Latest news with #BirsaAgricultureUniversity


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Birsa Munda Zoo eyes lion pair from Chhattisgarh
Ranchi: Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ormanjhi is trying to bring a lion and lioness from Nandanvan Zoo Raipur in Chhattisgarh following the death of its lone lioness earlier this week, officials said on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Priyanka, a 15-year-old lioness brought from Bannerghatta Zoo in Bengaluru in 2014, died of an infection on Wednesday. Priyanka, zoo officials said, was a crossbreed of Asiatic and African lions. At present, the zoo has Shashank, an ageing male lion. Zoo veterinarian Dr Om Prakash Sahu said, "The authorities are in discussion with the counterparts in Raipur Zoo to bring the pair of lions under animal exchange programme. Although the paperwork has not yet been finished, we are hoping the pair will be brought to the zoo within two months. We will exchange the lion pair with a hyena, crocodile and deer." The vet said whether the lion pair will be used for display or breeding purposes has not been finalised yet. The move, however, must be approved by the Central Zoo Authority. Autopsy report of Priyanka revealed that she died of bacterial infection in her uterus. "She suddenly fell ill on Wednesday afternoon, and her health started to deteriorate. As soon as we learnt about it, she was provided with medical attention at the zoo. However, she died despite our efforts at night on the same day. Later, after a post-mortem examination, she was cremated at the zoo's mortuary," vet Sahu added. Dr M K Gupta, veterinary pathologist of Birsa Agriculture University, who conducted the post-mortem examination, told TOI that it is a common phenomenon of female animals contracting uterus infection, and it is often hard to detect even until it reaches advanced stages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "However, precautionary measures such as keeping organic wastes out of the animal's reach can prevent such infections, and that is duly taken care of at Birsa Zoo. Despite that, animals sometimes contract infections as they are exposed the natural environment," Gupta said, adding that on average, hybrid lions live up to 17-18 years on an average. Before Priyanka's death in December last year, another lioness, Jaya, died due to kidney failure in December 2024.


News18
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Vegetable Transplanter: The Latest In Farm Tech That Covers 2-3 Acres In 1 Hour
Last Updated: Birsa Agriculture University in Ranchi developed a Vegetable Transplanter that transplants and waters plants across 2-3 acres per hour, reducing labor & time. It costs Rs 1,30,000 In a move set to transform vegetable farming in Jharkhand and beyond, Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), located in the state capital Ranchi, has developed an innovative machine that significantly reduces labour, time, and costs for vegetable growers. Known as the Vegetable Transplanter, the new device can plant saplings across two to three acres of land within an hour while simultaneously providing automated irrigation. According to Dilip, an agricultural technician at BAU, the tractor-driven machine features three dedicated seating positions, two at the back for workers to insert saplings, and one for the driver. A chain system then transplants the saplings into the soil, while a built-in tap system delivers water directly to each plant as the machine moves forward. With its ergonomic design, the transplanter allows three individuals to work in unison: one driving, and two placing saplings. The machine automates both planting and watering in a single pass, drastically cutting the time and manual effort typically required. Affordable Through Shared Ownership Priced at approximately Rs 1,30,000, the Vegetable Transplanter may be a significant investment for individual farmers. However, Dilip notes that many choose to purchase the machine collectively, sharing the cost and usage among a group. This model of cooperative ownership allows farmers to maximise benefits without bearing the full financial burden. Where To Access The Technology Interested farmers can visit the Birsa Agricultural University workshop in Ranchi for demonstrations, technical guidance, and information on local dealers. The university regularly offers support and showcases the machine's operation to promote wider adoption. As Indian agriculture continues to modernise, innovations like BAU's Vegetable Transplanter are helping farmers cultivate more efficiently, one sapling at a time. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: