Udaipur: Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Dr. Pratap Singh Dhakad, visited the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Rajasthan College of Agriculture. On this occasion, he held discussions with the inspection team constituted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the All India Seed Improvement Project.
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor interacted with Department Head and Associate Director (Seeds and Farms) Dr. Hemlata Sharma and obtained detailed information about all activities related to seed production. He discussed the vast potential for advanced seed production at the university and laid special emphasis on expanding the seed production area and enhancing overall production capacity.
Highlighting quality seed production as a university priority, Dr. Dhakad stated that every stage of seed production—such as availability of source seed, regular crop monitoring, quality control, processing, storage, and distribution—must strictly adhere to prescribed standards. This will ensure timely availability of pure and high-quality seeds to farmers, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity and farmers’ income.
The Vice Chancellor also noted that maize is a major crop of southern Rajasthan and stressed the need to maximize its production. Additionally, he discussed the potential for soybean cultivation during the Zaid season.
Faculty members, staff, and students of the department were present during the visit. The Vice Chancellor interacted with faculty members and students, while the Department Head expressed gratitude on behalf of the department to the Vice Chancellor, the inspection team members, and all faculty members.