Latest news with #UniversityofAgriculturalSciences
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Farm to plate summer camp bridges gap in agri education for students
Mandya: Many children today lack opportunities to learn where their food comes from or understand the basics of farming, nutrition, and mindful eating. To bridge this gap, Polygnan, a non-profit founded by US-returned NRIs and ex-tech professionals Chandana Shivanand and Prajwal Rajendra Prasad, organised the Farm to Plate summer camp in Mandya from May 26 to June 1. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The free week-long camp brought together students from classes 7–10 from various backgrounds to explore the full journey of food—from farm to plate. The camp began with fireless cooking to create a warm, collaborative environment. They took a deep dive into agriculture at the Mandya-based VC Farm, which is attached to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. Here, students engaged with professors and field experts, learning about various crops, agricultural implements, soil testing, composting, biofertilisers, irrigation methods, and rare fruits and vegetables, the organisers said. Children also sowed maize seeds and helped prepare the land, experiencing the rhythm and labour of farming first hand. Students explored mushroom cultivation, recognising its nutritional and entrepreneurial potential. At a traditional 'ale mane', students witnessed the labour-intensive process of boiling sugarcane juice to prepare jaggery. Milk was explored from start to finish. Children visited a cattle rearing farm near Arkere and visited the Mandya Milk Union plant at Gejjalgere, which processes over 13 lakh litres of milk every day.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Raichur agri radio goes bilingual to reach global audience
Raichur: The Agriculture FM station at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, will soon be accessible worldwide in two languages: Kannada and English. Launched in 2023 with a frequency of 89.6 MHz under the title 'Krishi Samudaya Banuli Kendra', the station has so far only broadcast programmes in Kannada, reaching dozens of villages within 20 km radius. Now, listeners can access agriculture-related programmes by downloading the Android app, KKCRS Raichur. This innovative broadcasting model was introduced on May 27 without any major announcement. "We are now planning to broaden our outreach by offering information in English shortly. This initiative serves two purposes. Our farmers will be able to engage with experts from around the world, supported by our moderators. Additionally, those interested in leveraging agricultural technologies and innovations will find it beneficial, as agriculture knows no boundaries," states vice-chancellor Dr M Hanumanthappa. To turn this long-awaited vision into reality, UAS Raichur gathered the necessary infrastructure, including a well-equipped recording studio, cutting-edge technology, and a technical room. The directorate of agricultural extension is now prepared to broadcast programmes on FM radio, utilising technology that rivals that of any conventional radio station. Given that a majority of mobile users possess Android devices, it is straightforward to install the app and tune into 'Kalyana Krishi Samudra Banuli Kendra,' explained VC Dr Hanumanthappa. He mentioned that the station will soon be the only agricultural radio station in the state to offer farmer-related programmes in multiple languages. At present, various programmes are broadcast live daily from 6am to 9am and from 6pm to 9pm. The KKCRS Raichur Android app has now come to the aid of thousands of farmers through web streaming. Additionally, programmes can be accessed by scanning the QR code created by the extension directorate of the University of Agricultural Sciences using an Android mobile device. Programmes covering topics such as research scientists, agricultural extension units, horticulture, animal husbandry, university information, various projects, documentaries, interviews with agricultural scientists and progressive farmers, the introduction of agricultural technologies, field experiences, weather reports, as well as entertainment, satirical dialogues, debates, and the promotion of rural agricultural literature and arts will now reach hundreds of thousands of farmer friends globally through the Kalyana Krishi Samudra Banuli Kendra. The university is organising a formal launch for the event, and the schedule will be announced once all necessary preparations are finalised.
Hans India
26-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Convocation of University of Agricultural Sciences to be held today
Raichur: The 14th convocation of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, will be held on May 26 at 11 am at the university auditorium, where a total of 488 degrees will be conferred, announced Vice-Chancellor M. Hanumanthappa in a press conference. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, who is also the Chancellor of the university, will preside over the event. State Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, in his capacity as Pro-Chancellor, will attend the convocation. Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, will deliver the convocation address. Members of the university's Board of Management and Academic Council will also be present. Out of the 488 degrees to be awarded, 352 students will receive undergraduate degrees, 136 will receive postgraduate degrees, and 39 will be awarded doctoral degrees. A significant number of female students feature in the list, with 152 women earning undergraduate degrees, 62 postgraduate degrees, and 19 women earning PhDs. In the undergraduate category, 27 women students will be awarded gold medals, while two students will receive cash prizes. In the postgraduate section, 17 students will receive gold medals, and 15 students will be conferred gold medal-accompanied PhDs. An honorary doctorate will be conferred on a farmer in recognition of outstanding contributions to agriculture and allied activities. Three names of progressive farmers from the Kalyana Karnataka region were recommended, and the Governor has selected one for the honour, the Vice-Chancellor added. University Registrar Durgesh K.R., Gururaj Sunkad, Jagruthi Deshamanya, and Arun Kumar Hosamani were present during the media briefing. Vice-Chancellor Hanumanthappa noted that the university has developed a total of 597 technologies since its inception. In 2022–2023 alone, several improved crop varieties and technological innovations were developed and made available to farmers. This includes the launch of GNV–1109, a nutrient-enriched rice variety aimed at combating malnutrition, as well as HBR–2 in finger millet and ICRC–1 in groundnuts. The university's ongoing oilseed crop research project was recently recognized as the 'Best Organized Research Programme' in the country. Additionally, the College of Agricultural Engineering in Raichur has consistently upheld quality education, earning it the prestigious 'Best Technical Education Award 2023' from the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers in New Delhi.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Embrace tech for sustainable agriculture: Cheluvarayaswamy
Mandya: Change is the law of nature, and the traditional mindset that agriculture equates to hard labour, debt, and losses must be abandoned, said district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy. He emphasised that by embracing technology and modern agricultural machinery, farmers can achieve financial stability and sustainable growth. Speaking at the inauguration of a special technical workshop on sugarcane, paddy, and ragi cultivation—from sowing to marketing—at the Agricultural College, VC Farm in Mandya on Wednesday, the minister highlighted Mandya's strong agricultural roots. He noted that agricultural scientists and institutions are introducing innovative methods to boost productivity and profitability. "Growing the same crop continuously depletes soil nutrients and reduces yields," he warned. To combat this, he recommended a simple crop rotation strategy: divide a 3-acre plot into three sections, cultivate different crops in each, and rotate them annually. He acknowledged farmers' hesitation in adopting new techniques but suggested implementing them on a trial basis on a portion of their land. "Once they see the benefits, they can expand these practices to their entire holdings," he added. Cheluvarayaswamy also addressed the issue of marketing. "While crops like paddy and ragi take around six months to mature, marketing starts immediately after harvest—often directly from the fields," he said. He urged farmers to focus on value addition techniques to maximise their earnings. To tackle the labour shortage in agriculture, he announced that the govt has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for agricultural mechanisation . As part of this initiative, Rs 40 lakh subsidy is being offered for high-tech harvesting machines , benefiting around 350 farmers so far. In a significant development, a new agricultural university has been approved for Mandya, to be modelled after GKVK (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru). Operations are expected to begin within three years. "Its impact and importance will become increasingly evident in the coming days," he stated. Joint director of agriculture Ashok shared insights into the district's key crops—sugarcane, ragi, and paddy. He noted that advanced techniques are being introduced to improve yields. For instance, farmers are using 'five-eye' and 'single-eye' sugarcane varieties for better productivity. Under the NREGA scheme, high-quality ragi suitable for export is now being cultivated on 2,000 hectares. To address labour shortages in paddy transplanting, workers are being sourced from outside the district, although some farmers have already started using mechanised transplanting methods. A special bi-monthly technical workshop is being organised to raise awareness and promote these modern practices among more farmers. Deputy commissioner Kumara, zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, agricultural university special officer Harini Kumar, VC Farm dean Dr Fatima, agricultural scientists, and a large gathering of farmers were present.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Building sustainable startups crucial: Expert
Dharwad: Building sustainable agri startups and farmer producing organisations (FPOs) strengthen farmers' group to handle input purchase and market challenges, said Professor Cherukumalli Srinivas Rao, director and vice-chancellor of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New remarkable success in agriculture production and farm mechanisation, the required growth rate at country level in the production of agricultural commodities is challenged by weather vagaries, groundwater depletion, soil health deterioration, loss of soil carbon and biodiversity, Rao said while addressing the 38th annual convocation of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad on said sustainable rainwater management is crucial for food production stability, and rapid expansion of farm mechanisation is needed in view of labour said education in agriculture goes beyond classrooms. "It is deeply rooted in the lives of farmers, their aspirations and their challenges. The students and faculty should engage with farming communities, learn from their experiences and work collaboratively to uplift rural livelihoods," Prof Rao the National Education Policy-2020, Prof Rao said skill development and industry orientation are key components of NEP-2020. Emphasis on internships and research experiences enhances employability and practical knowledge, he praise on UAS Dharwad over its achievements in several fields, Prof Rao specially acknowledged the varsity's feat in receiving two patents-one for 'Buckwheat Upma Mix' and another for the 'Twin Ring Borewell Recharge Technique'.Karnataka governor and chancellor of University Thawar Chand Gehlot presented gold medals, degrees and cash prizes to the graduating and agriculture minister N Chaluvarayaswamy was present. UAS vice-chancellor Prof PL Patil welcomed the gathering and briefed about the university's achievements in various fields. As many as 863 candidates, including 41 Doctoral, 197 Masters and 625 Bachelor's Degree were conferred on the occasion.
