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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Foundation day: New farm training, research milestones of BAU lauded
Bhagalpur: On the occasion of the 16th foundation day of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), vice chancellor D R Singh launched a five-day master trainers' training programme on environment-friendly farming for krishi sakhis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The VC said the training would focus on the exchange of ideas on modern farming techniques, besides equipping women with skills in nature-based agriculture. Listing reforms in agricultural education, he said the BAU has undertaken initiatives such as introducing science stream programmes, rural awareness work experience (RAWE), hands-on training, skill development and experiential learning for the benefit of students. He said the university's research output has been commendable, with 353 internal, 18 external, and 20 collaborative research projects currently underway. BAU scientists have published 306 research articles, filed 15 patents, five copyrights, and four trademarks. He also mentioned that 14 improved crop varieties have been recommended for farmers, and 31 GI proposals are under consideration for approval by the Centre. The VC highlighted BAU's expanding community outreach, including assistance in the registration of 12 farmers' societies and the establishment of seven new research collaborations. Over 66,000 research-extension events have been conducted, benefiting more than 3.18 lakh stakeholders. Additionally, 4,572 training-cum-capacity building programmes were organised, with participation from 1.6 lakh individuals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking on the occasion, JD(U) MP from Bhagalpur, Ajay Kumar Mandal, said BAU has made remarkable progress in academics and has been instrumental in supporting farmers. BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain praised BAU's efforts, stating that the university has helped change public perception about agricultural education. Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Sriniwas Rao, lauded BAU's infrastructure, including its classrooms and research laboratories. He commended the university for earning an 'A' grade from NAAC and securing the 36th rank in the NIRF 2024 rankings for agriculture and allied sectors.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
1 2 Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare. The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity. Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction. The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers. It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said. Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BAU launches Neera with long shelf life, developed by its scientist
1 2 3 4 5 6 Bhagalpur: The Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, scientists have achieved a milestone by developing 'Asian Palmyra Palm' product 'Neera' that has extended shelf life. BAU vice chancellor, D R Singh, on Wednesday inaugurated a Neera processing plant at the university's horticulture garden that manufactures the packed product available for commercial sale to consumers. The new value-added Neera has high nutritional value, a nearly neutral pH, and acts as a thirst quencher with natural vitamins, sugar, and other health-beneficial nutrients, serving as a healthy alternative to chemical-based soft drinks. The VC said with the state of the art processing plant, the first of its kind in the entire region, would manufacture the Neera drink that would be marketed and sold in cans with a shelf life of six months Lauding the efforts of BAU scientists—Ahmar Aftab, Wasim Siddiqui, Shamsher Ahmad and Vivek Kumar—who played crucial roles in developing the Neera preservation technology, the VC said liquid collected from palm tree ferments rapidly after sunrise due to rising temperatures and converts into toddy, an alcoholic beverage that has 4% alcohol content. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Following the ban on alcoholic beverages in Bihar, the fermented toddy is also prohibited, impacting the livelihood of the tappers. The VC added that they envisaged a plan and worked tirelessly to address the livelihood issues facing the toddy tappers and to improve their lives. The BAU scientists designed and patented a Neera collection box and polybag to collect good quality and hygienic liquid for processing and packaging in drinking cans. This innovative step replaced traditional earthen pots (labni in common parlance), which led to immediate fermentation. The BAU's processing lines are open for stakeholders in the community, allowing them to utilise these facilities for processing various food products at nominal charges. The VC added that the university and the scientists are committed to improving the livelihood of toddy tappers and sellers through its support under the Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana (MMNSY) of the state govt. An official said the production capacity of the unit is 60,000 litres per annum. Neera will be packed in 200 ml aluminium cans. The sale of Neera will generating a revenue of Rs 1.35 lakh per annum. The profit will be shared by BAU and the stakeholders in the ratio of 25:75 per cent, respectively. Senior scientist and associate professor Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui has also developed a technology to prepare Neera powder, which can be mixed with water to resemble fresh drink. The VC added that this further enables Neera enjoyable throughout the year. The MMNSY is jointly implemented by the prohibition, excise and registration department and Jeevika.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
With NAAC Grade A, BAU sees rise in candidate turnout at entrance test this yr
1 2 3 Bhagalpur: With a Grade 'A' certification from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) witnessed an increase in the turnout of candidates in its entrance examination for postgraduate (PG) courses and PhD, held on Sunday. Last year, the turnout was 82.5%, which increased to 95.5% this time. Crediting their recent success in achieving NAAC Grade 'A' accreditation as the reason for the increase in the turnout, vice-chancellor (VC) D R Singh on Monday said that they have also been witnessing a sharp rise in inquiries from students as well as parents, more so women, from across the country for different undergraduate and PG courses, besides research (PhD), at the BAU. There are also inquiries about hostels and mess facilities. The VC added that in addition to academic distinctions, the BAU continues to gain recognition for its innovation ecosystem, especially through its incubation centre SABAGRIs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, field-driven research programmes and partnerships with leading institutions at national and international levels.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
BAU scientists develop 4 new climate-resilient rice varieties
Bhagalpur: In a bid to make Bhagalpur and Bihar the rice bowl of India, scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) have developed four new high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-friendly rice varieties. The newly developed varieties – Sabour Katarni Dhan-1, Sabour Samba Dhan, Sabour Vibhuti Dhan and Sabour Shri Sub-1 – were released by BAU and recommended to the State Varietal Release Committee (SVRC) for evaluation. "They will then be referred to the Central Varietal Release Committee (CVRC) and Central Seed Committee (CSC) under The Seeds Act, 1966, for national-level recommendation," said BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh on Sunday. Praising the efforts of BAU scientists, he said, "Sabour Katarni Dhan-1, developed by Mankesh Kumar and team, is a high-yielding, non-lodging, early-maturing variety with one-and-a-half times more yield than existing types. Its seeds will soon be mass-produced for farmers in Bhagalpur." On 'Sabour Samba Dhan', developed by Prakash Singh's team, he said, "It has medium-long grains and high productivity. It can serve as an alternative to the Bapatla variety and will be demonstrated across 100 acres of farmland." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo 'Sabour Shri Sub-1', an improved flood-tolerant variety by Shweta Sinha's team, "can survive 14 days in waterlogged conditions, yielding 30–35 quintals per hectare in such scenarios and 50–55 quintals normally," the VC added. The fourth, 'Sabour Vibhuti Dhan', developed by Amarendra Kumar's team, is "tolerant to bacterial leaf blight and offers high yield through gene pyramiding," he said. The VC added that the BAU research council has approved all four varieties and efforts are being made to ensure large-scale demonstration, packaging and distribution to farmers, including during the current rainy season.
