Udaipur, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, has created history by becoming the first university in Rajasthan to launch its own Community Radio Station — “MPUAT Pratap Radio 90.4 FM.” The newly established station, built over a period of two and a half years in the Directorate of Extension Education, was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Karnataka.
The community radio will broadcast daily programs aimed particularly at the rural and tribal areas of Udaipur district, covering topics such as crop diseases and management, animal husbandry, horticulture, piggery, and agriculture, along with education, social awareness, and entertainment content.
During the inaugural ceremony, City MLA Shri Tarachand Jain, who joined online as the Chief Guest, remarked that radio continues to hold great relevance even in the digital age.
“Radio is an affordable, accessible, and universal medium that effectively reaches every household with information, education, and entertainment. It is especially valuable in communities with limited internet and electricity access,” he said, congratulating MPUAT for this initiative and expressing confidence that it will benefit farmers, women, and children in remote areas of Southern Rajasthan.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Karnataka highlighted that radio remains a vital source of connection in both rural and urban life.
“The truth is that more people in cities listen to the radio than in villages. It not only helps relieve stress but also continues to be useful in agriculture. This radio station will become a milestone in enhancing farmers’ income and promoting healthy entertainment for children,” he stated.
Prof. Karnataka recalled the challenging journey of establishing the station — securing multiple permissions from the Ministries of Communication and Defence and arranging financial resources — before MPUAT finally succeeded where other agricultural universities could not. He added that the community radio will provide farmers with regular updates on crop management, market prices, and crop insurance.
Special Guests, Director of Research Dr. Arvind Verma and former Director of Extension Education Dr. R.A. Kaushik, noted that the station’s broadcast range of 25 kilometers will reach remote villages near the state border. They reminisced how, decades ago, radios and bicycles were considered prestigious wedding gifts — and how, even today, radio continues to hold social and informational significance.
Earlier, Director of Extension Education Dr. R.L. Soni welcomed the guests and credited the visionary leadership of Prof. Karnataka for the successful establishment of the radio station. He shared that the studio includes Recording, Editing, and On-Air rooms, and trial broadcasts had already been running for the past two months, featuring programs on agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and education. With the formal inauguration, daily regular broadcasts will now commence.
The event was attended by Heads and scientists from all eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under MPUAT, including Dr. Yogesh Kanojia, Dr. C.M. Yadav, Dr. Ratan Lal Solanki, Dr. Deepa Indoria, Dr. Sunil Joshi, Dr. Latika Vyas, Dr. C.M. Balai, Dr. B.S. Bhati, Dr. B.L. Rot, Dr. P.C. Reger, and Dr. Maniram, along with over 40 Krishi Sakhis from the Vallabhnagar region.
Prof. Rajeev Bairathi, who conducted the program, cited a survey revealing that 98% of people own a radio, which can be listened to at home or in the fields, unlike television.
Station Manager Rashmidhar Dubey and Sound Engineer Amardeep Namdeo were also present.
Objectives of the Community Radio Station
To provide essential information and resources for community development.
To offer a platform for local voices and stories.
To promote education and public awareness.
To share agricultural knowledge and innovations.
To spread health-related information.
To preserve and promote local culture, art, music, and traditions.
To broadcast important dates and related awareness programs.
To share farmers’ experiences and success stories.
Radio MPUAT 90.4 – At a Glance
Broadcast Timings: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (to be extended later).
Social Media Presence:
Facebook: [Radio MPUAT]
Instagram: [Radio MPUAT]
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +91 9460294866
Mobile App: Radio MPUAT available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.