Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma Welcomed at MPUAT; Vice-Chancellor Highlights University's Achievements

Udaipur : During a programme held at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pratap Singh, welcomed the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, and highlighted the University's significant contributions to agricultural education, research, and extension services.

Dr. Singh stated that MPUAT is one of the leading agricultural universities in Rajasthan and has been playing a pivotal role in the development of agriculture and farmers across the eight districts of southern Rajasthan through quality education, research, and extension activities.

Highlighting the University's major achievements, he informed that MPUAT is currently implementing 91 research projects, of which 38 are funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Over the past five years, the University has developed and notified 12 new crop varieties. During the previous year, it produced 2,747.21 quintals of quality seed and introduced several innovations in the fields of organic farming, agricultural mechanization, and digital agriculture.

He further mentioned that the University has developed an organic pest management technology for controlling the invasive pest Fall Armyworm in maize, the principal crop of the Mewar region. The technology recommends the application of silica powder at the rate of 25 kg per hectare as a biological control measure. In addition, MPUAT has developed an innovative biochar production furnace for converting agricultural crop residues into biochar.

The Vice-Chancellor also informed that the University has benefited 9,245 farmers and stakeholders through 137 farmer training programmes.

Sharing the University's academic and research accomplishments over the past three years, Dr. Singh noted that MPUAT has secured 58 patents, signed 81 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and published 497 research papers. In the NIRF Rankings 2025, the University was placed in the 50–100 rank band among State Public Universities, while its Scopus h-index stands at 85. Furthermore, three of the University's All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) have been recognized by ICAR as the Best Centres in the country.

The programme was attended by University Registrar Shri Ashok Kumar, Comptroller Shri Mahendra Singh, Director of Research Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahla, Dean of Rajasthan College of Agriculture Dr. Lokesh Gupta, Dean of the College of Fisheries Dr. L. N. Mahawar, Dean of the College of Dairy and Food Technology Dr. Siddharth Mishra, Zonal Director of Research Dr. S. S. Lakhawat, Associate Director of Research Dr. R. K. Sharma, along with senior University officials, scientists, academicians, and staff members. All officers and employees extended active and commendable support in ensuring the successful organization of the programme.