Latest news with #PDKV
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
PDKV's 11 crop varieties, 9 agricultural tools, 69 crop production tech given nod
Nagpur: Scientists from Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, maintained their dominance in the highly significant three-day 53rd joint agricultural research and development committee meeting held from May 29 to 31 at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Through technical sessions, research presentations, and in-depth discussions, they secured final approval for improved and promising new crop varieties, time and labour-saving advanced tools and innovative machinery, and useful agricultural technology recommendations. These advancements are crucial for Maharashtra's agricultural sector and farmers, aimed at increasing crop yields, introducing improved varieties, and enhancing production through innovative technologies. In this important meeting, 25 crop varieties, 18 tools and machinery, and 225 useful crop production technology recommendations from all four agricultural universities in the state were approved. Of these, PDKV contributed 11 crop varieties, 9 tools and machinery, and 69 crop production technology recommendations. These research outcomes will be made available for implementation starting this season. Under the guidance of the PDKV VC Sharad Gadakh and the leadership of research director Vilas Kharche, the university's scientists worked tirelessly to contribute to sustainable agriculture and prosperous farmers. PDKV-Researched Crop Varieties Jowar: PDKV Shashwat (TKS-461) Characteristics * High average grain yield (31.8 q/ha), fodder yield (78.66 q/ha) * Excellent bhakri (flatbread) quality, colour, taste, and aroma * Resistant to major pests and diseases * Released for rainfed rabi areas of Maharashtra Nachni (finger millet): PDKV Adishree (BFM8-E) Characteristics * Yield: 2811 kg/ha * Early maturing (100-105 days) * Resistant to leaf blast and brown spot diseases * Released for kharif season cultivation in Maharashtra * Moong: PDKV Varsha (TKM-141) Kharif Characteristics * Yield: 11 q/ha * Pods at the top for easy picking * Resistant to yellow mosaic virus * Medium-sized, non-shattering pods * Released for kharif season cultivation in Maharashtra Moong: PDKV Falguni (TKM-140) Characteristics * Average yield: 9 q/ha * Bold seeds, matures uniformly * Resistant to yellow mosaic virus * Released for summer season cultivation in Maharashtra Chickpea: Kabuli (AKGK) 1801 Characteristics * High yield (20 q/ha) * Early maturing, suitable for mechanical harvesting * Resistant to wilt disease * Released for irrigated rabi season cultivation in Maharashtra Flax: PDKV-NL371 Characteristics * Yield: 10.19 q/ha * High oil content (37.5%) Tired of too many ads? go ad free now * Resistant to wilt disease and bud fly * Released for Maharashtra Khairni: MGK-31 PDKV-Adhar Characteristics * Average yield: 22.50 kg/tree * High germination capacity (87.17%) * Early germination (16.56 days) * Vigorous growth, suitable for grafting in sapota cultivation * Released as a rootstock for successful grafting Custard Apple: PDKV-Sangam (CA-12-03) Characteristics * High-yielding variety (19.89 kg/tree) * Large fruit size (11.91 to 12.79cm) * Average 62 fruits per tree, average fruit weight 616.71gm * High pulp content (63.11%), high soluble solids (24.98° Brix) * Released for cultivation Wheat: AKAW 5100 Characteristics * Yield: 42 to 49 q/ha * Resistant to rust disease * Excellent grain quality for bread and chapati * Tolerant to water stress and heat-insensitive * Released for timely sowing in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu at the national level Maize: Hybrid PDKV Arambh (BMH-18-2) Characteristics * High yield potential (111.1 q/ha) * Medium maturity period (95-102 days) * Plant height (207-214 cm) * Moderately resistant to turcicum leaf blight, stem borer, and fall armyworm damage * Released for kharif season in the peninsular region (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana) and central-western region (Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh) Jowar: CSV 65 Yellow Characteristics * Biofortified kharif yellow jowar variety * Zinc content: 23.2 ppm, iron content: 30.8 ppm * Grain yield: 25-28 q/ha, fodder yield: 110-115 q/ha * Protein content: 10.4% * Maturity period: 110-112 days PDKV Researched Tools and Machinery PDKV-Developed Engine-Operated Soybean Harvester Characteristics * Suitable for harvesting two rows of soybean at a time, placing the crop in rows for easy collection * Average total loss during harvesting: 3.16% * Effective field capacity and efficiency: 0.174 ha/hour and 81.31% * Operating cost: Rs 950 per hectare, saving 35.38% compared to manual harvesting PDKV-Developed Electric-Powered Flax Thresher Characteristics * Threshing efficiency: 99.36% * Threshing capacity: 25.07 kg/hour * Grain cleaning efficiency: 96.86% * Total grain loss: 1.66% * Saves 37.70% compared to traditional hand threshing PDKV-Developed Bullock-Operated Zero-Till Paddy Seeder Characteristics * Suitable for direct paddy seed sowing * Seed rate: 35.88 to 53.76 kg/ha * Field efficiency: 0.8 ha/hour, capacity: 86.44% * Saves transplanting, puddling, and labour costs * Cost: Rs 115.7 per hour and Rs 656.94 per hectare PDKV-Developed Biomass Distillation System (For Lemongrass and Citronella Oil Extraction) Characteristics * Capacity: 200 litres * Efficiency: 85% * Extracts better-quality aromatic oil compared to traditional methods * Reduced biomass fuel consumption * Released for lemongrass and citronella oil extraction PDKV-Developed Combined Animal Repellent And Solar Pest Trap Characteristics * Fully solar-powered, suitable for 2 acres * Controls pests and wild animals simultaneously * Useful for integrated pest management * Battery charging via solar panel saves electricity PDKV-Developed Human-Operated Solar-Powered Vermicompost Spreader Characteristics * Field capacity and efficiency: 0.62 ha/hour and 71% * Disc speed: 300 RPM * Uniform fertiliser spreading * Saves 68% cost compared to traditional hand spreading * Operates continuously for 12 hours PDKV-Developed Mobile Grain Cleaner and Grader Characteristics * Useful for cleaning and grading soybean and other grains * Easily transportable between fields * Capacity: 100 kg/hour * Cleaning efficiency: 88-90%, grading efficiency: 87-89% PDKV-Developed Mini Besan Mill Characteristics * Useful for making besan from chickpea dal * Capacity: 50 kg/hour * Yield: 98% PDKV-Developed Tractor-Operated Rotary Soybean Dryer Characteristics * Useful for drying soybean and other grains * Capacity: 2 tonnes per batch * Requires 35 HP tractor * Temperature controllable
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
PDKV's 3 new high-yielding crop varieties get central nod
Nagpur: Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, has received national recognition for three new crop varieties and expansion of three existing ones. The new varieties include wheat variety AKAW 5100, yellow sorghum hybrid kharif variety CSV 65 yellow, and chickpea super jaki (AKG 1402). Additionally, soybean varieties PDKV Amba (AMS 100-39) and PDKV Purva (AMS 2014-1), and groundnut variety TAG 73 (TAG 14-73) were approved for area expansion. TAG 73 groundnut is approved for Gujarat, PDKV Amba soybean for Chhattisgarh, and PDKV Purva soybean for Assam, Meghalaya, and southeastern Madhya Pradesh. Both the approvals came during the recent 93rd meeting of central crop variety notification and release committee of the ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare. Under the guidance of PDKV vice-chancellor Sharad Gadakh and research director Vilas Kharche, scientists including wheat-breeder Swati Bharad, sorghum-breeder RB Ghorade, chickpea-breeder Archana Thorat, groundnut-breeder Manish Ladole, and soybean-breeder Satish Nichal contributed to this achievement. Gadakh congratulated the scientists for the achievement. "Sustainable agriculture and prosperous farmers is the university's motto, and through modern crop varieties, technology, and tools, profitable farming is within reach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 인터넷 싸게주는 통신! 지금 통신사 변경하면 최대 220만원 현금 당일 지급! 인싸통 더 알아보기 Undo Planning farming activities with the university's guidance is sure to be beneficial," said Gadakh. The nationally recognised seeds will soon be available for farmers, providing them with new options, said Kharche. The AKAW 5100 wheat variety is high-yielding, resistant to rust, excellent for bread and chapati, drought-tolerant, and heat-insensitive. It is released for timely sowing in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The CSV 65 yellow sorghum kharif variety is bio-fortified with 23.2 ppm zinc and 30.8 ppm iron. It yields 25-28 quintals/ha of grain and 110-115 quintals/ha of fodder, with 10.4% protein content. It matures in 110-112 days. Super jaki (AKG 1402) chickpea variety is high-yielding (2073 kg/ha), early-maturing (98 days), suitable for machine harvesting, moderately resistant to wilt, and has bold grains (26.44 g/100 seeds). It is released for rainfed timely sowing in Maharashtra. Under the expanded area varieties, PDKV Amba (AMS 100-39) was notified in 2021 for central India (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region). It is now approved for Gujarat. It is early-maturing (94-96 days), resistant to root and stem rot, and moderately resistant to girdle beetle and stem fly. PDKV Purva (AMS 2014-1) was notified in 2021 for eastern India (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh). It is now approved for Assam, Meghalaya, and southeastern Madhya Pradesh. It is high-yielding (22-26 quintals/ha), medium-maturing (105-107 days), and moderately resistant to girdle beetle and stem fly. TAG 73 groundnut variety was notified in 2021 for summer cultivation in Vidarbha and is now approved for Gujarat. It features high pod yield (25-28 quintals/ha), seed recovery (73-74%), and oil content (48-49%).
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Set up millet board at agri university: MLA Sawarkar
Nagpur: During Monday's organised by the Directorate of Extension Education at PDKV Akola, , University Executive Council member and farmers' issues expert, advocated for establishing a millet board in Maharashtra's agricultural universities, similar to Bihar's Makhana Board. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He additionally discussed the importance of balanced BT cotton seed usage and urged farmer producer companies to maintain integrity in agricultural trade operations. The establishment of a millet board in state agricultural universities is essential, MLA Savarkar said. MLA Savarkar, speaking as special guest, addressed the declining soybean cultivation and rising pigeon pea farming trends. He highlighted the successful implementation of PKV Amba and Suvarna Soya varieties, whilst advising adherence to university guidelines for home-grown seeds. He emphasised expanding coarse grain cultivation and suggested that purchasing 17 varieties of coarse grains at minimum support prices would enhance agricultural income. He stressed the universities' role in promoting sustainable agriculture. Sharad Gadakh, Vice-Chancellor of , noted favourable rainfall predictions and emphasised combining modern technology with traditional farming methods. He discussed rainfall patterns over five decades, suggesting intercropping with cotton and soybean to minimise weather-related losses. He advocated for integrated farming systems, proper crop rotation, and organic fertiliser usage. The event saw participation from numerous dignitaries including MLA Savarkar, Mahabeej General Manager Vivek Thakre, farmer representative Rishikesh Junghare, and various university directors. Farmers from Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of Madhya Pradesh attended in significant numbers. The programme commenced with honouring Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh's portrait. Technical sessions covered various agricultural topics, including weather forecasts, pest management, and cultivation techniques. The fair witnessed unprecedented participation, with approximately 1,400 farmers purchasing university-modified seeds. The event recorded sales of agricultural inputs worth 17 million rupees, including substantial quantities of certified seeds for various crops.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Five Years On, Over Rs83 Crore Maharajbagh Zoo Redevelopment Proposal Still In Cages
Nagpur: A proposal for the redevelopment of the iconic Maharajbagh Zoo was submitted to the Maharashtra govt five years ago, but is yet to be cleared. The zoo authorities submitted the Rs83.24 crore proposal to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities for animals and birds, alongside the beautification of the attached garden in 2020-21. For unknown reasons, the proposal was never cleared. The zoo had proposed the latest animal procurement, equipment, moats for direct viewing, improved facilities for visitors, a parking lot, and landscaping works. The lack of funds has left the zoo and garden in poor condition despite being a major attraction for citizens and educational institutions for picnics. In fact, this is the only zoo in entire Vidarbha, and study tours and picnics for students from all districts are organised throughout the year. The delayed redevelopment has left visitors disappointed for years. The zoo and garden witness an average footfall of 3,500 to 4,200 per month, while its earnings from the entry fee are pegged at around Rs2 crore. One of the major changes the zoo administration plans is developing moats for the seamless public display of animals. Currently, iron bars and mesh hamper a clear public view of animals and don't give a natural feel. Besides this, the development of washrooms, drinking water facilities, an interpretation centre, internal roads, a compound wall, a library, an amphitheatre, a cafeteria, a post mortem room, a quarantine area, restoration of water bodies, watch towers, and trenches were planned. Sunil Bawaskar, officer in charge of the zoo, said regular follow-ups have been made with the govt. "Once the Maharajabagh Zoo Society is formed, the proposal will be expedited," he said. Officials from PDKV, which owns the zoo, said the agricultural university has multiple colleges, research centres, and training farmlands, which occupy most of the attention. "During meetings with top govt officials, zoo issues are rarely raised as university representatives are more focused on student-related matters. Also, the zoo being a totally different concept, they may not be as sensitive to the urgencies of this facility," they added.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Startup develops drone to clean solar plant in 30 minutes
Nagpur: A startup incubated at Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, developed a drone that can clean a 1-megawatt solar energy project in just 30 minutes using clean water, significantly improving efficiency. Developed under the guidance of Dr SR Kalbande, director of PDKV-RIF and dean of agricultural engineering, in collaboration with Indian Drone Research and Development Pvt Ltd, the drone offers a faster, automated, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional manual cleaning. PDKV's 600-KW solar project faces challenges in rooftop panel cleaning, which affects efficiency due to the accumulated dust on it. "This drone not only reduces cost and water usage but also increases energy production through clean panels," said Ashish Bhaskar Hande, managing director and CEO. "Our goal is to strengthen India's clean energy mission with the help of indigenous and sustainable technology." Dr Kalbande added, "By providing technical guidance to the startup and helping them every time, our objective is to create a startup ecosystem in our region." This idea promotes national campaigns such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the spread of green technology. The project, supported by vice-chancellor Dr Sharad Gadakh, was successfully demonstrated at the College of Agricultural Engineering, in the presence of faculty and students.
