THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 29: Renowned agricultural scientist and Deputy Director General (Crop Science) of ICAR Dr TR Sharma has stressed on using frontier technologies like biotechnology tools, genome editing, marker-assisted breeding, artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT) and drone technology for bridging the yield gap of crop potential.
30-40% production gap, 25-30% produce loss
Addressing the two-day Kharif Research Council of BAU on Monday, he said there is a 30-40% production gap as compared to the potential of the varieties and 25-30 per cent produce is lost due to insect pests, diseases and improper handling in post-harvest stages due to absence of proper package of practices (PoP).
Making farmers more prosperous is the ultimate objective of all research efforts; therefore, all the technologies should be aligned with framers in the form of PoP.
Dr Sharma said All India Coordinated Research Projects are among the best projects in the country where scientists get an opportunity to interact with research workers from across the country working on the same crop/ species.
He urged the Vice Chancellor to expedite the process of recruitment against the vacant positions under AICRPs as projects where there is vacancy sine long are likely to be withdrawn. BAU should formulate joint project proposals in collaboration with half a dozen ICAR institutes located in Jharkhand for funding by different agencies as high-quality research is not possible without proper funding and project manpower like RA, SRF etc.
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Research funds must be utilised properly: BAU VC
BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr SC Dubey welcomed and introduced the chief guest Dr TR Sharma, DDG. He suggested that the funds available for research work must be utilized properly following proper procedures of procurement. All scientists are required to deliver for career progression.
Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi underlined the need for proper management of water, acidic soils and alternate crop strategies to meet the challenges of drought-like situation in the state.
Dr NB Chowdary, Director, Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Ranchi stressed on intensifying research efforts for reducing the cost of cultivation, product diversification, value addition and making farmers entrepreneurs for their socio-economic development.
Book written by Dr Manigopa Chakraborty released
Book entitled ‘Socio-economic development of the farmers of Jharkhand through Tribal Sub Plan on Maize’; penned by Dr Manigopa Chakraborty and other scientists of Dept of Genetics & Plant Breeding was released on the occasion by DDG.
The DDG also felicitated Anil Kumar Mahto of Ghatshila, East Singhbhum for special contribution to innovative farming.
BAU Director of Research Dr PK Singh presented an overview of research achievements (kharif 2023) and action taken report on the proceedings of the last kharif council. OSD of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Dr Vishal Nath, former Vice Chancellor of BAU Dr GS Dubey and Dr AK Singh, Head of Farming System Research Centre for Hills & Plateau Region, Ranchi besides BAU scientists participated in the deliberations.
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National Meet of forage scientists at BAU on July 30-31
Over 100 scientists associated with genetic improvement, production, management and protection of forage crops from across the country will gather at Birsa Agricultural University to discuss the ways and means of fodder development at the National Group Meet of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Forage Crops being held on July 30-31.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr SC Dubey will chair the event while Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) of ICAR will be chief guest during the inaugural session.
BAU scientist and organizing secretary of the meeting Dr Yogendra Prasad informed that per capita availability of milk in Jharkhand is very low (177 g/day) in comparison to the national average (394 g/day. There is a wide gap in the fodder requirement and supply in Jharkhand with over 70% deficiency in green fodder production. The two-day meet will discuss all the issues and prepare a road map for future research and development in forage crops.
Those who have confirmed their participation include Dr SK Pradhan, ICAR Assistant Director General (Food and Fodder Crops), Dr PK Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, GoI, Dr Pankaj Kaushal, Director, Indian Grassland & Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi (UP), Dr GP Singh, Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi and Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, Indian Institute of Seed Research, Mau (UP) and forage scientists of 35 agricultural universities and ICAR research institutes where the project is under operation.
