Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) Vice-Chancellor Dr George John has stressed on climate-resilient research to effectively meet the challenges posed by climate change and fulfill the twin objectives of augmenting production and productivity.
Addressing the two-day Kharif Research Council meeting of BAU on Friday, he advised the scientists to focus on the location specific problems of Jharkhand agriculture while formulating research plans and programmes so that food and nutritional security could be ensured in the state. He also stressed on properly harnessing the potential of traditional crop varieties of the state which stood the test of time for centuries.
Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur Dr AK Singh, who was external expert of the meet, stressed on identifying discipline-wise thrust area of the institution so that well-directed efforts could be made. Underlining the need of greater interaction between research and extension scientists for sustainability of technologies, he said scientists’ assessment must be based on externally funded projects earned by them. He said the quality of work done by BAU scientists was very good but it was not in a systematic way to address the state’s requirement. All the technologies released by the institution should find place in package of practices, he added.
Eminent veterinary scientist and former Technical Director of HARVET, Germany Dr SN Singh said innovation was a must if livestock had to survive. Scientific animal breeding, nutrition and healthcare were the only answer if development had to take place in rural sector. About Rs 44000 crore was being lost annually due to foot and mouth disease of cattle. Not only in India but in whole Asia, livestock sector had the highest potential of providing livelihood to people, he added. Dr Singh said research and development institutions in India cannot grow properly without public private partnership.
Dr RP Singh ‘Ratan’, Director Extension Education, BAU stressed that soil scientists, water technologists and forestry experts should join hands to properly address the issues of soil erosion, soil acidity, biodiversity conservation and water management plaguing the state.
Outlining the research highlights of Kharif, 2015, Director Research Dr DK Singh ‘Dron’ said six varieties of rice and one each of linseed and chicken were released by the Central Varietial Release Committee while five varieties of finger millet, soybean, groundnut and gram are in pipeline for release. The productivity level of pulses and oilseeds in Jharkhand had gone above the national average. However, on meat, milk, egg and fodder production fronts, the state was highly deficient for which scientists should gird up their loins. Dr Sohan Ram, DDR proposed a vote of thanks.