Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha visits MPUAT, stresses natural farming and agricultural innovation

UDAIPUR, Rajasthan, Bihar Agriculture Minister and former Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha visited Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) in Udaipur on Saturday, where he reviewed the university's teaching, research and extension activities and emphasized the need to promote natural farming and farmer-centric agricultural innovations.

During the visit, MPUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh welcomed Sinha and briefed him on the university's academic programs, ongoing research, technological innovations and extension initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods.

Sinha toured the College of Technology and Engineering (CTAE), where he inspected laboratories of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering. Department Head Dr. Sanwal Singh Meena presented research on agricultural mechanization, farm equipment design, machinery testing and practical training programs. Sinha said mechanization plays a vital role in reducing production costs, improving efficiency and increasing farmers' incomes.

The minister also visited the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, where Dr. Narayan Lal Panwar showcased research on solar energy, biogas, biomass utilization, energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy applications in agriculture. He was briefed on projects promoting sustainable energy solutions and capacity-building programs for farmers.

At Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Sinha paid floral tribute to the statue of Maharana Pratap and planted a sapling, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. Dean Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahla introduced the college's academic, research and extension activities.

During his visit to the university's Mushroom Research and Production Unit, Dr. Narayan Lal Meena explained ongoing work on mushroom cultivation, spawn production, value addition and entrepreneurship development. The minister praised the unit for creating employment opportunities for farmers, rural youth and women's self-help groups while promoting income diversification and nutritional security.

Sinha later visited the Organic Farming Unit, where Regional Director (Research) Dr. Ravikant Sharma outlined research on organic nutrient management, biofertilizers, biopesticides, vermicomposting, soil health improvement and sustainable farming systems. The minister was also briefed on organic certification, residue-free agriculture and technology transfer programs for farmers.

At the university's Agricultural Museum, Director of Extension Education Dr. Rameshwar Lal Soni highlighted Rajasthan's agricultural heritage, modern farming practices and the university's outreach programs. Responding to the minister's queries, Soni said crop varieties developed by the university produce 25% to 35% higher yields than traditional varieties. Museum Nodal Officer Dr. Rajiv Bairathi said the facility showcases approximately 34 modern agricultural technologies and attracts between 1,800 and 2,500 farmers and students annually.

In the final session of the visit, Sinha interacted with university scientists at the Directorate of Research. University officials presented ongoing research projects, technological innovations and initiatives designed to improve farm productivity and strengthen agricultural sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha called for greater adoption of natural farming, urging farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in favor of indigenous cattle-based, low-cost farming systems that preserve soil fertility and protect the environment. He said wider adoption of sustainable farming practices would enhance farmers' incomes while ensuring long-term ecological balance.

The visit was attended by Dr. Sudhir Verma, Joint Director of Agriculture, Rajasthan; Ashok Kumar, Registrar of MPUAT; deans, directors, department heads, scientists, faculty members and university officials.

University authorities said the visit is expected to strengthen academic collaboration, agricultural research and technology exchange between the states of Rajasthan and Bihar.