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CSK H. P. Agricultural University, Palampur 176062

 

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Last Updated: December 06, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/189 Dated: 06.12.2017

 

Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial releases draft genome sequence of horsegram

 

Palampur 6 December. CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University has been able to unravel horsegram genome sequence paving the way for developing genomic tools which can aid genomics assisted breeding in this potential crop.

While announcing the release of draft genome sequence of horsegram (locally known as Kulthi)      variety HPK4(Baizu), Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, told that this was the first report of its kind in his university where a team of scientists has been able to complete the whole genome sequencing of any crop plant species. He told that  the  programme was funded by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Govt of Japan for two years and appreciated the hard work of the scientists  Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chahota and Dr. T.R. Sharma,  Professors  in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and  Dr. Sachiko Isobe, Head, Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Chiba, Japan  for  accomplishing the task as this is the crop with no genomic information previously available. Prof Sarial also appreciated Prof. HK Chaudhary, Head, Deptt of Agricultural Biotechnology for initiating and executing various Indo-Japan collaborative efforts in different innovative areas since 2004 and involving the students and faculty.

The Vice-Chancellor told that unraveling of horsegram genome sequence shall pave the way for developing genomic tools which can aid genomics-assisted breeding in this underutilized potential pulse crop and identify key genes responsible for economic traits. The Vice Chancellor asked  the scientists to take this work further through translational research using the information emanating from this study.He asked the students to take advantage of various Indo-Japan Exchange programmes and imbibe Japanese in their excellent work and contribute in the nation building by hard work and scientific innovations.

Dr.R.S.Jamwal, Director of Research and Dr. H.K.Chaudhary highlighted the importance of this research work and told that horsegram was an indigenous legume of North-Western Himalayan region having many nutraceutical properties. It is highly suitable for rainfed and marginal agriculture and has a potential to cover the risk of dry land agriculture. Due to its survival capability under drought like conditions, it has been designated as the ‘Crop of Future’.  Horsegram seed is a rich source of phosphorus, iron and vitamins and contains many medicinal and therapeutic benefits. It is also suggested as an ayurvedic medicine to treat edema, piles and renal stones.

Dr. Rakesh Chahota highlighted the importance of this study for the improvement and development of horsegram as a commercial crop. Dr. Sachiko Isobe, Principal Investigator from Japan gave the detailed account of   genome sequencing of this legume crop and briefed the audience about the identification of 36, 000 genes in this crop species which can be precisely utilized in future breeding programmes.

University scientists and post graduate students attended the programme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: December 04, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/188 Dated: 03.12.2017

 

Agriculture Education Day at CSKHPAU

 

To strengthen future agriculture, essential  to attract youth towards agricultural education: Prof A.K.Sarial,Vice-Chancellor

 

Palampur 3 December. CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University celebrated 'Agriculture Education Day' here today. The university organized declamation contests and paper reading competitions for the students of senior secondary schools of the surrounding areas and also conducted an exposure visit to the agriculture museum.

During prize distribution ceremony, Prof A.K.Sarial, Vice-Chancellor told that this day has been celebrated all over the country today at the initiative of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. While elaborating the importance of this day, the Vice-Chancellor said that today was birth anniversary of first Union Agriculture Minister of India and first President of independent India Bharat Ratna Dr Rajendra Prasad. He said that it was imperative to attract youth towards agricultural education to strengthen future agriculture in the country. There is need of massive awareness programmes among the youth focusing on various facets of agriculture and allied subject. The students should be made aware and exposed to various facets of agriculture and its relevance in the development of the country and they should be inspired to choose agriculture as a career, engage themselves in agriculture and related activities or become Agri-entrepreneurs.

Prof A.K.Sarial also exhorted the staff and students to make general masses aware of the importance of this day. He appreciated the farming community, scientists, farm officers and farm institutes for making the country not only self-sufficient on food front but food surplus and also informed that even a small state like Himachal Pradesh was self- sufficient on food front due to the collective efforts of all concerned.He said that this day will be celebrated on a larger scale in future.

Earlier, the students' welfare Organisation conducted declamation contests and paper reading competitions for around two dozen schools of the Palampur sub-division. More than three hundred students joined the celebrations and took part in the competitions on the topics related to agriculture.

Dr Ashwani Kumar Goel, Students' Welfare Officer and Dr.Pawan Kumar Mehta, Dean, College of Agriculture and Prof Sanjay Sharma also spoke on the occasion. Statutory officers, staff, and students attended the programme.

Results: Declamation competition: First prize was won by Tamana Katoch from Paras Public School, Bhawarna, Second prize was bagged by Nandita from the same school and Third prize went to Priya of Jai Public School, Banuri . Two consolation prizes were awarded to Simran of Jai Public School, Banuri and Sakshi of Govt Senior Secondary School, Sulah.

Paper Reading competition: Aditi from Rainbow World School, Bhawarna and Akanksha from Post Graduate Senior Secondary School, Averi shared the first prize, Abhinandan from Viveka Foundation School, Mansimbal and Anshika from Kendirya Vidyalaya, Palampur shared the second prize and Shivali from ABM School, Thakurdwara and Vaibhav from Viveka Foundation, Mansimabal shared the third prize. Varidhika from DAV School, Palampur, Kirti Sharma from Priyadarshni School, Patti and Jyoti from Chand Public School, Palampur got consolation prizes.

 

A view of the dais

 

A view of the audience

 

Vice-Chancellor Prof A.K. Sarial giving away the prizes

 

Vice-Chancellor Prof A.K. Sarial addressing the students and others.

 

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Last Updated: November 22, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/185 Dated: 21.11.2017

 

 

CSKHPAU organize  inter-college debate and essay writing competitions

 

Palampur 21 November. The Students' Welfare Organization, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University organized inter-college debate and easy writing competitions, here today.

Eight teams from the constituent colleges took part in the debate competition on the topic, "Women's liberation is a misnomer" and "Women make better leaders", whereas twenty students took part in the easy competition on the topics, "Women empowerment" and "Gender inequality in the modern family". Both the competitions were sponsored by Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women.

Dr.Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Director of Research, was chief guest and Dr Ashwani Kumar Goel, Students' Welfare Officer and Dr.Neelam Sharma, Co-ordinator also spoke on the occasion. Statutory officers, staff and students attended the programme.

Results: Debate competition: First prize was won by the College of Agriculture(COA) team comprising Shorya Kapoor and Aditya; Second prize was bagged by Dr GCN College of Veterinary & Animal Science team comprising Mukul and Pankaj Rana and Third prize went to the team of College of Basic Sciences comprising Saryu Sharma and Arundhati Sharma. Two consolation prizes were awarded to the team of COA (Divyank Bhardwaj and Devanshi Rana) and College of Home Science( Nanadita Sharma and Malvika)

Essay Writing competition:Parul Pathania won first prize, Sukriti Sharma won second prize and Shiksha bagged third prize. Shailja Kumari and Vanshika got consolation prizes.

 

 A view of the dais

 

 A view of the audience 
 

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Last Updated: November 21, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/184 Dated: 20.11.2017

 

 

CSKHPAU Scientists organize  infertility treatment camps for animals in outer Seraj region

 

Palampur 20 November. A team of veterinary scientists from Dr.G.C.Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, organized eight infertility treatment camps in district Kullu from 15-20 November. This included six camps at Dhogi (Chowai), Kandugai (Dalash), Tandi, Dmah (Neether), Ropa (Showad) and Kungash villages of Outer Seraj region and two follow-up camps at Takoli and Bajaura. These camps were organized under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) project in collaboration with H.P State Animal Husbandry department.

Around 120 cows suffering from infertility problems were examined and treated in these camps. Scientists collected uterine discharge and fecal samples from infertile cows to study the infections and parasitic load causing reproductive diseases. Blood samples were also collected from these animals to study minerals, biochemical and hormonal profile for detailed diagnosis of diseases and also to study causes of abortions in cows of these areas. Data were also collected from the staff working in these institutions regarding certain obstetrical interventions in cows reared in this part of the state.

Principal Investigator of the project and Head of  Department  Prof. Madhumeet Singh, who lead the team comprising  Dr. Pravesh Kumar and Mr. Vijay Rana from the Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics,  told that in an effort to study the pattern of infertility and other reproductive ailments in bovines and their mapping in different geographical locations of Himachal Pradesh, total 214 infertility treatment camps have been organized in all parts of Himachal Pradesh including many in tribal, hard and some other inaccessible areas under this project in last four years and more than 5000 bovines (cows, buffaloes, yaks and their crosses) have been examined and treated in these camps.

Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, has appreciated the efforts of scientists to serve the farmers at their doorsteps in far-flung regions of Himachal Pradesh.

 

 

 

 

Veterinary camps in different villages of outer Seraj region

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Last Updated: November 14, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/182 Dated: 14.11.2017

 

Press Release

Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, CSKHPAU gets Rs. One lakh award; donates it for organic farming  

Palampur 14 November. For his outstanding contributions in the area of agricultural research, especially developing PUSA Basmati 1121 variety of rice, Prof. Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University has been honoured by the Global Institutes, Amritsar.

The Vice-Chancellor was honoured with an award of Rs. One lakh, a citation and a memento by the farming community, department of agriculture, Punjab and global institutes in an impressive ceremony held at Amritsar.  Prof. Sarial has also been awarded earlier a number of times at national level for his achievements. 

According to the citation, Prof. Ashok Kumar Sarial has helped in enhancing the income of the farming community of Punjab as PUSA Basmati rice 1121 variety developed by him is grown largely by the farmers and fetches them a very good price.

It will be worthwhile to mention that Pusa Basmati 1121 variety of rice occupies more than 70 percent area of total Basmati acreage in the country and contributes annually approximate Rs 25- 30000 crore forex earnings leading India to attain number one position in the world in Basmati production and export leaving behind USA, Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan. This is world’s longest grain Basmati variety which was developed and released in 2003.

During his address to the students, staff and local farmers, in a rare gesture Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor pledged the prize money of Rs. One lakh to the global institutes for encouraging the farmers to grow PUSA 1121 organically. He said that during his interaction with the farmers, he has found that they were enthusiastic to take up organic cultivation of Basmati rice for value addition and better price in the international market so he has decided to pledge the award money for this noble purpose and wants that the basmati acreage increased and entire Basmati rice area be brought under organic cultivation. He requested the Global Institute to honour annually from the interest accrued on the pledged money those farmers harvesting maximum productivity of organic Pusa 1121. The Vice-Chancellor expressed the hope that cultivating Basmati organically will not only consume less water but bring a positive change in the mindset of farmers of Punjab, who were using very high doses of chemicals in their crops.

 

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: November 02, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/181 Dated: 02.11.2017

 

Press Release

 

A Model Training Course on Organic Farming concludes at CSKHPAU

 

Palampur 2 November. A Model Training Course on "Natural Resource Management-Organic Farming",  sponsored by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare,  concluded at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University.

 While addressing twenty officers and scientists from the departments of agriculture and agricultural institutions of Telangana, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pardesh, Bihar, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh;   Prof. Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, asked the trainees to help their respective states in increasing the area under organic farming. He said that there was a great potential of increasing production of pulses and oilseeds under organic farming. He told that in Himachal Pradesh, organic farming was practiced on around 22000 ha area by 40000 farmers.He also distributed training certificates to the trainees.

Dr. Atul, Director Extension Education, Dr. JP Saini, Head, Department of Organic Agriculture Dr. Rameshwar, Course Director, Dr Punam and Dr. Neelam also expressed their views.

University statutory officers were present in the concluding ceremony.

 

A view of trainees and others

 

A view of dais

 

Group pic of trainees with the Vice-Chancellor

 

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Last Updated: November 01, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/180 Dated: 01.11.2017

 

Press Release 

 

 

Vice-Chancellor Prof A.K.Sarial asks staff to accept challenges as new opportunities to serve the farmers

 

Palampur 1 November. The foundation day of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University was celebrated with a pledge by the staff to accept new farm challenges as opportunities and better the socio-economic status of the farming community of Himachal Pradesh. In his university foundation day address to teachers, non-teachers and students, Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor exhorted the staff members to make 'excellence' a buzz word in their assigned duties and adopt a motto 'Respect Work, Work Hard and Create Work Culture' in their professional life.

The Vice-Chancellor said that much has been done since the inception of the university 39 years ago in November 1978 yet new challenges in agriculture continue to confront the scientists and the university needs to provide viable solutions to the farming community. Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial expressed his satisfaction that the university has marched ahead in the assigned mandate of teaching, research and extension education. He informed that in the last one year, the university attained the very first position among all agricultural universities of the country since its inception as the highest number of 193 students qualified various national level competitive examination and 36 students got admission in prestigious national institutes for higher studies.Ninty six students got job offers as Agriculture Development Officers and Veterinary Officers,etc from the state government. He appreciated 58 such teachers who took extra classes to prepare the students for competitive examinations.

Prof A.K.Sarial told that 343 students were conferred degrees during 14th Convocation held in September and the Chancellor of the University had publically applauded the congenial academic environment and work culture of the university. He said that ever highest number of 13613 candidates applied for B.V.Sc. & AH and B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture programme for total 137 seats in both the degree programmes signifying the importance and popularity of these programmes.He also elaborated the steps to improve the research work by the formation of some high-level screening committees and the gradual improvement in ranking of the research journal.He told that the University signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Foundation for organizing 52 Skill development programmes for 1300 farmers, with Agriculture Skill Council of India, etc for various research and teaching activities.

The university developed eleven crop varieties have been released besides a poultry breed “Himsamridhi” suitable for backyard poultry farming in hilly areas. ‘Robotic automatic Grafting Machine‘was installed at vegetable research farm to augment production of quality grafted planting material. Sincere efforts have been initiated to encourage Zero Budget Natural Farming. Twenty farm based models have been formulated which can enable the farmers to double their income by 2022.He disclosed that matter to convert the university as Central Agricultural University has been initiated and the chances for upgradation were bright as only one such university will be upgraded in North Western region of the country by  the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed his thanks to the State Government, ICAR and other funding agencies enabling the university to fulfill its given mandate.He also disclosed about the efforts made for the welfare of staff including around 275 recruitments or pending promotions of teaching and non-teaching staff besides grant of interim relief and dearness allowance to the staff on the pattern of State Government.

Prof A.K.Sarial acknowledged the support of staff in all accomplishments and exhorted them to work with added enthusiasm to serve the farmers of the State.

Earlier, Er A.K.Goel, Students Welfare Officer welcomed the Vice-Chancellor, teachers, non-teaching employees and the students. Mr.Satish Kumar Sharma, HAS and other statutory officers, teachers, non-teachers and students joined in the foundation day celebrations.

 

Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, addressing the students and staff

 

 

A view of the audience.

 

 

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Last Updated: October 31, 2017

Media Cell

Press Release

No. QSD/MC/179 Dated: 31.10.2017

 

Press Release 

 

CSK H.P. Agriculture University Foundation Day Feature

 

Thirty-Nine Years in the Service of Farming Community of Himachal Pradesh

 

CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University will turn 39 on 1 November, 2017. The University was inaugurated by the then President of India Mr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in 1978. It is ICAR accredited and ISO 9001:2008 certified institution. The University has been given the mandate for making provision for imparting education in agriculture and other allied branches of learning, furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of research and undertaking extension of such sciences, especially to the rural people of Himachal Pradesh.

Over the years, this University has contributed greatly in transforming the farm scenario of Himachal Pradesh. Today, the State has earned its name for hill agricultural diversification and the farming community has imposed its faith in the University.

Academic Programmes: The University has four constituent colleges. The College of Agriculture has 13 departments, Dr.G.C.Negi College of Veterinary & Animal Science has 18 departments, the College of Home Science has five departments and the College of Basic Sciences has four departments. These colleges offer six Bachelor Degree programmes and the Dean, Post Graduate Studies offers 22 Masters Degree & 15 Doctoral Degree programmes.

At present 1523 (844 girls & 679 boys) students are on roll and more than 6593 students have passed out from the University since its inception.In addition to world class academic, sports and co-curricular facilities, there are twelve students' hostels, including one International Students' Hostel.

Research Activities: The Directorate of Research coordinates research in the field of agriculture, veterinary and animal sciences, home science and basic sciences. It has been giving priority to the location specific, need based and problem oriented research with multidisciplinary approach at main campus Palampur, 3 Regional Research Stations (Bajaura, Dhaulakuan &  Kukumseri) and 10 Research Sub-stations (Kangra, Malan, Nagrota, Salooni, Akrot, Berthin  Sundernagar, Sangla, Leo & Lari) situated  in all the districts of the State (except Solan and Shimla).

The University has developed need-based technologies for the different regions of the State and has released 155 improved varieties of different crops. Around 800 quintal breeder seed and around  1000 quintal foundation  seed of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetable and fodder crops is produced and supplied to the State Department of Agriculture for further multiplication and making it available to  the farming community. The University has released 13 improved agricultural tools to reduce drudgery, especially among hill farm women. Around 100 farm technologies have been recommended to the farmers. Three patents have been granted to the University by the Patent Office, Govt. of India and eleven patents are pending for approval. To enhance crop and animal productivity, the University has developed appropriate technologies in the areas of crop improvement, animal breeding, disease combating, natural resources management, etc. Besides continuing research on organic farming in hill agriculture, the University has taken initiative on 'zero budget natural farming' so as to transform Himachal Pradesh as organic State of the country.

Extension Education: The Directorate of Extension Education shares the responsibility for planning, implementation and coordination of various extension education programmes of all the departments of four constituent colleges and research stations in close collaboration with the State Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and other concerned departments and institutions. It conducts a large number of trainings for farmers, livestock keepers, farm ladies, rural youth, etc. at main campus and at its eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centres) at Bajaura, Dhaulakuan, Hamirpur, Una, Mandi, Kangra, Berthin and Kukumseri. The Agricultural Technology Information Center is serving as a single window service to the farmers.

Media Cell projects and protects the image of the University among target clients and others by various Public Relations and Communication tools.

A massive infrastructure to fulfill the mandate and realize objectives has been created at main campus Palampur, all Research Stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.The main clients viz. the farmers and the students are provided quality facilities in the form of training hall, farmers' hostels, transportation, students' hostels, play ground & gymnasium, placement cell, etc.

Among the leading universities in the hill regions of the country, this University has emerged as torch bearer for all. It is considered most serene institution in the region with extremely conducive atmosphere to puruse academic and research activities.

Due to the sincere and arduous work during the past thirty nine years in the University, the State has achieved new pinnacle in the area of agriculture.Despite constant decrease in area under farming, crop yields have increased. The State has earned name in commercial agriculture, especially off-season vegetable cultivation. Harvests have become bountiful and the socio-economic status of the farming community has improved significantly.

Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, says that the university has accepted news emerging challenges in agriculture as opportunities. Recenlty,  twenty farm based models have been formulated and shared with the agriculture and animal husbandry departments of the state government and efforts have been made to educate and motivate the farmers to adopt the models as per the agro-climatic conditions of their area and their requirements. He says that the credit for the achievements, whether minuscule or significant, goes equally to dedicated faculty, hard working and disciplined students and non-teaching staff. The university will continue to work with untiring efforts for the betterment of socio-economic status of the farming community of the state.

Vital Statistics as on 31 October 2017: Academic programmes: Bachelor degree programmes = 6; Masters Degree programmes =22 (9 Vety.& AH, 9 Agri., 2 H.Sc. & 2 Basic Science); Doctoral degree programmes = 15 (8 Agri., 5 Vety. & AH and 1 Basic Science & 1 H.Sc.)

Varieties Released by the University: The University has released 155 improved varieties of different crops (Wheat 24, Paddy 23, Maize 9, Barley 6, Pulses 24, Vegetables 29, Oilseeds 23, Buckwheat 2, Sugarcane 1, Fodder 12 and Tea 2).

Staff Strength: Teachers/Scientists=249, Non-teachers= 1107 (including 597 class IV employees) 

 Area:  Total Area at main campus: 397 hectares, Area at Out stations/KVKs:  190 ha

 

 

Vice-Chancellor Prof.  Ashok Kumar Sarial

 

 

 

Administration Block of the University

 

 

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Last Updated: October 25, 2017

QSD/MC/177 Dated 25.10 2017

Press Release

UNESCO sponsored workshop on disaster risk  reduction at CSKHPAU

Climate change has thrown open challenges and opportunities in hill agriculture:  Prof A.K. Sarial

Palampur 25 October. A two days South Asian Workshop on 'Strengthening early warning for disaster risk reduction in Himalayan agriculture' began at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, here today.

While addressing delegates from South Asian countries, Chief Guest Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor told that climate change has thrown open a number of challenges and also provided a basket of opportunities in hill agriculture. He underlined the importance of making agriculture sustainable and climate resilient as South Asian region was highly vulnerable to disasters. He said that improving and upgrading mountain weather and climate services over Himalayan region and improving information and early warning systems were required. The Vice-Chancellor also suggested improvement in safe communication and information dissemination system and promoting climate-smart agriculture in the villages.  He cited the examples of major earthquake in the region which almost finished the tea industry and the effects of climate change in apple growing areas of Himachal Pradesh. Prof Sarial said that capacity building of farming communities can enable them to improve their livelihoods and reduce risks. He said that there was an urgent need to enhance preparedness capacities for quick response and recovery. He also appreciated the efforts of United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Indian Meteorological Society (IMS), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Centre for Geo-Informatics Research and Training (CGIRT) in the university for jointly organizing the workshop which will give recommendations for ecosystem-based solutions to reduce disaster risks.

Dr.M.Mohapatra, Head, Services Division, IMD, told that Himalayas make major impact on the climate but the issues of risk management in this region were very complex. He discussed issues related to cloud burst, tornedo, monsoons, weather disturbances, etc and sought implementable recommendations. Dr. Ram Boojh, UNESCO Programme Chief, told that a lot of work has been done at the International level for disaster risk reduction and avoiding it yet there was a need to create a culture of disaster risk management by adopting various proven models. Dr.Ajit Tyagi, President, IMS, said that climate change-related hazards were increasing and discussed early warning for hydro-meteorological hazards. Dr.R.S.Jamwal, Director of Research, detailed about the work on climate change and climate resilient agriculture in the university. Mr.Anand Sharma, Regional Coordinator and Secretary, IMS, said that around fifty delegates from major institutes of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, etc were taking part in the workshop and will deliberate on agro-climate vulnerability and risk management, besides other issues.

Drs. Ranbir Singh Rana, Sharda Singh and  Kunal Sood also spoke on the weather forecast and related issues. Statutory officers and scientists also attended the inaugural ceremony.

 

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Last Updated: October 21, 2017

QSD/MC/176 Dated 21.10 2017

 

Farm officers' Workshop on Rabi Crops

 

Involve progressive farmers in quality seed production :  Prof A.K. Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, CSKHPAU 

 

Palampur 21 October. A state level agricultural officers' workshop on Rabi crops was held at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, here today.

While addressing around 150 farm officers from the state department of agriculture and scientists of the university, in his inaugural address Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor said that it was the duty of officers and scientists to accept emerging challenges in the famring and help farmers in incereasng farm production enabling them to double their income by the year 2022. He said that each and every cultivable farm should be brought under farming and new technology should percolate down to nook and and corner of the state. He told that the university has idenitified tweny agiculutre based models which can help the farming community to double their income in the next five years. He exhorted the officers to motivate farmers to adopt such models. He also advocated the utilization of each drop of the water for crop production and disclosed that his university was working to produce quality seed on a large scale and a Rs. Ten crore project has been submitted to the Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) on it.  The Vice-Chancellor suggested the involvement of progressive farmers in quality seed production programmes.Prof A.K.Sarial said that if MNREGA labour is involved in the cultivation practices at the farmers' fields, it will be very helpful for the farming community. Uttrakhand has successfully adopted this practice.He also spoke on the importance of poly house cultivation and off-seasson vegetable production for which his university has perfect technology.

Dr.Desh Raj Sharma, Director of Agriculutre, H.P., told about the preparations of his department for the ensuing Rabi season.He said that a target has been fixed for wheat production in an area of 3 lakh 60 thousand hectare area and 7650 metic ton seed has been arranged for Rabi crops. Efforts will be made to bring more area under organic farming. Dr.Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Director of Research, informed that five new crop varieties have been released for cultivation in the state and around a dozen crop varieties were in pipeline. He also elaborated about other crop production technologies. Dr.Atul, Driector of Extension Education, said that the Directorate of Extension Education and Krishi Vigyan Kendras were regularly tranfering the modern technology to the farmers.Even an App has been developed and electronic media was being used for the purpose.

Drs.D.K.Vatsa and Ravinder Singh Rana also spoke on the occasion. Some progressive farmers also took part in the discussions. University statutory officers, heads and other scientists were also present in the inaugural ceremony.

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: October 16, 2017

No. QSD /MC/175 Dated:16 Oct. 2017

 

Judicious use of irrigation water essential for enhancing crop production: Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor,CSKHPAU

 

Palampur 16 October. "Judicious use of irrigation water with new proven technologies is also one of the important elements for doubling the farmers' income", said Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor while addressing the trainees and others during a concluding ceremony of ten days training course on 'Micro irrigation and fertigation technology under open and protected conditions' at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, here today. 


The Vice-Chancellor said that water should be utilized properly with planning and use of proven technologies enabling the farmers to enhance their crop production. He said that despite five rivers in the state, around eighty per cent area was rain-fed in Himachal Pradesh. Around 98 per cent area in Punjab was irrigated and more than 84 per cent area in Haryana was also irrigated so production was high in these states. He asked farm scientists to utilize their knowledge and improved technology for the socio-economic development of the farming community.

Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial wondered the establishment of subject wise several institutes whereas the farmer was using integrated approach and technologies for crop production. He told that his university had formulated several models for doubling the farmers' income and it was the duty of scientists to educate the farmers about these technologies. The Vice-Chancellor also distributed the certificates and mementoes to the trainees from different states of the country.

Dr.Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Director of Research; Dr.P.K.Mehta, Dean, College of Agriculture; Dr.Atul. Director of Extension Education; Dr.S.P.Dixit , Head, Department  of Soil Science; Dr Sanjiv Kumar Sandal, Course Director and Dr.N.K. Sankhyan, Course Coordinator also spoke on the importance of short course for enhancing crop production and thanked the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for approving and sponsoring the training course. University statutory officers, heads and other scientists were also present in the concluding ceremony.

 

 

 

Group photo of trainees with the Vice-Chancellor

 

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Last Updated: October 10, 2017

 

CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur

Significant University Activities for the month of  September 2017

 

Key Highlights

A. His Excellency the Governor presides over the Convocation

 

Research

A. Research Project sanctioned and submitted

 

Extension Education

A. Trainings and Demonstrations to the farmers

522 clinical cases were diagnosed and  treated in veterinary clinics and  295  samples were also analyzed.

Around  759 farmers from various parts of the State visited University HQ and KVKs for technical guidance.

 

Miscellaneous

Dr GCN COVAS

Rs. 21,11,397 

College of Agriculture

Rs. 3, 22,429

Directorate of Extension Education

Rs. 9,09,400

Total

Rs. 33,43,226

 

 

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