Application of frontier technologies needed for bridging yield gap: Dr TR Sharma

Ranchi: Renowned agricultural scientist and Deputy Director General (Crop Science) of ICAR Dr TR Sharma has stressed on using frontier technologies like biotechnology tools, genome editing, marker assisted breeding, artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT) and drone technology for bridging the yield gap of crop potential.

Addressing the two-day Kharif Research Council of BAU on Monday, he said there is 30-40% production gap as compared to potential of the varieties and 25-30 percent produce is lost due to insect pests, diseases and improper handling in post-harvest stages due to absence of proper package of practices (PoP). Making farmers more prosperous is the ultimate objective of all research efforts; therefore, all the technologies should be aligned with framers in the form of PoP.

Dr Sharma said All India Coordinated Research Projects are among the best projects in the country where scientists get an opportunity to interact with research workers from across the country working on the same crop/ species. He urged the Vice Chancellor to expedite the process of recruitment against the vacant positions under AICRPs as projects where there is vacancy sine long are likely to be withdrawn. BAU should formulate joint project proposals in collaboration with half a dozen ICAR institutes located in Jharkhand for funding by different agencies as high quality research is not possible without proper fund and project manpower like RA, SRF etc.

BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey welcomed and introduced the chief guest Dr TR Sharma, DDG. He suggested that the funds available for research work must be utilized properly following proper procedures of procurement. All scientists are required to deliver for career progression.

Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi underlined the need of proper management of water, acidic soils and alternate crop strategies to meet the challenges of drought like situation in the state.

Dr NB Chowdary, Director, Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Ranchi stressed on intensifying research efforts for reducing cost of cultivation, product diversification, value addition and making farmers entrepreneurs for their socio-economic development.

Book entitled ‘Socio-economic development of the farmers of Jharkhand through Tribal Sub Plan on Maize’; penned by Dr Manigopa Chakraborty and other scientists of Dept of Genetics & Plant Breeding was released on the occasion by DDG. The DDG also felicitated Anil Kumar Mahto of Ghatshila, East Singh for special contribution in innovative farming.

BAU Director Research Dr PK Singh presented a overview of research achievements (kharif 2023) and action taken report on the proceedings of last kharif council. OSD of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Dr Vishal Nath, former Vice Chancellor of BAU Dr GS Dubey and Dr AK Singh, Head of Farming System Research Centre for Hills & Plateau Region, Ranchi besides BAU scientists participated in the deliberations.