#### Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka Honoured with “Rashtriya Krishi Navachar Ratna Award-2025”

Udaipur: Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka, Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, has been conferred the prestigious “Rashtriya Krishi Navachar Ratna Award-2025” for his outstanding contributions, pioneering innovations, and dedicated service in the field of agricultural research and innovation. The award was presented during a two-day national seminar on “Geospatial Approaches for National Security: A Social Perspective”, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, and inaugurated on 7th October 2025 at Sangam University, Bhilwara.

Professor Karunesh Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of Sangam University, highlighted that the honour recognizes Dr. Karnataka’s exemplary efforts in agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices, which have significantly advanced the country’s agricultural sector. Dr. Karnataka brings over 40 years of rich experience in education, research, and extension. He has previously received numerous accolades, including the Best Vice-Chancellor Award (2021), several Lifetime Achievement Awards, Dr. R.S. Paroda Award, Dr. S.L. Mishra Medal, CHAI Honorary Fellowship, and Amit Prabhudh Manishi Award. He also contributed to The Millet Story, a book recognized by the United Nations in 2023.

Under his leadership, initiatives in Smart Village development, rural upliftment, and water management systems have made a lasting impact. In his inaugural address, Dr. Karnataka emphasized the critical role of geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, and GNSS in strengthening national and food security. He stated that responsible and inclusive use of these technologies empowers monitoring, disaster management, and resource planning, bridging the gap between technology and humanity. At MPUAT, satellite data, drone mapping, and spatial analytics are extensively employed in crop monitoring, drought management, and precision agriculture.

The event was attended by eminent scholars, researchers, policy experts, and representatives from across the country.