The first Birsa Munda Krishi Ratna Award, instituted by Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) for recognizing exemplary scientific contribution in agriculture and allied sectors was on Saturday conferred to Dr Parvinder Kaushal, present Vice Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (Himachal Pradesh). The Award carries Rs 51,000 in cash besides a memento and citation.
The Award was given to Dr Kaushal at the two-day national conference on ‘Doubling Farmers’ income for sustainable and harmonious agriculture (DISHA-2019)’ which began at BAU on Saturday. Presenting the award, BAU Vice Chancellor Dr RS Kureel said Dr Kaushal has contributed a lot in forestry education, research, financial planning and educational administration during his association with several universities including BAU.
Dr Kaushal during his address returned the award amount cheque to the University with the suggestion that BAU may use it for awarding fellowship to meritorious student.
Event partner Science and Technology Society for Integrated Rural Improvement (SIRI), Hyderabad also gave Life Time Achievement Award to Dr Kaushal and Dr Kureel, present and former VCs of BAU.
Dr Bipin Bihari, Project Director of the World Bank-aided Jharkhand Opportunities in Harnessing Rural Growth (JOHAR) Project made a detailed presentation on the strategies of doubling farmers’ income and said Jharkhand tops the chart of farmers’ income below poverty line with 45.3 per cent against the national average of 22.5per cent. If the current agriculture growth rate of 3.1per cent is increased to 4.1per cent and livestock sector growth of 4.05per cent to 6per cent, the target of doubling farmers’ income can be achieved in 7 years as envisaged in the year 2015.
Organising secretary Dr Himanshu Singh said about 400 teachers, scientists, researchers, industry representatives and PG students from 9 states are participating in the event. Registrar Dr Narendra Kudada proposed a vote of thanks.
Issues like breeding & biotechnological advances, innovation in micro irrigation tools, horticultural interventions, innovation in disease & pest management, sustainable soil management, bridging the digital divide and deliberations in eNAM, e Mandi.
In animal husbandry sector, issues like backyard poultry, pig and farming for income generation, health issues of wild life, prospects of indigenous technical knowledge in animal healthcare and management, sustainable fish production, water quality and fish disease, value addition and byproducts of fish will be discussed in different technical sessions.