UDAIPUR: Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, has begun preparations for its Foundation Day celebrations on Nov. 1, 2026, and the proposed convocation on Dec. 22, 2026. A meeting was held at the university auditorium to review arrangements, coordinate responsibilities and ensure the smooth conduct of both events.

During the meeting, members of the Employees’ Council and university staff congratulated Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh on completing one year in office. Singh outlined the university’s major initiatives, achievements and developmental activities during his first year.

He highlighted the successful organisation of a three-day workshop involving Krishi Vigyan Kendras across three states, the 2025 convocation, budget planning and implementation of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) 3.0 on the government portal. He also referred to memorandums of understanding signed with various universities and meetings of the Regional Research and Extension Advisory Committees for kharif and rabi crops in Zones 4(a) and 4(b).

The vice-chancellor also discussed agricultural technologies developed by the university and patents secured through its research. He noted that three university scientists had been included in the list of the world’s top 2% of scientists, an achievement appreciated by Chancellor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde. He also cited the successful organisation of the North-West Agriculture Conference, which received the chancellor’s appreciation.

Singh referred to a youth-focused awareness programme against substance abuse organised at Rajasthan College of Agriculture in line with an initiative of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. He added that Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha had appreciated the research activities being undertaken at the university.

New research centres to strengthen agricultural studies

The university has received two new voluntary centres in soybean and forage research this year, Singh said. The centres are expected to strengthen research in pulses and fodder production, support the development and dissemination of new agricultural technologies, and help deliver benefits to farmers.

Finance Controller Mahendra Kumar Seemar briefed the meeting on pension payment orders for retired employees, ongoing projects, and efforts to complete audit and compliance-related work within stipulated timelines.

Registrar Ashok Kumar and other university officials also participated in the discussions.

Focus on employee welfare and event coordination

Singh reiterated his commitment to addressing employees’ concerns relating to pensions, the Career Advancement Scheme and recruitment. He said these matters would be taken up on priority and necessary steps would be taken for their timely resolution.

The meeting was attended by Director of Research Dr. Manoj Mahla; Director of Extension Education Dr. R.L. Soni; Dr. Lokesh Gupta of Rajasthan College of Agriculture; Dr. Siddharth Mishra of the College of Dairy and Food Technology; Dr. R.P. Meena of the College of Agriculture, Dungarpur; Director of DPM and HRD Dr. Rajshree Upadhyay; Dr. L.N. Mahawar of the College of Fisheries; and College of Technology and Engineering Dean Dr. Vinod Yadav, among other officials, Employees’ Council members and staff.

The participants emphasised coordinated planning and clear allocation of responsibilities to ensure that the Foundation Day and convocation are conducted in an orderly and dignified manner.