Dr M. Mutha Rao

Visit of Scientists Abroad

Dr M. Mutha Rao, Principal Scientist, Livestock Research Station, Lam, Guntur; and Dr K. Veerabramhaiah, Professor, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati underwent training at Embrapa Cenergen, Brazil during 17 - 27 April, 2017 on Invitro
Dr K. Veerabramhaiah
fertilization technology, as a part of the project on Conservation and Propagation of Ongole and Punganur breeds of indigenous cattle.

 

TAMIL NADU FISHERIES UNIVERSITY, NAGAPATTINAM

New PG Programmes

University Building
The following new Postgraduate programmes will be offered at ‘Institute of Postgraduate studies (IPGS), a newly established institute, at the OMR Campus, Chennai from 2017-18 onwards.

PG Programme (ICAR Stream)

1. M. F. Sc., Fisheries Biotechnology: 4 seats.
2. M.F.Sc., Fish Genetics and Breeding: 4 seats.
3. M.F.Sc., Pharmacology and Toxicology: 4 seats.
4. Ph.D., Fish Biotechnology: 2 seats.

PG Programme (DBT Stream)

1. M. Sc. (Marine Biotechnology): 12 seats.

At IPGS, the following programme will be offered from 2018-19 onwards. These will be under self finance mode.
1. B. Tech. (Biotechnology): 20 seats per year. MBA- Fisheries Enterprise Management: 40 seats.
These will be offered on self-finance mode.
  • Admission strength for B.F.Sc. programme at the FCRI, Thoothukudi has been increased to 60 from this academic year.
  • Fisheries Department officials with B.F.Sc., qualification will be admitted for M.F.Sc. and Ph.D., from this academic year onwards (3+1 seats).

Fisheries Minister inaugurates new facilities and services at Ponneri

Shri. D Jayakumar inaugurating
Mr D. Jayakumar, Minister for Fisheries, inaugurated new hostel blocks of girls’ hostel and PG block of FCRI, Ponneri on 27 May, 2017. This new hostel has accommodation facility for 240 students, including rooms for international students. On this occasion, he flagged Mobile Aquaculture Quality-Testing Laboratory, and also launched nine innovative ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook “Pulicat Omega” products, developed by the FCRI, Ponneri. Mr P. Benjamin, Minister for Rural Industries, Dr S. Felix, VC, Mr P. Balaraman, MLA of Ponneri constituency; and Smt. E. Sundaravalli (I.A.S.), were also present on the occasion.

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, BENGALURU

Young Leader Award

Shri I. B. Lenka, addressing
other dignitaries
The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru; Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India; and National Service Scheme Cell jointly organised National Young Leader Award Programme on 4 April, 2017 at GKVK. Sri Swamy Poornananda, President, Ramakrishna Vivekananda Asharama, Chickballapur, was the chief guest. Dr H. Shivanna, VC, presided over the programme. Mr I. B. Lenka, Under Secretary, I.C. Cell, Ministry of Youth Affairs, New Delhi; Mr A. N. Pujar, Regional Director, Regional Directorate of NSS, Government of India, Bengaluru; and Dr Gananatha Shetty Yekkar, State NSS Officer & exofficio Joint Secretary, National Service Scheme Cell, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Bengaluru, were the guests of honour.

51st Convocation

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra with
Mr Krishna Byregowda, with VC
and other members, at Convocation
The 51st convocation of UAS, Bengaluru was held on 24 April, 2017. Dr H. Shivanna, VC, welcomed the gathering and presented a brief report on progress of the university. Mr Krishna Byregowda, Minister for Agriculture, Government of karnataka and Pro-Chancellor of the University, awarded Ph.D.

degrees to 73, M.Sc degrees to 234 and B.Sc degrees to 646 students, as well as the medals to meritorious students. Members of Board of Management and Academic Council, UAS participated in the programme. Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) and DG (ICAR), New Delhi, delivered the convocation address.

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, RAICHUR

Seventh Convocation

The Seventh Annual convocation of the UAS, Raichur, (Karnataka) was held on 3 June, 2017 at the university campus. Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, Nat ional Inst i tut ion for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), Government of India, New Delhi was the chief guest. Dr P.M. Salimath, VC, Members of Board of Management, officers of the university, staff members, students, dignitaries as well as press and media persons were present.

Dr Ramesh Chand, in his Convocation address laid stress on the change that has taken place in the field of agriculture in India during the past 40 years. He expressed his deep concern on the weakening of public extension services in all the states. He informed that the knowledge - based farming is showing rich dividends. He advised the students to take up Crop advisory centres and clinics to provide professional services related to farming. He appreciated the growth of the university in a short span, where it is mandated to serve the disadvantaged region of the country and the state of Karnataka. In the beginning Dr P.M. Salimath, VC welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries to the convocation and presented the brief report on the progress of the university.

In this Convocation, 255 under-graduate’s, 107 post-graduate’s and 12 doctoral degrees were conferred. Besides this, 18 gold medals for UG students, 10 gold medals to PG students and 5 gold medals for Ph. D degree holders were awarded.

Awards

CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL

Best Exibitor Award to KVK, Imphal East, Andro

Mrs. T. Medhabati Devi, Head, KVK,
receiving award on May 5, 2017
A State Agricultural Fair, 2017 was organized by SAMETI and Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur during 2-5 May, 2017 at Iboyaima Shanglen, Imphal. The theme of the Agriculture Fair was ‘Transforming agriculture through mechanisation”. In the Fair, KVK Imphal East, Andro secured the Best Exhibitor Award with a certificate, memento and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 for the technologies by it.

Dr RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA

Best Scientist Award

Dr Arunima Kumari
Dr Arunima Kumari, Associate Professor, Home Science, Extension and Communication Management, received Best Scientist Award on 27 April 2017 at Chandigarh, in 53rd International Conference of International Multidisciplinary Research Foundation, Hyderabad.
Dr N.B. Parel receiving award

ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, ANAND

Best Scientist Award

The Fifth International Conference on Agriculture, Horticulture and Plant Sciences was held at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, during 24-25 June, 2017. It was organized by International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and M/s Serials Publications Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. At this conference Dr N. B. Patel, Assistant Research Scientist (Ent,), Main Vegetable Research Station, AAU, Anand secured with ‘Outstanding Scientist Award’ and ‘Best Oral Presentation Award’ for his paper, entitled “Impact evaluation of cow-urine and vermiwash on insect pests of brinjal”.

Best Extension Scientist Award

Dr J.B. Patel receiving award
Dr J B Patel, Associate Professor, Department of Extension Education, B. A. College of Agriculture, was honoured with ‘Best Extension Scientist’ for his valuable contribution in the field of extension education, extension research and extension services for the overal l development of farming community and extension discipline. He was awarded during National Seminar on Extension Plus held at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, during 21-22 Apr 2017 organised by Society of Extension Education, Gujarat.

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, KOTA

Pandit Deen Dyal Upadhyay Puraskar

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kota of Agriculture University, Kota was awarded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya Krishi Vigyan Protashahan Puraskar 2016-17 for Zone II, by the ICAR. This award was conferred by Minister of Agriculture on the foundation day of the ICAR i.e., on 16 July 2017, at NASC, New Delhi.

Jagjivan Ram Abhinav Puraskar 2016 for Zone II was also awarded by the ICAR to a progressive farmer Mr Punam Chand Patidar of KVK, Jhalawar, under Agriculture University, Kota, for his best efforts and innovation in Agriculture.

CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE & TECHNOLOGY, KANPUR

Awards to Scientists

Dr R.P. Singh receiving award
on the occasion of the 28th foundation day of Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR) on June 14, 2017, the awards were distributed at Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow.



Dr Ratan Prakash Singh, Professor & Head, Department of Soil Conservation and Water
Dr M. Katiyar receiving the award
Management was awarded Dr Suraj Bhan Vishisht Krishi Vaigyanik Puraskar – 2016. It was given for outstanding contribution in the field of Natural Resource Management (Soil and Water Management). Dr Manoj Katiyar, Assistant Professor, Legume Section, was awarded Dr Shanker Lal Vishisht Krishi Vaigyanik Puraskar - 2016 for his outstanding contribution in the field of Crop Improvement (Pulses).

GURU ANGAD DEV VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

Life-time Achievement Awards

Dr H.K. Verma receiving award
The Second National Conference of “Society for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Extension” organized by SKUAST (J), J&K. The fol lowing awards were distributed on this occasion. Dr H.K. Verma, Director of Extension Education, and Dr. R.S. Sahota, former Director of Extension Education, were honoured with Life-Time Achievement Award, for their meritorious services towards livestock extension and for their commitment to the farming community. Dr Verma shared GADVASU extension model with the scientific fraternity from different parts of the country, which was very much appreciated by all participants.

Honour to Scientists

Dr Yash Pal singh receiving award
The 24th Annual Convention and National Symposium on Live stock Resources Management was held at SKUAST, (Srinagar), Kashmir. The Indian Society of Animal Production and Management organised these. The function was graced by Ms Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief Minister of Kashmir. She presented the awards to the following scientists. Dr Yashpal Singh, Assistant Professor was bestowed with “National Fellow of the Society (FNAPM)” for his contribution in the field of Livestock Production. Dr D S Malik, Head, Department of Livestock Production and Management along with his team of scientists and students attended the conference and chaired the session. He also presented a lead paper on “Climate Change: Challenges and Implementation of Livestock Production with Special Reference to Indian Scenario”.

Award to Students from Guru Harkrishan Education Society

Dr M.S. Hundal, receiving award
Mr Meharans Singh Hundal was awarded with a Roll of Honour and cash prize for standing first in B.V.Sc. & A.H. by Guru Harkrishan Education Society, Chandigarh, on its 25th Annual Sanman Samaroh. His name has been inscribed in the Academic Roll of Honour of the Society maintained for toppers. Mr Meharans was awarded Roll of Honour certificate by the chief guest, Prof. Prakash Gopalan, Director, Thapar University, Patiala.

Woman Scientist Gold Medal for Vaccine Research

Dr Sabia Qureashi receiving award
Dr Sabia Qureshi, a former PhD student of Department of Veterinary Microbiology was awarded the ISVIB Woman Scientist Award Gold Medal. The award was conferred at the 23rd Annual Convention of Indian Society for Veterinary Immunology and
Biotechnology (ISVIB) and National Conference on ”Challenges in livestock and poultry production : Solutions with Biotechnology”. The function was held at K.N.P. College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal, (dist. Satara, Maharashtra). The award winning work on development of a novel marker vaccine and companion DIVA assays for Haemorrhagic septicaemia in cattle, was carried out by Dr Qureshi as a part of her Ph.D. research work under the supervision of Dr Hari Mohan Saxena, Professor of Immunology at GADVASU. The vaccine developed from bacteriophage-lysed Pasteurella multocida organisms induced stronger immune response than the currently used alum-precipitated vaccine, and enabled differentiation of vaccinated from the infected animals (DIVA) by ELISA and Western blotting.

GOVIND BALLAH PANT UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, PANTNAGAR

National Kamdhenu Award

Shri Radha Mohan Singh, presenting
awards to
Dr J. Kumar and scientists
Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture, awarded Pantvarsity with National Kamdhenu Award. In this award a citation and a cash award of Rs 3 lakhs were handed over by Dr R.M. Singh to Dr. J. Kumar. Those present on this occasion were Dr. G.K. Singh, Dean, College of Veter inar y and Animal Sciences; Dr. Anil Kumar, Joint Director, Instructional Dairy Farm; and Dr. D.V. Singh, Professor & Head, Department of Livestock Production Management. The award was given under National Gokul Mission programme, started by the Government of India in 2014 for conservation and multiplication of Indian breed of cattle. Under this mission on the occasion of World Milk Day, 1 June 2017, a programme was organized at New Delhi in which National Kamdhenu and Gopal Ratna awards were given to encourage production and productivity of national breeds of cattle. Amongst the 5 regions of the country categorized in the project, for Northern Hill Region, this award was given to Pantvarsity for the conservation of Sahiwal breed at its Instructional Dairy Farm where the unit has 260 Sahiwal animals conserved under All-India Coordinated Research Project on Cattle - Sahiwal, sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

Certificate of Excellence to BSPC

Breeder Seed Production Centre of Pantvarsity was awarded ‘Certificate of Excellence’ for the year 2016-17, in recognition of its best performance in production of high-quality breeder seed and providing seed- production trainings to the farmers and seed producers during 2015-16. These were done under All-India Coordinated Research Project: National Seed Project (Crops), and the ICAR Seed Project–Seed Production of Agricultural Crops. The award was given by Indian Institute of Seed Science of the ICAR at Mau, (dist. Of U.P.) during 32nd Annual Group meeting of All-India Coordinated Research Project-NSP (Crops), held at Swami Keshawanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, during 22- 24 April, 2017.

Trophy to Students in Inter-University Youth Festival

Dr J. Kumar and Dean Dr S.P. Singh with
the members of Winner Trophy team
The students of Pantvarsity captured the overall winner trophy in 21st All-India Inter- University Youth Festival, held at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, (Haryana), during 10-12 April 2017. There were 36 different competitions of education, dance, song, drama, art, etc., in which Pantvarsity students secured first three places in 27

competitions. Also, three students viz., Mr Sumit Bhatt, Mr Ajay Prakash and Mr Siddharth Chaudhary, were selected for Best Orator, Best Artist and Best Artist (Fine Arts) award respectively. A large number of teams from all over India participated in this festival. Dr J. Kumar, VC, felicitated all the team members of Pantvarsity in a programme.

KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, THRISSUR

Plant Genome Saviour Award

Two farmers viz. Shri T. T. Thomas from Kattappana, (dist. Idukki ) and Shri Reji Thomas from Agali, Attappady, (dist. Palakkad), supported and documented by IPR Cell of KAU, were selected for Plant Genome Saviour Award (2015) of PPV&FR Authority, Government of India. The award ceremony was held at Champaran, Bihar on 19-4-2017. Each farmer received a cash award of Rs 1.5 lakhs, along with a certificate and a memento. The KAU received national appreciation from PPV& FR authority for this achievement.

Best Poster Award

Best Exibitor Award to KVK, Imphal East, Andro

Dr Jalaja S Menon, receiving award
from Director, IIHR, Bengaluru
Dr Jalaja S Menon, Assistant Professor, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara received Best Poster Award for “Horticultural crops of humid tropics: diversification for sustainability” in the National conference on Kerala, garlic crop - production profile in Devikulam block, Idukki district.

Dr Gavas Rageesh, receiving award
Dr Gavas Ragesh, Assistant Professor (Agric. Ent.), BRS, Kannara received Best Poster Award for the research work entitled “Insect and non-insect pests of jackfruit trees under humid tropics of Western Ghats in Kerala, India”, in the National Conference on Horticultural Crops of Humid Tropics: Diversification for Sustainability” held at Gandhi Maidhan, Madikeri, (dist. Coorg), Karnataka during 20 - 21 May, 2017.

LALA LAJPAT RAI UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCES, HISAR

Award for Indigenous Cattle

Scientists receiving award from
Union Agriculture Minister
On 1 June 2017 on the occasion of World Milk Day, Mr Radha Mohan Singh, Union Agriculture Minister, gave away Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu Awards to different individuals and institutes from all over the country for their significant contributions in improvement of indigenous cattle at a programme organized at New Delhi. The Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, bagged second prize in Kamdhenu Award category, for improvement of Haryana and Sahiwal breeds of cattle in the university. Dr Abhay Singh Yadav and Dr S.S. Dhaka received award from the chief guest.

MAHARASHTRA ANIMAL AND FISHERY SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, NAGPUR

Veterinarian Award to University Professor

Dr (Mrs) Rajashree Gandge (Patil), Professor of Veterinary Microbiology, Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, was honoured
Dr (Mrs) Rajashree Gandge (Patil),
receiving award
with “Mrs Vimal Shrinivas Kshirsagar Memorial Award”. Dr. Trilochan Mahapatra, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR presented her the award for outstanding contribution as veterinarian for benefit of field and contemporary society during 17th IAAVR Annual Conference & Nat ional Symposium held at IVRI, Izatnagar during 8-9 April, 2017.

Kartavyabhushan Puraskar to Dr. A. U. Bhikane

Dr A.U. Bhikane, receiving
the award
Dr A. U. Bhikane, Associate Professor, College of Veter inar y and Animal Sciences, Udgir (dist.) was awarded ‘Kartavyabhushan’ Puraskar on 25 April, 2017. Shri Shripal Sabnis , Adhyakshya presented him the award during the 89th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. Those present on this occasion were Shri Kautikrao Thale Patil, President, Marathwada Sahitya Parishad, Aurangabad and Shri Ramchandra Tiruke, Vice- President, ZP, Latur. The award was given for his achievement in the field of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry - teaching, research and extension and devoted service to the farmers.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

National Institutional Ranking Framework Plaque

In the NIRF ranking of 2017, released on 3 April 2017, the PAU was placed at the 40th rank among the overall category; at 24th rank among the ‘Universities’ and at 3rd rank among the ‘Agricultural Universities’. Notably, it is placed at the first position among the universities of Punjab, and was awarded a plaque and a certificate for its ranking. This was done at a glittering ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan on 10 April, 2017. The ceremony was attended by Dr B.S. Dhillon, VC, and Dr Neelam Grewal, Dean, Post-graduate Studies.

Certificates of appreciation to Maize Group

Maize group receiving certificate
of appreciation
The Maize Group of the PAU got two Certificates of Appreciation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for ”Outstanding performance in maize research and development” during 1957-2015. The other certificate was for “Best Performance in Breeder Seed Production of Maize” during 1995-2015. The certificates were conferred during the Golden Jubilee AICRP Workshop on Maize, held at MPUAT, Udaipur during 2-4 April, 2017.

Best Centre Award to AICRP on Fodder Crops

Best Centre award for fodder crops
The Forage and Millet Section, PAU, Ludhiana was conferred the Best Centre Award- Kharif 2016. It was during the Annual Group Meet, held at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi

Viswavidyalaya, Palampur, (Himachal Pradesh) on 18 April, 2017. The award was received by the AICRP scientists Dr U.S. Tiwana, Senior Agronomist & In-charge, Forage Section; Dr Rahul Kapur, Assistant Forage Breeder; Dr Minakshi Goyal, Assistant Biochemist, and Dr Ashlesha, Assistant Plant Pathologist.

SWAMI KESHWANAND RAJASTHAN AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, BIKANER

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Puraskar

Prof. B.R. Chippa
receiving Puraskar from
President of India
Prof. B. R. Chhipa, VC, SKRAU, Bikaner has been awarded the prestigious “Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Puraskar” by Dr Pranab Mukharjee, President, Republic of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 30 May, 20.

 

 

 

SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY, TIRUPATI

Life-Time Achievement Award to Dr. Manmohan Singh

Dr Manmohan Singh, receiving
Life- time achievement award from
Dr Trilochan Mohapatra
Dr Manmohan Singh, (I.A.S.), VC, SVVU, Tirupati was conferred Life-Time Achievement Award. It was given on the occasion of Indian Veterinary Congress on 8 April, 2017 by the Indian Association of Advancement of Veterinary Research at Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. He completed AH in 1980 andM.V.Sc (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) in 1982. Dr Manmohan Singh had worked as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon from June to December, 1982 at Bilaspur, and as Research Associate from January 1983 to August 1985 in Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology ,Veterinary College, Jabalpur.

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, BENGALURU

Agricultural Sciences Institute Award

Dr H. Shivanna and Dr D.P.
Kumar, receiving the award
Dr H. Shivanna, VC and Dr D.P. Kumar, Director of Education, were honoured with Agricultural Sciences Institute Award (Karnataka) on the occasion of 2017 National Education Award Ceremony held at Bengaluru on 28 June, 2017.

New Vice- Chancellors

LALA LAJPAT RAI UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, HISAR

Dr Gurdial Singh, VC, LUVAS, Hisar

Dr Gurdial Singh, VC, did his graduation (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) and postgraduation (M.V.Sc Veterinary Anatomy) in 1980 and 1983, respectively from erstwhile Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. He joined the academic profession in 1983 as an Assistant Professor in College of Veterinary Sciences. Later, he took overseas assignment as Lecturer in University of Maidugiri, Nigeria, from 1986 to 1988.
Dr Gurdial Singh
Since then, he has been engaged in teaching and research activities at graduation and higher level in Department of Anatomy, COVS, Hisar. Also, he obtained his doctoral degree from CCSHAU, Hisar in 1993. He guided several M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. students, and published many research articles and other substantial scientific literature in the field of Gross, Histology and Electron Microscopy. He has passion for development of multimedia modules for graduate and post-graduate teaching. He was FAO Fellow at Michigan State University, the USA. He is also Fellow of National Academy of Veterinary Sciences and Indian Association of Veterinary Anatomists

Dr Gurdial Singh was the Chairman of Education Committee as well as Vice-President of Veterinary Council of India.

SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY, TIRUPATI

Dr Y. Hari Babu, VC, SVVU, Tirupati

Dr Y. Hari Babu
Dr Y. Hari Babu, assumed the charge as VC of the University, on 17 Apr. 2017. He has dynamic administrative capabilities and vast teaching and research experience of about 38 years. He served in various capacities such as Professor & Head, Veterinary Microbiology, Deputy Chief General Manager (Quality Control) in Oral Polio Vaccine Unit; University Librarian; Controller of Examinations; Dean of Veterinary College, Bidar; and Director of Instruction (PGS), KVAFSU, Bidar. Immunology, vaccine development and quality control are his special areas of interest. Dr Y. Hari Babu authored 5 books and published 106 research, review and clinical articles in national and international journals; 2 book chapters and 7 training manuals. Dr Y. Hari Babu was honoured with several prestigious awards like “Shri Ramlal Agrawal National Award”, “Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puraskar Award”, “Rashtriya Vidya Gaurav Gold Medal Award”, “Eminent Citizen of India Award”, “Indira Gandhi Excellence Award” etc. The staff and students whole-heartedly complement Dr Y. Hari Babu for assuming charge as VC of SVVU, Tirupati.

TAMIL NADU FISHERIES UNIVERSITY, NAGAPATTINAM

Dr S. Felix, VC, TNFU, Nagapattinam

Dr S. Felix
Dr S. Felix, Dean, FCRI, Ponneri was appointed the new VC of the TNFU by H.E. CH. Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Tamil Nadu & Chancellor, TNFU. He assumed charges on 21 Apr. 2017. Dr S. Felix started his career as Assistant Professor at FCRI, Thoothukudi, during 1986. He was appointed Director (incharge), Institute of Fisheries Technology, Ponneri during 2014, and was later appointed Dean, FCRI, Ponneri on 31 Dec. 2015. During 2017, He was elected the new President of World Aquaculture Society, Asia Pacific Chapter. He is also a serving member in the Task force Committee of DBT, New Delhi.