### MPUAT: Two-Day Regional Research and Extension Advisory Committee Meeting f

Udaipur, A two-day meeting of the Regional Research and Extension Advisory Committee (Sub-Division IV-A) was organized in the auditorium of the Directorate of Research at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur. The meeting, chaired by MPUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka, focused on agricultural research and technological advancements for Rabi-2024.

During his address, Dr. Karnataka highlighted the university's achievements, including securing 54 patents in recent years, with 25 obtained in 2024 alone. He emphasized the national recognition of MPUAT’s Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Unit and the Organic Farming Unit. The Vice Chancellor further mentioned the commercialization of university technologies, such as the agreement with seven companies for Pratap Maize-6, which can be used to produce ethanol as a green fuel. He urged scientists to develop climate-resilient crop varieties to enhance farmers' profits and stressed the importance of promoting organic and natural farming practices for producing quality products at lower costs.

Dr. Karnataka also announced that two MPUAT scientists were recognized among the top 2% of scientists nationwide. He praised the development of small agricultural tools and biochar treatment units designed to meet farmers' needs. The Vice Chancellor concluded his speech by encouraging researchers to work on pest and water management to bring sustainability to agriculture.

MPUAT’s Director of Research, Dr. Arvind Verma, welcomed the participants and outlined the role of the Regional Research and Extension Advisory Committee in incorporating university-developed technologies into the "Package of Practices" for farmers. He highlighted the ongoing projects, including 27 All-India Coordinated Research Projects and three network projects, alongside two projects under the National Agricultural Development Scheme.

Dr. Verma also discussed the achievements of the maize project, particularly Pratap Hybrid Maize-6, which is suitable for cultivation in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat. The variety matures quickly (in 82-85 days) and is resistant to stalk rot, offering a yield of 65-70 quintals per hectare.

Dr. R.B. Dubey, Dean of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, addressed the issue of seed shortages, noting that the country requires 51,000 tons of seeds, but only 40,000 tons are available, with 80-90% supplied by private firms. He called for more research into underutilized crops such as Kankoda, Balam Kakdi, and Tindori. Dr. Dubey also highlighted that one ton of Pratap Hybrid Maize-6 can produce 380 liters of ethanol, while Pratap Hybrid Maize Chari-6 can yield 300-400 quintals of green fodder.

Dr. R.A. Kaushik, Director of Extension Education, discussed the dissemination of MPUAT’s research technologies to farmers' fields through Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He emphasized the success of machines developed by MPUAT, such as the solar-powered maize sheller and groundnut sheller, in improving agricultural productivity.

The meeting also saw the participation of officials from the Agriculture Department, including Dr. Ram Avatar Sharma, Additional Director from Bhilwara, and Joint Directors of Agriculture and Horticulture from various districts. Dr. Sharma presented detailed insights into the region's Rabi crop conditions and challenges faced during the previous season. He urged scientists to offer solutions and promote advanced seeds and value-added products to enhance farmers' incomes.

The session concluded with a presentation of research findings and recommendations for farmers, followed by a vote of thanks from Dr. Brij Gopal Chhipa, Assistant Professor at the Directorate of Research.

The meeting witnessed active participation from scientists and agricultural officers, who discussed research and extension activities and shared valuable insights for the upcoming Rabi season.