Latest news with #GBPantUniversityofAgricultureandTechnology
Time of India
11-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Uttarakhand's GB Pant University scientists make autumn-ripening mango named after Operation Sindoor
RUDRAPUR: Scientists at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a unique mango variety that ripens in the early autumn months of Sep and Oct, unlike most mangoes, which peak in summer, and named it 'Sindoor' in honour of the soldiers of Operation Sindoor . Developed through seedling selection rather than traditional hybridisation, 'Sindoor' is the result of years of research led by senior horticulture scientist Dr AK Singh. Unlike popular varieties such as Dashehari, Langda or Kausa, which are not man-made hybrids, 'Sindoor' emerged from indigenous germplasm under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Fruits. It was identified for its late-season ripening potential during a study of local mango genotypes in Uttarakhand and has now been registered with the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). 'The uniqueness of 'Sindoor' lies in its seasonality. It ripens when mangoes are scarce in the market, giving farmers a pricing edge. Its deep yellow skin with a saffron-orange blush, and a balanced flavour of sugar and anise, makes it stand out both in taste and appearance. It's neither too sweet nor sour, and each fruit can weigh up to 200 grams,' said Dr Singh. Professor Manmohan Singh Chauhan, vice-chancellor of Pantnagar University, said, 'The new variety is a symbol of patriotism and scientific excellence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 보이시나요? 매곡동에서 이 보청기를 무료체험 할 45세 이상을 찾습니다 히어닷컴 Undo It honours the courage of our armed forces while marking a milestone in horticultural research. It has the potential to boost the horticulture-driven economy of hill states like Uttarakhand and create new opportunities for the mango industry.' He added: 'This variety stands at the confluence of devotion and discovery, embodying both the spirit of India's defenders and the innovation of its scientists. As a new autumn jewel in the mango calendar, it offers farmers, orchardists and agribusinesses a chance to diversify and grow, while remembering those who guard the nation's borders.'
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pantnagar scientists develop long-lasting antibacterial plastic
RUDRAPUR: Researchers at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar have developed an antibacterial plastic that resists microbial contamination for up to 72 hours, even when exposed to air and water. This innovation has wide applications in healthcare, food packaging, and daily-use plastics. The decade-long research was led by MGH Zaidi, professor of Chemistry at College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, and Rita Goyal, a retired professor of Microbiology. The project was funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt of India, with a Rs 36.7 lakh grant under its Nanotechnology Task Force. 'People think bottled water is always safe, but once opened, contamination starts. We wanted to create a plastic that naturally resists bacteria,' said Zaidi. Researchers used biodegradable, non-toxic plastics infused with antibacterial nanoparticles via liquid carbon dioxide to create a compound that actively inhibits bacterial growth. Unlike conventional plastics that rely on toxic chemicals, this material is entirely safe for humans and the environment. Now patented, the university is licensing the technology to a manufacturer, with products to be co-branded by Pantnagar University and DBT.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pesticides put pollinators at risk, threaten global crop yields: Pant varsity study
Rudrapur: A recent study conducted by the entomology department at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Udham Singh Nagar district's Pantnagar has raised concerns over the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides, linking them to a steep decline in pollinator populations – particularly honeybees – which poses a serious threat to biodiversity and global agricultural productivity. The research, led by head of entomology department Pramod Mall, found that neonicotinoids and chemicals like fipronil are harming pollinators not only by impairing their reproductive abilities but also by disrupting their navigation and feeding behaviour. "Prolonged exposure, even at low concentrations, can severely weaken bees' immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections like Nosema and infestations such as Varroa mites," said Mall. The study also highlights that rising global temperatures are causing a temporal and spatial mismatch between flowering plants and pollinators, disrupting pollination. "Pollinators, particularly bees, are facing a dual burden — climate-induced shifts in flowering patterns and the toxic effects of pesticides. This mismatch can result in failed pollination cycles," said Mall. Researchers discovered pesticide residues in the bodies of numerous bees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Skype Phone Alternative Undo Alarmingly, 11.2% of the tested bee samples were contaminated with imidacloprid – an insecticide made to mimic nicotine – while 18.7% contained its major metabolite, 6-chloronicotinic acid. "These chemical traces can lead to neurological impairment and even death in pollinators. We also found that certain fungicides, when present alongside pesticides, interfere with bees' detoxification systems, and create lethal synergistic effects," Mall added. The researchers explained that the exposure pathways of pesticides vary depending on how and where they are applied. While pesticides sprayed on leaves or soil seep into nectar and pollen, which are then carried back to hives, contaminated water sources also serve as another route of exposure. To mitigate the crisis, Mall advocated for reducing pesticide use and adopting eco-friendly alternatives. "We must embrace integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and explore biological control methods to limit pollinators' exposure to harmful chemicals," he said. Echoing similar concerns, agri-scientist Anil Hafeez said, "If we fail to safeguard pollinators today, we risk collapsing tomorrow's food systems. Bees are not optional — they are indispensable allies in ensuring global food sustainability and ecological balance."
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Pantnagar scientists develop indigenous sexed semen tech to boost dairy sector
Rudrapur: In a bid to boost India's animal husbandry sector, scientists at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, have successfully developed and patented an indigenous technology for producing sex-sorted semen that can ensure up to 90% chances of female calf births. Dr Shiv Kumar and Dr Sunil Kumar, the scientists behind the breakthrough, said the ability to selectively produce female calves could significantly improve the income of livestock breeders. "Animal husbandry is a major source of livelihood in India. More income can be generated when more female calves are born and eventually yield more milk," said Dr Sunil. Sex-sorted semen technology works by separating X (female) and Y (male) chromosomes in the laboratory. Semen contains equal proportions of both, however, through this method, only X-chromosome-bearing sperms are retained for artificial insemination. "When X sperms fertilize the egg, the resulting calf is female. By using sex-sorted semen, we can achieve up to 90% female births," added Dr Shiv. Unlike conventional semen, which contains a higher number of sperms, the quantity in sexed semen is relatively low—around two million per dose. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Despite this, cows do not face complications during delivery. However, the pregnancy success rate with this technology currently stands at 60–70%, and the cost remains a challenge. Highlighting the affordability issue, animal scientist Dr Mridula Sharma said she has also developed a low-cost indigenous method of producing sexed semen, which could make the technology more accessible to farmers across the country. The technology is being implemented in phases. In the first phase, sexed semen of the Sahiwal breed was procured from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, and used to inseminate Sahiwal cows. "We have observed a 20% increase in pregnancy rate compared to normal semen," said Manmohan Singh Chauhan, vice-chancellor of Pantnagar University, adding that this innovation is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing milk production and empowering dairy farmers across India.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pant varsity scientists develop high-yielding barley variety for 12 states
Rudrapur: In a significant breakthrough, scientists at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar have developed a high-yielding, six-row barley variety named UPB 1106 (Pant Barley 1106), after 12 years of research. The new variety is expected to enhance barley production across several Indian states, while also offering improved nutritional value. The variety was officially released by the central sub-committee on crop standards under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and has been notified by the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare for cultivation across the plains of 12 Indian states – including eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and the northeastern region. JP Jaiswal, coordinator of the wheat and barley research project at the university, said, "Pant Barley 1106 has consistently outperformed existing varieties in national trials conducted by ICAR-Indian Wheat and Barley Research Institute, Karnal. In the northeastern states, it recorded 19.94% and 10.32% higher yields than HUB 113 and DWRB 137, respectively." The variety is resistant to brown and yellow rust, and shows improved resistance to blight and lodging — making it ideal for irrigated, timely sown conditions. It also boasts superior nutritional quality with 12.3% protein content, surpassing HUB 113 (11.7%) and DWRB 137 (11.2%). "With its resistance traits, high productivity, and better grain quality, UPB 1106 is set to boost barley production and promote better health outcomes," Jaiswal added. Barley, rich in beta-glucan fiber, is increasingly valued in multi-grain diets for its ability to reduce body fat, control weight, and manage diabetes—making the launch of UPB 1106 especially timely. Anil Hafeez, an agri-scientist said, "The states targeted for these crops fall largely under humid to sub-humid tropical and subtropical zones, with annual rainfall ranging between 1,000 to 2,000 mm. The Indo-Gangetic plains have deep alluvial soils, rich in nutrients and well-draining, which is ideal for cereal crops like barley, especially in the Rabi season," he said. He also noted that improved farming techniques are making the acidic, organic-rich soils of Assam and other northeastern states increasingly viable for barley cultivation. Farmers who have sown the new variety reported encouraging results. Ramesh Yadav, a farmer from Jafarpur village, said, "My friends in eastern UP said that they have seen a visible difference. The grains are fuller, the plants stand strong even after irrigation, and the yield has gone up. This variety has truly boosted their confidence. We will use this variety this year in our farms." Gurmeet Singh, a farmer from Kartarpur village, said, "There's better disease resistance and the protein content is excellent. It's helping us grow both income and health." The new variety was developed by university scientists JP Jaiswal, Swati, and Anil Kumar. University vice chancellor Manmohan Singh Chauhan, director of research AS Nain, and dean of agriculture Subhash Chandra lauded the team for their remarkable achievement.
