A two-day regional research and extension advisory committee meeting

MPUAT (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology) held a two-day regional research and extension advisory committee meeting for the Rabi season of 2023 at the Regional Research Center, Directorate of Research, Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University, Udaipur, on September 21-22, 2023. The primary agenda of this meeting was to present research and extension activities in the Rabi 2023 season and consolidate the research results of the past two to three years into a package of practices.

Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnatak, the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University, Udaipur, emphasized the need for scientists to take timely actions, work transparently, and adopt a problem-solving approach to become skilled researchers. He stressed the importance of adapting agricultural technologies to changing times and recommended restructuring research projects to create a robust document in the form of a package of practices for the benefit of the farming community.

Dr. Arvind Varma, the Director of Research at Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University, highlighted the potential for increasing production despite India's secure position in food production. He encouraged scientists to work considering the current climate change scenario and develop suitable varieties for this sector, which demands higher production with less time and water.

Dr. Amit Trivedi, the Regional Research Director of MPUAT, shared information on various ongoing projects at the university and shed light on the agricultural conditions and new research technologies for Region IV-A (the region under discussion). During the meeting, discussions revolved around recommendations for new crop varieties of wheat, barley, chickpeas, and mustard for higher yields. They also discussed solutions for diseases in opium and pomegranate crops, the use of new chemicals instead of banned ones, the use of liquid fertilizers in crops, the application of organic inputs, and training for crop protection and plant conservation in wheat, barley, coriander, garlic, pomegranate, and guava.

Overall, the meeting aimed to foster collaboration among scientists and officials and presented 14 recommendations to address the challenges faced by farmers in the region. The event concluded with Dr. Amit Trivedi expressing gratitude to the agricultural officials and scientists who participated in the meeting.