Inauguration of Two-Day Regional Research and Extension Advisory Committee Meeting

Banswara, April 8, 2025 — The two-day Regional Research and Extension Advisory Committee (RREAC) meeting for Kharif 2025 was inaugurated on April 8, 2025, at the Agricultural Research Center, Borwat, Banswara. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research, MPUAT, Udaipur, and chaired by Dr. Hargilas, Zonal Director of Research.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Hargilas briefed the committee about the research center’s ongoing activities and recent research developments, with a special focus on recent weather trends. He emphasized the need for inter-departmental cooperation to frame an effective research and extension strategy for the upcoming Kharif season, keeping in view the agricultural challenges observed during Kharif 2024.

Dr. Arvind Verma reviewed the ongoing research work and stressed the importance of addressing farmers' concerns through timely solutions. He instructed officials from the Seed Corporation and Agriculture Extension departments to ensure the timely supply of breeder seeds of university-developed varieties to boost seed production. Dr. Verma also highlighted the negative impact of environmental pollution due to stubble burning and the need to promote natural farming. He expressed concern over rising temperatures, noting that this year in February, the mercury touched 39°C and has already crossed 40°C in the first week of April.

Mr. N.S. Rathore, Joint Director, Agriculture Department, Udaipur, also participated in the meeting along with officials from Agriculture Zone IV-B. He outlined the department’s achievements and shared the proposed plans and targets for the upcoming Rabi season.

During the meeting, the Director of Research visited the experimental fields of the Agricultural Research Center and appreciated the research work being conducted by the scientists. Presentations on annual activities were delivered through PowerPoint by scientists from the Agriculture Research Center and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Banswara, Pratapgarh, and Dungarpur, along with officials from the Agriculture Department.

Dr. Hargilas presented research outcomes on nano urea usage in maize and nutrient management in maize-wheat and soybean-maize cropping systems. Based on the experimental results, consensus recommendations were formulated and included in the agricultural action plan.

A total of 46 agricultural scientists and officers from the division participated in the meeting. The event was conducted and coordinated by Dr. R.K. Kalyan, Associate Professor (Entomology), and Dr. Piyush Choudhary, Research Associate (GKMS).