Farmers' Innovations Should Be Refined in Labs and Shared Nationwide: Dr. Rajbir

Dr.Latika VyasUdaipur: Revolutionary change in the agricultural sector can be achieved if agricultural scientists, extension professionals, and farmers work together. In the true sense, the farmer is the real scientist of the country, as they always find practical solutions to field problems through relentless efforts and innovation. These innovations must be captured, refined in laboratories, and disseminated across the country through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), so that all farmers can benefit from them.

This was stated by Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, as the chief guest while addressing the 23rd Extension Education Council Meeting, held on Saturday.

The annual meeting was organized in the auditorium of the Directorate of Extension Education, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur. It was attended by heads of eight affiliated KVKs—Bhilwara I & II, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur II, Pratapgarh, Banswara, and Rajsamand—as well as IFFCO representatives and farmers.

Dr. Rajbir Singh highlighted the remarkable success of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, conducted nationwide from May 29 to June 12. Through collective efforts of KVKs, state agriculture departments, and institutions, the campaign reached 1.35 crore farmers and informed them about agriculture-friendly schemes. Rajasthan's contribution stood out, with over 8 lakh farmers, including 2 lakh women, being reached and informed within a fortnight.

He emphasized that all 731 operational KVKs in the country must introspect and evaluate their impact on farmers' lives and their families. In the future, each KVK should aim to evolve as a "Mini University" and a "Hub of Activity", offering all essential information and facilities under one roof. He also stressed the need to work on contingency plans and modern technologies in the era of climate change.

He remarked that although agriculture was earlier a single ministry, it was split in 1984 into eight ministries including Jal Shakti, Fertilizer, Rural Development, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing—all of which are integral to agriculture.

Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT, presided over the meeting. He stated that while significant progress has been made in food grain production, storage challenges have now emerged. The focus should now shift towards pulses and oilseeds to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production.

According to the third advance estimate for 2024–25, India’s food grain production is about 354 million tonnes—about 6.5–6.6% higher than the previous year. Horticulture output has reached 362 million tonnes, milk production a record 239.3 million tonnes, and egg production has also achieved new highs. He called for promoting natural farming to reduce chemical use and ensure stable yields.

Dr. Karnataka proudly mentioned that MPUAT received the first Chancellor’s Award among Rajasthan's state-funded universities on June 24, 2022, for excellence in integrated functioning. It was also adjudged the best under the "Smart Village Initiative" by the Governor.

In recent years, MPUAT has signed 81 MoUs for excellence in teaching and research, 33 of which were in the last two and a half years. These include collaborations with Western Sydney University (Australia), Central Luzon University (Philippines), various national ICAR institutes, and industrial organizations.

MPUAT was ranked 15th in ICAR’s 2021 rankings, making it the top university among Rajasthan’s six agricultural and veterinary universities. Currently, the university runs 27 All India Research Projects, 3 Networking Projects, 6 Voluntary Centres, 11 Other Sponsored Projects, 5 RKVY Projects, and 45 Industry-Funded Projects. In the last three years, its scientists have contributed 280 farmer-beneficial recommendations, included in the Department of Agriculture’s regional packages of practices.

Focus on High-Tech Agriculture and Agri-Tourism

Dr. Chandeshwar Tiwari, a renowned agricultural scientist, said that attention is now centered on KVKs. Tribal regions offer immense innovation potential. He recommended launching certificate and diploma courses through the Extension Directorate to attract more youth to agriculture.

Dr. J.P. Mishra, Director, ATARI-Jodhpur, stressed the importance of focusing on low-chemical and natural farming and water conservation—areas where KVKs can play a key role.

Dr. R.L. Soni, Director, Extension Education, presented the implementation report of the 2024 Council decisions and shared the proposed 2025 agenda. He emphasized strengthening KVKs in alignment with the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision, focusing on protected farming, high-tech agriculture, climate-resilient technology, and agri-tourism.

Publications Released

On this occasion, dignitaries released several MPUAT publications including those on the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, fruit-vegetable processing and value addition for entrepreneurship, natural farming, and the new edition of “Rajasthan Kheti Pratap”.

The meeting was attended by senior council members and KVK heads including Dr. Arvind Verma, Dr. R.B. Dubey, Dr. Sunil Joshi, Dr. R.A. Kaushik, Dr. Lokesh Gupta, Dr. Dhriti Solanki, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mehla, Dr. L.L. Panwar, and Dr. R.P. Meena.

Programme Moderation

The program was smoothly conducted and moderated by Prof. Dr. Latika Vyas.

At the beginning, guests were welcomed with traditional Mewari turbans and mementos.

Dialogue and Felicitation Ceremony

In the second phase, a dialogue and felicitation ceremony was organized in the Research Directorate auditorium to honor Dr. Rajbir Singh. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mehla, Student Welfare Officer, and students felicitated Dr. Singh with Mewari turban, shawl, and bouquet.

Dr. Singh emphasized that students must strive hard from their student days to bring the university international recognition. “Whichever field you choose, only self-refinement leads to success. Whenever Rajasthan is mentioned, the name of MPUAT immediately comes to mind,” he said.

Dr. Karnataka and former Vice Chancellor Dr. Umashankar Sharma also shared their views during the event.