Grand Agricultural Science Fair Held in Rajasthan

(mohsina bano)

Farmers and Students Learn Advanced Agricultural Techniques

Udaipur : A grand Agricultural Science Fair was jointly organized by the School of Agricultural Sciences, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, on Sunday.

The event was inaugurated by MPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka, former Delhi Assembly Speaker Dr. Yoganand Shastri, Chancellor Bhanwarlal Gurjar, Director of Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, Dr. Ravi Mathur, Vice-Chancellor Col. Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot, former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajesh Singh, and other distinguished guests.

On this occasion, Prof. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to agriculture.

Rajasthan’s Strong Agricultural Heritage – Prof. Karnataka

Speaking as the chief guest, Prof. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka highlighted Rajasthan’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage. He emphasized that farmers in the state are resilient and skilled in advanced farming and animal husbandry, which help them sustain productivity. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques for enhanced yields.

Farmers: The Nation’s Backbone – Prof. Sarangdevot

Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot praised the dedication of farmers, stating that their hard work drives national progress. He outlined various initiatives for their welfare, including:

• Krishak Unnati Yojana for fair crop pricing.
• Assistance for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Crop insurance for financial security.
• Training programs and exhibitions introducing new methods.
• Agricultural Science Centers (KVKs) promoting innovation.
• Government-backed National Agricultural Development Scheme (RKVY) for sectoral growth.

Ensuring Food Security – Chancellor Gurjar

Chancellor Bhanwarlal Gurjar emphasized the need for rural infrastructure improvements to attract youth towards agriculture. He expressed concern over shrinking farmland and urged the promotion of innovative farming methods to sustain food security.

Farmers Explore New Technologies

Dean of Agricultural Science, Prof. Gajendra Mathur, stated that over 500 farmers and students participated, learning about the latest techniques through:

• Interactions with agricultural scientists.
• Technical exhibitions by universities and research institutes.
• Guided tours of crop horticulture units, nurseries, seed units, research fields, agricultural museums, and fruit processing centers.

The event was hosted by Dr. Sonia Jaiswani and Saurav Rathore, with Prof. Narayan Singh Solanki delivering the vote of thanks. Dr. Arun Parihar, Dr. Anand Singh Jodha, and Dr. Surbhi played key roles in organizing the fair.

Special Competitions and Oilseed Farming Focus

The event featured crop, fruit, and vegetable competitions for farmers and a Rangoli competition for women. Farmers from Udaipur district were educated on the economic benefits of oilseed farming, with special encouragement for tribal farmers to adopt the practice, boosting their social and economic status.

Participation of Leading Institutions

The fair saw participation from Sangam University, RNT College Kapasan, Madhav University Sirohi, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhilwara Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and Nawanian Institute. Organizations like IDFC, P Industries, IFM Foundation, F Polymer, Swaraj Tractor, Ram Fastest Phosphate, Aparna Seva Sansthan, and Asha FPO, along with multiple NGOs, actively contributed to the event.