UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, DHARWAD

In pursuit of providing professional service to the farming community in the 12 northern districts of Karnataka State, College ofAg riculture was established in 1947 by the erstwhile Bombay State Government at Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. With the reorganization of Indian states during 1956, the college came under the administrative control of Department ofA griculture, Mysore State (later named Karnataka State). Th e college was affiliated to Bombay University soon after its formation and then to Karnataka University, Dharwad in 1950. It became the constituent college of University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore in 1965 and then came under the purview of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad with effect from 1 October 1986, the day on which a separate university for the northern Karnataka region was formed. The university has multi-fold functions of teaching, research and extension in thefield of agriculture and allied sciences.

Mandate

• Making provision for imparting education in different branches of the study, particularly agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and animal sciences, forestry, fisheries, agricultural engineering, home economics and allied sciences.
• Advancement of learning and research, particularly in agriculture and other allied sciences.
• Undertaking the extension of such sciences to the rural people of the state and such other purposes as the State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify.

Mission

The mission of the university is to provide leadership in teaching, research and extension related to agriculture and allied sciences. The university has been making efforts to keep pace with new frontiers of science and contemporary developments to be socially, economically and technically relevant. It is strongly committed to develop the needed excellent manpower as well as useful technologies and theirdissemination to serve the farming community of the state.

Goals

In keeping with the spirit of the mission and mandate of the university, the following goals have been projected for it:

• To make agricultural education responsive to the growing and changing needs ofthesociety, especially theaspirationsofthefarming community.
• To establish a dynamic system of agricultural education to train highly skilled and competent manpower to address the challenging tasks in new emerging areas of research, extension and industry.
• To develop suitable end-use technologies to solve the farmers' problems vis-avis agricultural production including animal husbandry and fisheries, and foster research aimed at conceptual advances in all disciplines for technology development in the long run.
• Toestablish state-of-the-art infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, extensive farm lands and an operational research-management system that will ensure quick, efficient and cost-effective implementation of research programmes.
• To attract qualified and talented personnel to undertake research in the university.
• To ensure that the research findings and innovations, after their proven demonstration, are communicated to the farmers on a logistically feasible scale. This mechanism acts as an interface between farmers and researchers, and enables identification of problems through positive feedback.
• To disseminate knowledge and technology to farmers on a wider scale by training the grass-root workers and officers of the State Departments of Agriculture.Ho rticulturean dSe ricultureonr ecentad vancesint here spective fields through subject-matterspecialists.

Awards and Recognitions

In view of the outstanding achievements and yeomen services in the fields of agricultural education, research and extension, the university has been adjudged the BestAgricultural University in the country and has been conferred the prestigious "Sardar Patel outstanding Agricultural Institution Award 2000" by the ICAR.

• The university scientists have received more than 150 national and international awards.
• The ICAR conferred 'A' grade to the university.
• Its NSS Activities are adjudged the best in the state as well as in the country. It received the Indira Gandhi National NSS Best University Award at National-level in 2000-01 among 270 universities, and State NSS Best Award for the year 2000-01 by Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of lndia.

Teaching

One of the missions of the university is to impart higher education in agriculture and allied sciences for creating and developing human resources in these fields necessary for overall agricultural development of the country, especially of the state. Teaching activity is carried out through eight colleges in six campuses. Allt hec ollegesh aveb een accredited by ICAR with "A"grade. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are offered in different disciplines under semester system. The UG programmes are offered in six fields, viz. Agriculture (at Dharwad, Raichur.Bijapur and Bheemarayanagudi), Agricultural Marketing and Cooperation and Agri-Business Management (at Dharwad), Rural Home Science (at Dharwad), Agricultural Engineering (at Raichur),Horticulture (at Arabhavi) ,and F orestry( at Sirsi).The PG programmes are offered at Dharwad, Raichur, Bidar, Arabhavi and Sirsi campuses in 31 disciplines, and Ph.D. in 17 disciplines. Presently, 1,744 students are on roll for various UG programmes and 639 for PG programmes. Many ad-hoc research projects funded from outside are operating in the university besides several fellowships and associateships. The SC/ST students have been provided UAS scholarships at PG level.

Programmes

Undergraduate programmes: B.Sc. (Agric), B.Sc.(Agric. Maco.), B.H.Sc,
B.Tech. (Agric. Engng, B.Sc.(Hort.), and B.Sc.(Forestry).

Post-graduate programmes: The post-graduate degree programmes in the
university consist of Master's degree in 31 disciplines and Doctor of Philosophy
(Ph.D.) in 17 disciplines, as given below

Master programmes [M.Sc. (Agric.)/M.B.A./M.Sc. (Hort.)/ M.Tech.
(Agric.Engng)/M.Sc.Forestry)/M.H.Sc]

M.Sc. (Agric): Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural
Extension Education, Agricultural Microbiology, Agronomy, Crop Physiology,
Genetics and Plant Breeding, Horticulture Plant Pathology, Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry, Seed Science and Technology, Agricultural Statistics,
Sericulture, plant Bio-technology

M.B.A. (Agribusiness): Agri-Business Management

M.Sc.(Horticulture): Floriculture and Landscaping, Olericulture, Pomology, Post-
Harvest Technology, Spices and Plantation Crops, and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

M.Tech.(Agric.Engng): Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Farm Machinery
and Power, Soil and Water Engineering, and Agricultural Processing and Food
Engineering

M.Sc.(Forestry): Forestry

M.H.Sc: Textiles and Apparel Designing, Family Resource Management, Food Science and Nutrition. Human Development. and Extension and Communication Management

Doctoral programmes (Ph.D): Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural Extension Education, Agricultural Microbiology, Agronomy, Agri- Business Management, Crop Physiology Genetics and Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Plant Biotechnology, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Seed Science and Technology, Human Development, Food Science and Nutrition, Family Resource Management, and Textiles and Apparel Designing

Institute of Agricultural Bio-technology

IABT, with state-of-the-art technologies, has been established with the financial assistance of Rs 5 crores from the Government of Karnataka. With the ultramodern laboratories, it aims to provide high-quality education, training and R & D in plant and microbial biotechnology. Transgenic plants in pigeonpea, cotton, chillies, tomato, groundnut, transgenic microbes, functional genomics, new and novel genes and applications of marker technologies are in advanced stages of development. The institute offers both M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Plant Biotechnology.

Collaborative education and research programmes

Memoranda of Understanding with more than 60 national and international organizations have been executed for mutual development through exchange of information or knowledge, manpower and facilities. Some such organizations are: ICRISAT, Hyderabad; several ICAR institutes; BARC, Mumbai; NSc, Bangalore; CFTRI, Mysore; KU, Dharwad; UAS, Bangalore; CSRTI, Mysore; MAHYCO research foundation, Jalna; KRIBHCO; KJS Institute of Applied Agricultural Research, Sameerwadi; Wageningen University, the Netherlands; McGill University, Canada; and Cornell University, the USA.

Campus interviews and placement of graduates

Campus interviews by banks, cooperatives and other private organizations are being regularly held at Dharwad for effective placement of agricultural graduates or postgraduates at attractive salaries.

Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres

The university is recognized by Government of India as a centre for training graduates in agriculture and allied sciences for self-employment. Under this scheme, annually 50-100 graduates are being trained in various entrepreneurship programmes.

Research

The university covers 52% of the geographical, 63% of total cultivated, and 32% of the irrigated area in the state, spreading across 12 districts of northern Karnataka. A number of agricultural, horticultural and plantation crops represent the rich heritage of the area. There are five majorirrigation projects, viz. Tungabhadra, Upper Krishna, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha and Karanja, which provide irrigation to 15 lakh ha, accounting for 27% of the total cultivated area.

The region is endowed with a variety of climate, soils and crops. The university covers six Agro-climatic zones, viz. North-Eastern Transitional Zone, North-Eastern Dry Zone, Northern Dry Zone, Northern Transitional Zone, Hilly Zone and Coastal Zone.

The research needs of the farmers are catered through 36 Agricultural Research Stations spread across diverse agro-ecosystems, 46 AlCRPs and nearly 250 adhoc projects. The ad-hoc research projects are funded by World Bank-aided NATP, ICAR, DST, DBT, GOK, and other national and international agencies. The financialo utlayu nderr esearchh asi ncreasedf romR s1 0c rarest oR s5 0c rores within the last 4 years.

Some of the mega research projects include World Bank-aided National Agricultural Technology Project (consisting of 90 subprojects), CIDA-McGill- UASD Collaborative Project on "Consolidation of food security in south India", World Bank-funded project through Government of Karnataka entitled "Community-basedt ankm anagementc onsultancyp roject", Afforestationp roject in and around Bellary Thermal Power Station, Transgenic brinjal project in collaboration with Cornell University, the USA, and Wheat project in collaboration with Indonesian Government.

So, far the university has released 119 crop varieties or hybrids for cultivation by farmers.

AGRICULTURE

Crop Improvement

Since its inception, the university has released 118 crop varieties, e.g. cereals 34, oilseeds 16, pulses 19, commercial crops 20, fodder crops 12, and horticultural and plantation crops 17, some of which are being grown in otherstates as well.

Cotton: Varalaxmi, the first interspecific hybrid in the world, was developed in 1971 atARS, Dharwad, followedby re leaseofJ ayalaxmi( DCH 32). Both having extra-long staple superiority in quality and unprecedented yield in quantity, which revolutionized cotton cultivation in the entire country.

Other important varieties or hybrids developed by the university are DHB105 (interspecific), DHH 11 (intraspecific), DHB 543 (interspecific, long-staple hybrid), CPD431 (hirsutum cultivar), Abhadita and Sahana (boll worm tolerant cotton varieties).

The university has for the first time developed naturally coloured cotton variety (DDCC 1) with all the commercialq ualities.L ong-stapled esi cotton DLSA 17 has inherent qualities like resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Development of Bt cotton resistant to bollworm is also in advanced stage.

Wheat: Karnataka is unique in cultivation of three wheat species, viz. Triticum aestivum (bread wheat), Triticum durum (durum or suji wheat), and Triticum dicoccum (dicocum or diabitics wheat) covering extensive area in the state. Total 9 varieties have been developed by the university such as DWR 162 (bread wheat) which occupies 80% of the wheat area in Karnatakaan d2. 5la khhai nth een tire peninsularl ndia.a ndD WR2 25,w itha yield potential of 40 q/ha and resistance to all the existing races of leaf rust.

In durum wheat the university has released DWR 185 for irrigated conditions (covering 30,000 ha) and DWR 2006 resistantto leaf blightforrainfed conditions.

Karnataka is the only state where dicoccum wheat is grown commercially! he university is a pioneer in the world to develop and release a semi-dwarf dicoccum wheat variety. D DK 1001. Another variety D DK1 009, resistant to leaf blight. has been released recently. Dicocum wheat has greater future due to its thearaputic value in diabetes managementandhigherprofitability.

Groundnut: The university has developedD H4 0,D SG1 ,R 8808( KRG2) and R 9251 (KRG 3) varieties of groundnut. For coastal tract, DH 40 is the only recommended variety, which is early maturing, with high shelling outturn and high yielding under receding moisture conditions. As bud necrosis disease is a major constraint in the production of summerg roundnuti nt hec ommanda reas, release of KRG 2, tolerant to bud necrosis and high yielding forsustainable production in Zones 1, 2 and 3 both for kharif and summerse asonsha sin creasedgr oundnut production.

Similarly, KRG 3 has also been identified as tolerant to bud necrosis, suitable for summercultivation. In the transitional zone, foliar diseases are the major constraints, which result in reduction of yield to a great extent. Recently developed varieties such as GPBD 4, resistant to leaf-spot disease, hold a greater promise in Zone 8 for kharif season .A nother variety, TAG 24, is profitable under summer-irrigated condition.

Sunflower: The university developed downy mildew-resistant, earlymaturing hybrid DSH 1 in 1995, which has been gaining popularity in north Karnataka. In addition, Morden, which was an early-maturing variety cultivated in the entire country, has been improved and released renovated Dwarf Morden. Recently, RSFH1 has been released for Zones 1 and 2.

Safflower: Variety A 300, which was released long back, occupied the entire safflower cultivated area in Karnataka in the beginning and was replaced by A 1, which is highly adaptable to dry situation and high yielding. Recently, an improved varietyA2 has been released, which has higher oil content (33 to 34%) than the earlier varieties (28 to 30%). This variety is early-maturing, semi-compact and is suitable for intercropping with bengagram.

Pigeonpea: During 1970, the scientists from Gulbarga improved the existing local cultivar, which the university released it under the name GS 1. Since it was susceptible to wilt, variety Maruti (wilt resistant) released in 1985 has occupied almost threefourth of the pigeonpea (fur), growing area in the entire north Karnataka. Cultivation of this variety alone is generating Rs100 crores additional revenue.

To manage sterility mosaic disease, ICPL 87119 (Asha) was released. In shallow medium -black soils, a medium-duration cultivar WRP1, which yields high due to escape mechanism from pod borer, was released.

Chickpea: Annigerh isthe popularvariety coveringthe entirechickpea areanot only in Karnataka but also in the surrounding states. Since it became susceptible to wilt, two new varieties were identified, viz. ICCV 2 and ICCV10. Theformer is a Kabuli type with bold-sized grains. This variety is expanding in area because it fetches premium price in the market, and hence is more profitable.

Sorghum: Variety DSV 2, a dual season sorghum variety suited for rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons, maturesi n 115 to 120 days, resists several foliar diseases and tolerates insect-pest damage. Owing to high yield potential of 45 q/ha, it has covered 20% of kharif sorghum in Dharwad and Belgaum districts. Among the hybrids, the university has identified CSH 14, an early-maturity and high-yielding hybrid to replace 80% of the area occupied by CSH 1.

M35-1 is the most popular variety in winter season,covering 90% of the rabi sorghum area. Varieties, DSV 4 and DSV 5, are resistant to charcoal rot.

Maize : The university developed a composite variety (Prabha), tolerant to leaf blight and downy mildew, which has the potential to produce 70 to 80 q/ ha. Hybrid DMH 1 is a triple-cross hybrid released in 1995. DMH 2, a single-cross hybrid developed for the first time in the country, has recently been recommended for cultivation.

Soybean: Variety JS 335 identified by the university in 1995 has occupied almost the entire soybean-cultivated area in the state, contributing Rs 100 crores every year. Recently, it sufferedh eavilyd uet or ust. Ther usttolerant variety PK 1029 is becoming popular in Belgaum district along the Krishna river belt.

Sugarcane: Co 8014, with medium duration and 20% higheryield than Co 740, is tolerant to smut and highly responsive to fertilizer and irrigation. Released in 1992-93, it has covered 30% of the sugarcane-growing area in northern Karnataka and has helped increase the state revenue by Rs 6 crores annually. Co 86032, identified for spring planting and under protective irrigation, is ready to replace Co 8014 because of yield superiority and highersugar recovery.

Aerated steam therapy and single bud multiplication programmes were launched at ARS, Sankeshwar, and the seedlings are being distributed to the farmers in sugarcane growing areas of northern Karnataka. The single-bud seeding transplantation reduces the seed-sett cost as well crop duration, apart from getting disease-free seed material.

Chilli: Chilli is an important cash crop of Haveri, Dharwad and Belgaum districts. Byadgi variety is extensively grown in this area. Since it is highly susceptible to murda (leaf curl), the UAS has developed resistant varieties, KDCC 6 and GPC 82. Recently Hybrid 9646 was developed, which is higheryielding and tolerant to leaf-curl disease.

Crop production: To improve and sustain productivity, integrated nutrient-management practices have been developed in cotton, sugarcane, chilli, soybean, sorghum, rice and wheat. In these crops, application of crop residues, farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost has improved the crop yield by 25% and helped save inorganic fertilizers by 50%, thereby economising Rs 225 crores annually, in addition toenrichingfertilityand soil properties.

Residue incorporation with rotovator improved the physico-chemical and biologicalpr opertiesofth eso il.wh ichhe Ipedec onomizeth ech emicalfe rtilizers. Copper ore tailing (a natural waste obtained after mining of copper from ore) is rich in micronutrients, viz. Fe (10.3%), Mn (0.28%), Zn (0.11%) and Cu (0.08%). Its pollution and disposal problems can be reduced by using it in agriculture as a micronutrient source, its application @ 1 t/ha increased the yield of groundnut, sunflower, soybean, Bengal gram, wheat, cabbageandcauliflowerby 11-27%.

Green-manuring in rice, sugarcane, tobacco, maize and cotton helped in increasing theiryield, by 25 % and also improved the soil productivity.

The university has developed efficient N- fixing and P-solubilizing strains. These cultures are being produced on a large scale and being used in 20 lakh ha.

The profitable cropping systems identified are: sorghum+pigeonpea.pddy+ cotton, cotton + soybean / Pigeonpea + soybean, sugarcane + soybean, chilli + cotton + onion, chickpea + safflower and maize + soybean. A relay sequence croppingofm aize-chickpeade velopedfo rGh ataprabhaan dMa laprabhapr oject areas has been widely adopted in the command area, and enabled increase in farm income by Rs 100 crores.

The university's research on dry farming and watershed management has been note-worthly at the national level. The integrated watershed-development practices have improved the crop yield in 12 lakh ha and helped in conserving the natural resources.

Seed production: The university is producing nucleus and breeder seeds, and substantial quantity of foundation and certified seeds of recently released varieties and hybrids, and has increased their production during the past 5 years. It is recognized as a model centre of seed production. Seed production is taken up at 12r esearchs tations.which wasabout 1,01,857 q during 2005-06 compared with 9,770qduring 2002-03.

Extension

The university is providing its services to the farming community of northern Karnataka. The mandate of the Directorate of Extension is to undertake frontline extension work that would complement and supplement the existing efforts of the line departments of the State Government and other private as Well as Voluntary organizations. For this, the university has designed extension services through Transfer of Technology Centres, viz. Extension Education Units (9), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (10), Publication Centre, Staff Training Unit, Bakery Training Unit, Agricultural echnology Information Centre (ATIC) and Kisan Call Centre, ATMA and Community Radio Station.

The university has become the first in the country to set up Krishi FM channel
(90.4 MHz) on 17 May 2007 for the exclusive benefit of farmers.T he thrust is to
educate the farmers on various aspects of agriculture and allied sciences. The
programmes are broadcastfor2 hrdaily in the morning and evening.

Future Perspective Plan till 2020

The following centres/ units are planned to be established by 2020.

Extension: Krishi Community Radio Stations in other districts Plant Health Clinic Centres at other Krishi Vigyan Kendras / Extension Education Units Disease-Forecasting Centres in other Krishi Vigyan Kendras / Extension Education Units Biological Control Laboratories in other Krishi Vigyan Kendras / Extension Education Units Demonstration Units of Rain-Water Harvesting Structures with micro-irrigation system at other Krishi Vigyan Kendras/Extension Education Units.

Education: Distance Education Centre Institute for Vocational Training Mobile Plant Clinics and Institute of Vocational Training Skill Teaching / Demonstration through Television, Directorate of Publication Training Centre for women.

Research: Centre for clay mineralogy studies.Ad vance Centre for Research in Soil BiologyAI ternative Land-Use Systems, Centre for Research on Sugarcane and SugarTechnology. Centre for Cotton Research and Development in Command Area Centre for Research on Forage Crops, Centre for Conservation of Germplasm Resources, Establishment of Advance Centre on Agroforestry, Centre for Research on Farming Systems,A gro-Meteorological Unit for Crop Planning, Centre for Natrio-physiology Research Crop Ecology and Environment Centre for Weed Management in Crops and Cropping Systems,Centre for Plant Protection andR esidue AnalysisC entref orP roductiono E co-friendlyP esticides Advance, Centrefo rSo ilan dWaterMa nagementinC ommandAreaDi agnostic.Ce ntrefo r Soil Health and Water Quality,Centre for Research on Recycling ofA gricultural Wastes for Crop Production,Centre for Efficient Management of Ground Water Centre for Remote Sensing in Agriculture,Centre forSoil Resource Studies.Centre for Secondary Nutrients Micro-nutrients and Pollutions Centre for Advance Studies on Pulses Centre for Research on Oilseeds, Centre of Excellence on Cereal Research Advance, Centre for Resistance Breeding, Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Advance Centre on Agro-forestry, Centre for Research on Farming Systems, Centre for Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture,Centre for Research on Plant Growth RegulatorandInstitute for Dry and Horticulture Research.

C.S.AZAD UNIVERSITY OFA GRICULTUREA ND TECHNOLOGY, KANPUR

VisitAbroad

The International Institute for Applied System Analysis, Schlossplatz, Luxemburg, Austria invited Prof. (Dr) V.K. Suri, Vice-Chancellor, for participation and deliberation in NASA Conference 2007 on "Global development: science and policies for the future" held during 14-16 November 2007 at Vienna. The conference through discussions and attractive social events finalized the plans for research and policies for future development of the country.

DR BALASAHEB SAWANT KONKAN KRISHI VIDYAPEETH, DAPOLI

Honorary rank of Colonel CommandantNCCtoDrV.B.Mehta

Dr V.B. Mehta, Vice-Chancellor, was bestowed with honorary rank of 'Colonel Commandant NCC at the Special Investiture Ceremony held on 2 January2008atDapoli.

KARNATAKA VETERINARY, ANIMALAND FISHERIES SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, BIDAR

Training on Intensive Agriculture

A training programme on Intensive Aquaculture of carps and freshwater prawn in ponds and tanks during 30 July-8
August 2007 was organized by the university) Departmento f Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru) at Mudipu village of Dakshina Kannada district, as a part of Fish farmers' day. It was organized through financial support from NFDB, Hyderabad. Prof. R.N. SreenivaS Gowda, Vice Chancellor, inaugurated the programme and highlighted the role of the university in improving the livestock production including aquaculture production.

Shri Anna Vinaya Chandra, former MLC and an enterprising fish farmer, and Prof. K.M. Kaveriappa, Vice-Chancellor, Mangalore University, attended the programme. Two manuals brought out on 'Carp culture' and 'Freshwater prawn farming' in Kannada were released during the occasion. Certificates to participants were distributed.

MAHARANA PRATAP UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECNOLOGY.UDAIPUR

Graduates Passed during 2006-07

During the academic session, 358 graduates passed from the university, including 59 in Agriculture Honours, 36 in Home Science Honours, 53 in B.E. (Agriculture), 50 in B.E. (Electrical), 49 in B.E. (Mechanical), 19 in B.E. (Mining), 45 in B.E. (Computer Science and Engineering), 30 in B.Tech. (DairyTechnology) and 17 in B. Tech. (Food Technology).

Foreign Visit

Dr Shashi Jain. Senior Scientist and Co-ordinator, AICRP. Department of Food and Nutrition, participated in the training-cum-collaborative research programme on "Vegetable -based extruded health products" form 14 July-18 August 2007 at Departmentof Grain Science and Technology, KSU, Manhattan, the USA, and also attended a short course on "Extrusion technology: challenges and scope" during 7- 10 August 2007.

International Training

Department of Renewable Energy Sources, CTAE, Udaipur organized an International Training on Renewable Energy for technical staff of Maldives (seven participants) for 21 days in collaboration with Maldives Government from 17 Novemberto7 December 2007.

MARATHWADA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PARBHANI

16th Convocation of MAU

The 16th Convocation of the university was held on 28 December 2007. Prof. Panjab Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, was the Chief Guest. Dr S.S. Kadam, VC of the university presided. Shri Vijayraoji Kolte, Vice-Chairman, MCAER, Pune and Executive Council members graced the event. Dr P.R. Shivpuje, Director of Instruction and Dean, welcomed the dignitaries and students, and presented major achievements of the university. On this occasion, post-graudate degrees were conferred on 1,600st udentsan dPh .D.de greeson3 3st udents.Me dalsan dca shpr izeswe re also given to the meritorious students during the convocation.

SARDARVALLABHB HAIP ATELU NIVERSITYO F AGRICULTURE AND
TECHNOLOGY.MODIPURAM, MEERUT

New Varieties

Gram Sadhbhawana: A mutant of variety C 235, it is bold seeded, and semi-spreading having deep red pigmentation on stem, branches and margin of leaves, days to flowering 75 and maturity period 120 days, yield 20 q/ha, dal recovery 70%, moderately resistant to root rot, stem virus and wilt, with early vigour, which results into higheryield (yield potential 12.0q/ha).

Vallabh Kallar Channa 1 (WCG 3): It is mutant of gram C 235, semi-spreading having medium bold grains, and deep red pigmentation on stem, branches and margin of leaves. It takes 80 days to flower and 133 days to mature, giving average yield 19.0 q/ha with yield potential 29.0 q/ha, dal recovery 70% and protein 23%. It is tolerant to wilt as well as local pests and diseases. Its cultivation is recommended for the saline soils.

Surya (WCG 2): It is a mutant of G130, branches arising from ground surface, with early vigour .white flowers, days to flowering 75, days to maturity 135, protein content 22.9%, dal recovery 70%, moderate resistance to wilt, root rot, collar rot, dry root rot, stunt virus etc.wi th yi eldpo tential21 .0q/ ha.ltis also suitablefor rice fields.

WCG 10: It is mutant variety of G 130 having bold seeds, deep green stem, hairy and composite leaves, and hairy pods, green and larger in size. It flowers in 73 days and matures in 147 days,ha ving10 Ose edswe ight25 .4g, moderate resistance to wilt, root rot, dry root rot and stunt virus, protein content 22.8%, recovery of goodquality pulse 70%, suitablefor late-sowing conditions and productivity 21.0 q/ha.

Export-quality Basmati rice: It is derivedf romK halsa7 ,P usa1121a nd Type-3, having days to maturity 120, plant height 110 cm, elongation after cooking, excellent, water absorption 350 ml, amylose content 23%, headrice recovery 60 %, grains long and slender.k ernell engtha fterc ookingi 3 mm, aromatic with good quality, moderate resistance to major insects and diseases (sheath rot, neck blast and rice tungro virus) and yield potential 50 q/ha. It was released on 10Au gust 2007 for cultivation in 14 districts of fourdivisions, viz. Saharanpur, Meerut, Moradabad and Bariely of western U.P. It is designated under Agricultural Export Zone (Basmatlly rice).

Vallabh Nikki colocasia: It has plant height 38-42 cm, leaf Iength29-3O cm and width 18-20 cm, number of leaves 4-6 and number of corms 24-26. It is high yielding (281-305 q/ha) and resistanttol eafbl ight. Theva rietywa s developed by selection from the germplasm maintained at Department of Horticulture of the university, and released by C.P. State Variety Release Committee.

It is grown successfully in plains as well as in hills. It is superior to other varieties in yield and well accepted by farmers due to other desirable characters as well. Its yield performance was better at Meerut, Saharanpur and Regional Research Station, Jhansi, compared with Azad Avri I (control).

Vallabh Priya turmeric: Turmeric Vallabh Priya was developed by selection from germplasm maintained at the university, and has been released by U.P. State Variety Release Committee. It is well accepted by farmers due to its high-yield (279.50 q/ha), high essential oil (0.38%) and resistance to leaf blight besides other desirable characters. It is grown successfully in plains as well as in hills. It has given better yield than other varieties during 2003-04 to 2004-05 at HRC, Meerut.

Seed Village Scheme

The university has recently started Seed Village Scheme in 9 villages of 4 districts falling under its operational jurisdiction. The scheme will help the farmers in: (i) self-dependence in seed production, (ii) timely availability of pure and quality seeds, and (iii) low-cost of qualityse edprodUCtion.ltwa Sin itiated to provide quality seeds to the farmers to be produced by them under the supervision of university and seed certification agency of the state. It aims to improve seed-replacement of important field crops of rabi, zaid and kharif. Presently, the seed replacement of wheat is 24.14%, which has to be enhanced up to 29.4% by end of XI Five-Year Plan through the scheme.

In 2008-09, the seeds of rabi crops such as mustard, chickpea, garden pea and potato; zaid crops such as blackgram and greengram, and kharif crops such as scented rice will also be produced underthe scheme.

The programme was launched at village Satheri in Muzaffar nagar district in the presence of ChoudhryYograj Singh, State Minister of Agricultural Research and Education, U.P., as chief guest, and Dr R.P.Singh, Executive Secretary, IAUA, as guest of honour. Dr M.P. Yadav, VC presided over the event. Senior officials of the university including Director (Research), Director (Extension), Dean and others deliberated on the importance of seed replacement to the farmers and by the farmers. A pack of 5 kg seed of each improved wheat varieties was gifted to each farmerwho joined this club.

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

XXI Annual Congress of ISVS and National Symposium

The X XXI Annual Congress of lndian Society for Veterinary Surgery and a national symposium on "Rehabilitation of veterinary surgical patients" were organized by Division of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and A.B., at Jammu during 27-29 October 2007.

The symposium focused on the XXXI Annual congress of lSV Sandnational symposium constraints, latest methods and strategies for rehabilitation of domestic and wild animals suffering from functional, neurological and other disorders in addition to their post-surgical management. Dr Ratan Singh Life-Time Achievement Award was conferred to Dr A.P. Singh, Dean, College of Veterinary Sciences, JNKVV, Jabalpur in recognition of his contribution in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology as a teacher and research worker. Dr V. Ramakumar, former Secretary, Veterinary Council of India, was honored with Dr R.P.S. Tyagi Oration Award for his significant contribution in the field of Veterinary Sciences. Gold medals and appreciation certificates were also awarded to the teachers, scientists, clinicians and students for their best paper presentation.

The Congress as well as National Symposium was inaugurated by Shri A.A. Zargar, Minister of Agriculture, J & K Government. He laid emphasis on the development of livestock sector, as it will be an important source of nation's economy with the increasing population and decreasing agricultural land in days to come. Prof. Nagendra Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the advancements in the Animal Sciences, especially in the areas of Veterinary Medicine, Anaesthiology, Orthopaedics and Diagnostic Imaging. Lt. Gen. Narayan Mohanty, Director-General, Remount Veterinary Services, was the guest of honour.

Election for the new Executive Body of the Society was also convened and Dr S.M. Jayadevappa, President Karnataka Veterinary Council, was elected as its President.

SHER-E-KASHMIR UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGYOF KASHMIR, SRINAGAR

Brainstorming on Sustainable Energy for Rural India: Issues and Options

A brainstorming discussion on "Sustainable energy for rural India: issues and options", sponsored by National Academy of Agricultural Science, New Delhi, was organized at the university on 25 October 2007. Engineers and experts in the field from the valley and outside the state participated in the discussion and shared their experiences. Two technical sessions were held on the issue.an dex tensivede liberation sand brain storming took place in harnessing energy for rural communities on sustainable basis. Among prominent experts, Dr Nawab AN, Deputy Director General (AE), ICAR, New Delhi, spoke on "Energy management in agriculture: status, strategies and issues" Dr D.K. Tuli, Chief Executive Officer Indian Oil Technologies Ltd, Faridabad gave a talk on "Technology for commercial production of bio-diesel : status and issues for economics upplya ndd istribution".D r A.K.J ain.Head.School of Energy Studies for Agriculture. P AU,Ludhian at alkedo n" State of the art technology on biomass gasification", and Dr Depanker De, Principal Scientist, CIAE, Bhopal on "Energy uses in crop production in India". The objective of brainstorming discussion was to take stock of sustainable energy for rural India and to discuss contemporary issues besides working outthe long-term action plan.

Prof. Anwar Alam, Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the energy scenario and expressed that quality and quantity of energy use are reflective of economic prosperity of a society. He expressed that Indian agriculture and allied activities need to be made energy efficient, achieving global parity.

Traditional animate energy sources in agriculture and rural living should be rationalized economically and physiologically. Plant nutrients need to be reclaimed from crop residues, market and domestic solid and liquid wastes should be used to reduce dependence on fertilizers. He said that 81 % of the villages are electrified, but 56% of rural households are without electrical power. The electricity is the most convenient and efficient source of energy and in 21st century it is a basic human need. New and renewable sources of energy, are required to be harnessed to supplement and substitute commercial energies. Diesel can be substantially substituted by promoting biogas, biodiesel, and producer gas.

IV Convocation

The IV Convocation of the university was held on 25 November 2007 at Srinagar as a part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration. Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Hon'ble Vice-President of India, delivered the Convocation address as Chief Guest. The function was presided over by S.K. Sinha, PVSM, Lt. Gen. (Retd) the Governor of J & K and (Chancellor, SKUAST-K). Other dignitaries present were Jenab Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, and Jenab Abdul Aziz Zargar, Minister for Agriculture, J & K State. Besides, authorities of the university and officers of the government of J & K, as well as the students particepated. On this occasion, H.E. Lt. Gen. (Retd) S.K. Sinha, PVSM, conferred the degrees of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) on Dr M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Parliament and Chairman, MSS Research Foundation, Chennai, and on Dr Mangala Rai, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director-General, ICAR, for their distinguished services and scientific leadership for advancement of agriculture in India. In all, 629 degrees were awarded, including 2 D.Sc.(Honoris Causa), 76 Ph.D., 217 Masters and 354 undergraduate.

The chief guest in his address emphasized the need for promoting agricultural sector in Kashmir, including horticulture, forestry, fishery, sericulture, animal husbandry and allied fields. These provide livelihood to 80% of the population. Attention is needed on animal husbandry with assured availability of feeds and fodders. He also laid emphasis on processing and value addition, and informed that the Government of India has decided to give a push to agriculture through second Green Revolution fromth e State of Jammu and Kashmiron a pilot basis.

Prof. Anwar Alam, Vice-Chancellor, gave an overview of the achievements of the university. The university has made significant progress, releasing more than 40 varieties (10 recently), besides developing a large number of agro-techniques for increased production and productivity. However, he pointed that though the university was celebrating the Silver Jubilee year, the basic infrastructure is still lacking.

The Chancellor congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and the university faculty for successfully organizing a flawless convocation, and described it as a landmark event inth ehis toryoft hein stitution.Hee xhortedthep assingou tgra duatestoc ontribute towards realizing the dream of shining India and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir