Develop crop varieties with high protein and micronutrient content: Dr TR Sharma

Ranchi: Eminent plant geneticist and former Deputy Director General (Crop Science) of ICAR Dr TR Sharma has stressed on development of high-yielding, drought-tolerant and disease-pest resistant crop varieties having high protein and micronutrient content which is demand of the present market.

Adressing the 46th Kharif Research Council of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Thursday he said continued planned efforts were needed for tapping useful genes from crop wild relatives. Sharma said pre breeding should be an integral part of all breeding programmes as selection of desired traits takes more than a decade. In view of acute shortage of scientists and faculty in the university, PG and Ph D students should be actively involved in research work under the monitoring of scientists.

Dr VK Saxena, former Assistant Director General (Animal Production & Breeding), ICAR emphasized on characterization and registration of indigenous animal breeds with National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal as hardly 26 breeds have been registered during last 4-5 years. He said serious efforts should be made to develop low cost fodder and feed because 70 percent cost of animal production comes on feeding them. At the annual rate of 6-7 percent, poultry sector is growing fastest in the country and its potential needs to be tapped properly in Jharkhand too, Saxena added.

BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey stressed on development of cost-effective and system-responsive technologies in view of the resource-deficient farmers of Jharkhand. He also underlined the need of strengthening diagnostic and vaccination facilities for animals and birds in the state for increasing productivity of animal husbandry sector.

Dr GS Dubey, former VC of BAU, Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, IIAB, Ranchi, Dr Awani Kumar Singh, Head of ICAR Research Institute, Palandu, Dr DK Singh ‘Dron’ former Director Research, Dr BK Roy and Dr MK Gupta, both former Dean of veterinary faculty were also present and participated in the deliberations.

Director Research Dr PK Singh welcomed the guests, presented an overview of last year’s research achievements and action taken report.

Document containing kharif research highlights of last year (2025) was released by the guests. Three university professors and one assistant professor- Dr MS Malik, Dr MK Gupta, Dr PB Saha and Dr KS Mohan were felicitated on this occasion for their lifetime contribution to the University. Shailendra Kumar Bhagat, progressive farmer of Sisai, Gumla was also honoured. Shashi Singh anchored the inaugural session while Dr CS Mahto, Deputy Director Research proposed a vote of thanks.