Udaipur. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, New Delhi, inaugurated the 62nd All India Wheat and Barley Research Workshop at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology in Udaipur. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Wheat and Barley Research Institute of India, Karnal (Haryana), with the participation of more than four hundred agricultural scientists from various countries and institutions.
Dr. Pathak emphasized the importance of continuous research and innovation in the field of wheat and barley production, despite the significant progress made in recent years. He stressed the need for scientists to address the challenges posed by changing global climatic conditions. He mentioned that while India has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production, there is still room for improvement, especially in developing high-protein and high-yielding varieties that can withstand adverse weather conditions.
During the workshop, various research institutions and agricultural scientists working on wheat and barley worldwide engaged in discussions and deliberations on key issues related to these crops. The focus was on identifying varieties with high nutritional content and disease resistance. Proposals for labeling fourteen wheat varieties and one barley for release by the Indian government were presented.
Dr. Pathak acknowledged the significant growth in wheat production in India over the past few decades, reaching 112.74 million tons in 2022-23. However, he highlighted the need for further advancements in wheat research to ensure better nutritional value and suitability for various food products like chapati, bread, biscuits, and pasta.
The workshop also witnessed the inauguration of the "Annapurna Vatika" (Food Garden) at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. This initiative aims to raise awareness among farmers, students, and citizens about the importance of nutrient-rich grains and balanced nutrition. Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnatak, Vice-Chancellor of the university, highlighted that similar initiatives have been set up across various agricultural universities and research centers to promote knowledge and awareness regarding food security and nutrition.
The event also included unveiling virtual reality labs and advanced testing facilities to enhance research capabilities. It served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts in the field of wheat and barley research.
In conclusion, the 62nd All India Wheat and Barley Research Workshop, marked by discussions, presentations, and inaugurals, underscored the ongoing commitment of the agricultural community to advance research and innovation in crop production, with the ultimate goal of ensuring food security and nutritional well-being for all.