Principal Secretary Rajan Vishal Visits MPUAT, Udaipur – Reviews Research and Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture

Udaipur — Shri Rajan Vishal, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Horticulture, Government of Rajasthan, visited Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, to review its ongoing research, education, and extension activities.

During the visit, a high-level interaction session was held at the Directorate of Research, MPUAT, with university scientists and state government officials. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnatak, who chaired the session, briefed Shri Vishal on the university’s recent achievements and initiatives.

Dr. Karnatak highlighted MPUAT’s focus areas, including natural farming, animal husbandry, Rabi-Kharif crop research, agro-product processing, and farm machinery innovation. He noted that ongoing research was proving highly beneficial for farmers across Rajasthan.

Shri Rajan Vishal thoroughly reviewed and discussed MPUAT’s initiatives in organic farming, Horticulture PoP (Package of Practices), commercialization of agricultural machinery, patents, and MoUs. Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research, delivered a detailed presentation on the university’s technological advancements and research projects, while Dr. R.L. Soni, Director of Extension Education, elaborated on the university’s agricultural outreach programs.

Following the meeting, Shri Vishal visited key facilities including:

• Organic Farming Unit at Rajasthan College of Agriculture

• Food Processing & Experiential Learning Units at the College of Dairy and Food Technology

• Robotics Lab at the College of Technology & Engineering, where he showed deep interest in the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), Robotics, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in modern agriculture

• Farm Machinery Testing Unit, reviewing its role in mechanization and precision farming

Shri Vishal appreciated MPUAT’s efforts in establishing incubation centers and promoting value-added products derived from underutilized fruits and vegetables found in tribal regions of Rajasthan. He emphasized the need to link these products with cooperative societies and efficient marketing channels.

Dr. Karnatak termed the visit as highly productive, noting that Shri Vishal offered valuable insights and strategic recommendations to further strengthen the university’s mission of agricultural innovation and rural empowerment.

The meeting was attended by members of the University’s Senior Officers Council, Additional and Joint Directors from the Department of Agriculture, and scientists from various departments of MPUAT.