Kharif Research Council at BAU
ICRISAT Director General shares his vision for development of Jharkhand agriculture
Ranchi: Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of International Crop Research Institute for Seminar Ardid Tropics (ICRISAT) has stressed the need of working on better crop planning, water resource management, exploitation of rice-fallow area, higher investment in solar power and micro irrigation etc for transformation of agriculture in Jharkhand.
Addressing the Kharif Research Council meeting of Birsa Agricultural University on Sunday he said monocropping and lack of mechanization etc were the main constraints of Jharkhand agriculture.
Dr Pathak underlined the need of focussed attention on improving climate resilience, increasing cropping intensity, strengthening the seed system, establishing climate resilient crops, value addition, capacity building, post-harvest processing and diversification in forest connected agriculture.
He was looking forward to making a comprehensive project for the development of Jharkhand agriculture.
Dr GK Gaur, Assistant Director General (Animal production & breeding), ICAR said characterization and conservation of animal genetic resources was call of the hour for the socio-economic development of the nation. Advanced genetic tools like genomic selection, cloning etc. should be taken up.
Genomic selection is one of the most important parts for genetic improvement, he added. He also underlined the need to work on DNA chip in animal husbandry. Dr Gaur said that the research work should be farmers-centric, applicable and well communicated to them with an effective lab to land programme.
Dr NB Chowdary, Director, Central Tasar Research Institute stressed on working in the areas of cost cutting, value addition, nutrient use efficiency and water use efficiency.
BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey stressed the need for genetic selection and breed registration. He urged the scientists to submit small projects to DBT, DST on breed characterization as well as genetic improvement of animals. The VC also emphasized the need for concentrated efforts on agro forestry research.
Dr PK Singh, Director Research welcomed the guests.
