National meet of oilseeds scientists at BAU on September 9-10

Ranchi: Over 80 scientists from across the country will gather at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on September 9-10 to discuss the ways and means of augmenting area, production, productivity and improving the quality and oil content of rabi oilseeds. The University is hosting the Annual Rabi Oilseeds Group Meet- 2025 focusing Safflower and Linseed crops.

BAU Director Research Dr PK Singh informed that ICAR Director General Dr ML Jat, Deputy Direcor General (Crop Science) Dr DK Yadava, Additional Director General (Oilseeds & Pulses) Dr Sanjeev Gupta and Director of Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Hyderabad Dr RK Mathur besides the scientists working on oilseeds crops in different states will attend the event. BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey will chair the inaugural session. Different aspects of crop improvement, management and protection will be discussed in technical sessions for two days to formulate future strategy and roadmap for development of this sector.

Almost 72% of the country’s total oilseeds area is confined to rainfed farming cultivated mostly by marginal and small farmers. In the year 2022-23, area coverage under linseed in Jharkhand was 47, 145 hectare with total production of 27, 656 quintals and average yield of 591 kg per hectare. Safflower cultivation is not popular in Jharkhand. Dr Manigopa Chakraborty, Chairperson, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding and Dr NP Yadav are organising secretaries of the national meet.