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IGFRI Newsletter Vol. 21 No. 1-4 ISSN 0973-7960 January-December, 2015

From Director’s desk….

Climate resilient forage production Whole of the north, west and central India received untimely heavy

rains during winter 2014-15, especially at wheat maturity and harvest.

Jhansi region received 136.4 mm winter rains during Rabi 2014-15

against normal 51.7 mm. The excess rainfall was 30-325% from its

normal value in different parts of India during the season. Winter

rains, popularly known as Mawat, are mainly due to western

disturbances arising from Mediterranean Sea and are very important

for Rabi crops. However, heavy losses were reported to crops like wheat in national and regional

news papers due to untimely excess rains in Rabi 2014-15 at crop maturity. It caused crop lodging,

made harvesting difficult and reduced grain quality. Untimely rains also reduced straw production and

quality which ultimately affected the animal production.

Such untimely excess rainfall event may be related to climate change and is expected to further

accelerate and thus, opening new vulnerabilities of vast spatial and socioeconomic impacts. The

warming trend in India over the past 100 years (1901 to 2007) was observed to be 0.510 C with

accelerated warming of 0.21oC per decade after 1970. Extreme events analysed at Jhansi indicated

extreme low and high temperatures in the month of January in both maximum and minimum

temperatures. In recent past, out of 36 meteorological divisions, 15 sub divisions experienced long dry

spell in the month of August, leading to severe damage to crops. The impacts of climate change on

crops, livestock and hydrologic cycle are likely to aggravate yield fluctuations of many crops which

may affect the food security, natural resource base, prices and even political stability negatively.

Erratic rainfall distribution associated with rise in temperatures, increase in evapo-transpiration, quick

depletion of soil water call for much greater efficiency in use of water and nutrients to sustain crop

productivity. A climate resilient agricultural production system is the pre-requisite to sustain the

productivity in the event of extreme climatic variability. It may necessitate the adjustment in sowing

and harvesting dates and in genetic trait of the different cultivars. Although, Indian farmers have

evolved many coping mechanisms over the years, but these have fallen short of an effective response

strategy in dealing with recurrent and intense forms of extreme events and gradual changes in climate

parameters. Hence, there is an imperative need to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies for

vulnerability reduction through applying modern scientific tools. The suitable adaptive approaches

includes reducing the vulnerability of rainfed areas through rain water harvesting, development of

drought resistant varieties, integrated land and water management and developing climate resilient

forage production systems. Under NICRA project technology demonstration component, IGFRI

Jhansi has been active in evaluation of food and forage crops like wheat, groundnut, NB hybrid,

berseem, fodder sorghum, oat and spice crops for tolerance to abiotic stresses. The check dam

construction increased the water table in wells by 10.1 feet in November and 12.0 feet in the month of

May. The availability of irrigation facility promoted the diversification towards pulses and other high

value crops. The cropping intensity improved from 116 to 248%. The improvement in productivity

ranged between 12 to 37 %. IGFRI has also developed climate resilient forage production systems for

rainfed condition and providing weather based agro advisory to local farmers.

Issue Highlights

54th Foundation Day

Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav

World Soil Day

Winter School on IFS

Forthcoming Events

Winter School (27/01/2016 to 17/02/2016)

SAP – RMSI Symposium (20-21 Feb. 2016)

RAC (11-13 Feb. 2016)

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54th

Foundation Day

ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi celebrated 54th

Foundation Day on 1st November 2015. The occasion

was graced by Padma Bhushan, Dr. R.S Paroda, Ex. Secretary DARE and DG (ICAR) as the

Chief Guest. Distinguished guests present were Dr. Anil Kumar Garg, I/C Director, ICAR-

CAFRI Jhansi, Shri Devendra Singh and Shri Jai Singh, members of Institute Management

Committee, Dr.A.K. Mukhopadhyay, Group Director, SRGI, Jhansi, PCs of KVKs, state

government, bank officers and retired staff of IGFRI. Dr. P.K. Ghosh, Director, ICAR-IGFRI

welcomed all the guests and presented the Director’s report for the year 2014-15 and

highlighted the major achievements of IGFRI regarding research and outreach activities and

the new initiatives of the institute both at national and international levels. Chief guest

delivered, Foundation Day Lecture on “Strategy on Forage Crops for Accelerated Growth of

Livestock Sector”, and highlighted the importance and newer areas of research regarding

genetic and forage breeding strategies, crop-livestock mixed farming, non-conventional

fodder resources and associated technology, farm mechanization & post-harvest technology,

nutritional evaluation of forage resources, capacity building, enhancement of forage

productivity, improvement of grasslands/ pasture/ grazing lands and human resource

development. Dr. Paroda outlined the strategy for areas suitable for Indian conditions and

urged to make India a “Krishak Pradhan” country and emphasized on translational research

in context of prevailing socioeconomic conditions so that higher adoption of developed

technologies can be achieved. Chief guest inaugurated the “Livestock Based Farming System

Unit” of Institute, appreciated the efforts of IGFRI staff for creating a good scientific

ambience at IGFRI. On this occasion, Guest of Honour, Dr. A. K. Singh, Vice-Chancellor

RVSKVV, Gwalior (M.P.), urged for augmenting research on climate change, wasteland

development and dual purpose fodder varieties. Dr. A. K. Singh, mentioned that livestock

component of farming system can reduce the vulnerabilities of farming community especially

during natural disasters. The dignitaries visited the Institute farm where experiments are

going on and appreciated the activities. The outstanding contributors amongst Institute staff

were awarded by the Chief Guest. Two new publications of Institute were released.

Workshop on agricultural development issues of Central Plateau & Hill region held on

30/11/2015 at ICAR-IGFRI Jhansi.

A one day workshop was organized at ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi in partnership with ICAR-

ATARI, Kanpur on 30/11/2015 to discuss various issues related to agricultural development

in the Central Plateau & Hill region of parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The

workshop was Chaired by Dr. J S Sandhu, DDG(CS), ICAR, New Delhi and was attended by

Dr. Arvind Kumar, Vice Chancellor, RLBCAU, Jhansi, Directors of ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur;

ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur; ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur; ICAR- CAFRI, Jhansi & representatives

from ICAR-DSR Indore; ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal; Heads of selected KVK’s representing

Bundelkhand region & Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh as well as

officials from line departments, National Seed Cooperation, NGO’s & Farmers, farm women

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and youth from nearby areas. At the outset participants were welcomed by Dr P.K. Ghosh,

Director, ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi, and stated, that Central Plateau & Hill Region broadly

includes five zones namely, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Rohilkhand, Vindhyan region, &

Malwa Plateau which are distinctively characterized by having 65% population dependent on

agriculture, one third of population falling below poverty line & alarming rate of

unemployment. Though, there had been various efforts in past for development of this region

through various packages by Central & State Governments, but the impact were not

discernible. Dr. Ghosh further highlighted that probably these efforts were executed in

isolation and the elements of convergence among them was missing. The participation of all

stakeholders like farmers, KVK Scientists, ICAR Scientists, Development officials and

NGO’s would help to make strategic planning for overall development of agriculture. In the

introductory remarks, Chairman, reiterated the conviction and vision of Hon’ble Prime

Minister of India to hold such kind of workshop across the all fifteen Agro Climatic Zones of

India wherein the dialogue and interaction among all the stakeholders of agricultural

developments may take place and through the concerted brainstorming, a road map indicating

the action points for the development of agriculture and the allied sector for this region may

be devised. Dr. Sandhu stressed on listening to the participating farmers at first glance

followed by KVK scientists and then development officials & the researchers in that order.

Dr. U. S. Gautam, Director ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur made a focused presentation on Geo-

demographical, climatic and agricultural development related issues in the Bundelkhand &

Vindhyan region. He touched upon the historical perspective of the region wherein the

bottlenecks & opportunities in agricultural and allied activities prevailed simultaneously. He

also stated that the contribution of this region in total food grain has substantially reduced

from 15% to 7% during last 10 years which may be attributed to various climate related

factors, infrastructure related, supply, service & extension related problems. Based on the

current scenario in the region he pinpointed the areas for immediate (short term) and long

term planning for sustainable agricultural development in the region with the sector wise

prioritization as well as revisiting the already identified and documented potential thrust areas

for the region.

Winter School on “Livestock based Integrated Farming Systems for Enhancing

Resource Use Efficiency and Improving Livelihood of Small and Marginal Farmers”

was organised during 28th

January to 17th

February, 2015 at ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi

A Winter School on “Livestock based Integrated Farming Systems for Enhancing

Resource Use Efficiency and Improving Livelihood of Small and Marginal Farmers” was

organised at ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi during 28th

January to 17th

February, 2015, sponsored by

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. The training

was inaugurated by Chief Guest Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Vice Chancellor,

Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, who gave emphasis on need of Integrated Farming System

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(IFS) approach for sustainable production, livelihood security and soil health management

especially for small and marginal farmers. The guest of honour, Dr. S. K. Dhyani, Director,

ICAR-CAFRI, Jhansi outlined the importance and relevance of livestock and tree based IFS

for drought proofing under climate change scenario. Chairman of the inaugural function Dr.

P. K. Ghosh, Director, IGFRI Jhansi emphasised that whole agriculture is present in

integrated farming system with livestock as component which can meet the requirement of

small and marginal farmers for their livelihood and employment.

Twenty five participants of diverse disciplines from eleven states participated in this

training programme. The training programme comprised of lectures, practicals and exposure

visits to on-station and on-farm sites related to IFS. Earlier, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Course Director

and Head Crop Production, Division welcomed all the participants and guests. He highlighted

the importance of livestock based integrated farming systems for small and marginal farmers

in the country for sustainable livelihood. Dr. D. R. Palsaniya, Sr. Scientist and Co-Course

Director, coordinated the inaugural programme and Dr. M.M. Das, Principal Scientist

expressed, vote of thanks. The other Co-course Directors of the winter school were Dr. A.K.

Dixit and Dr. T. Kiran Kumar.

Cactus Field Day organized at Adarsh Chara Gram, Garera, Datia (M.P.)

A field day was organized under ICARDA-IGFRI collaborative project on enhancing

fodder and nutritional security of livestock in semi-arid regions of India through Opuntia,

Lathyrus and Vicia spp. at village Garera, Datia (MP) on June 30, 2015.

The objective of the programme was to create

awareness among farmers about the uses of

spineless cactus as alternate non-conventional

fodder source for livestock keepers of

Bundelkhand region especially during lean

period or droughts. About 100 farmers and farm

women of Garera and adjoining villages of

district Datia participated in field day. Dr.

Bhaskar Lakshkar, CEO, Gram Panchayat, Datia district was the chief guest and Dr. P.K.

Ghosh, Director IGFRI was guest of honour. In view of fodder shortage especially green

fodder during lean period, Dr. Bhaskar Lakshkar urged the farmers to feed their livestock

with spineless cactus as alternate fodder source. He also emphasized that farmers can plant

these cactus on road side and waste lands for efficient use of available land resources. Dr.

P.K. Ghosh emphasized the role of livestock in farm family livelihood. He asked farmers for

planting thornless cactus on farm bunds, road side and other farm lands. He explained the

role of cactus as a mixture in animal feeding. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Principal Investigator,

ICARDA-IGFRI project explained about the benefits of cactus as livestock feed and the

cultivation practices of cactus for multiplication. In addition, a scientist – farmer interactive

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session was also organized in which Dr. A.K. Misra, Dr. D.R. Malviya Dr. Khem Chand, Dr.

P. Sharma, Dr. T. Kiran Kumar, Dr. A.K. Dixit, Dr. D.R. Palsaniya and development officers

from Datia district participated. It was followed by a field visit where cactus and other forage

technologies were demonstrated on the farmer’s field. Two leaflets (Hindi and English) on

“Spineless cactus: an alternate fodder source” were also released for farmers during the

occasion. The cactus cladodes were distributed to farmers for planting in their fields.

Technology Demonstration Mela, Organised at IGFRI Jhansi

A Kisan Mela was organized on 20th

March, 2015.

Various state departments, such as, Department of

Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Department of

Veterinary, along with local manufactures, tractor and

seed companies and more than 600 farmers/stakeholders

participated in this Mela. The farmers came from nearby

about 25 villages from three blocks of Jhansi district in

UP and four blocks of Tikamgarh district in MP. The

Mela was inaugurated by Director, CAFRI and presided

by Director IGFRI. Other dignitaries present in the inaugural session were Deputy Director

Agriculture, Deputy Director Horticulture, Officials from KVK Bharari and KVK Datia. All

the machinery being used in fodder production and utilization were displayed along with new

machines developed as research output of IGFRI, during this Mela. Since this is harvesting

season of Rabi 2014-15, there was lot of interest about harvesting machines. The farmers also

showed interest in the technologies exhibited along with machines.

Model village Programme for Bundelkhand region:

Eleven multidisciplinary teams of institute scientists were constituted to develop at least

one village by each team as model village. For the overall development of model villages,

major objectives are, development of all aspects of agriculture and livestock specially fodder

production, utilization and conservation, advisory services related to crop, fodder, livestock

and weather etc. and to develop contingency plan and take appropriate action in case of

natural calamities.

Progress of the selected villages:

Out of the 11 teams constituted, 6 teams are working in M.P. part of Bundelkhand and

other 5 teams are working in U.P. part Bundelkhand. Each team has selected appropriate

village for its working other than existing outreach project sites. The teams are visiting

selected villages at least once in a month and reporting monthly action taken. To improve

farmers’ practices about scientific cultivation of improved varieties of fodder crops, food

crops and perennial grasses, demonstrations on guinea and bajra-napier hybrid grass, fodder

oats, berseem, wheat, vermi-compost, etc. were conducted along with organizing 28 training

programmes for improving knowledge, skills and practices of the farmers. For improving soil

nutritional status, soil samples have been collected from farmer’s field and soil analysis is

under progress. After analysis, soil health card issued to farmers with proper fertilizer

recommendations based on soil fertility status of particular field. Seedlings of fodder tree

Bauhinia variegata were also planted to provide top feed during lean period. Farmers were

also being informed about general cleanliness and sanitation in the field area and complete

eradication of Parthenium.

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Demonstrations Conducted:

Name of crop/ grasses No. of demonstrations Green fodder yield (q/ha)

Guinea (BG-2) 16 Establishment year

Napier (IGFRI-6) 44 Establishment year

Oat (JHO 822) 70 325-450

Berseem (Wardan) 30 550-715

Wheat 5 40-45

ADARSH CHARA GRAM: Towards fodder self sufficiency

The Adarsh Chara Gram project is being implemented at Garera and Dhobia in Datia

and Awas village in Shivpuri district of MP. A multidisciplinary team of scientists is

working in these villages on different aspects of fodder and livestock production. The fodder

related interventions has resulted in net surplus production of 101.8 and 92.67 tonnes during

kharif and rabi 2014-15 respectively (Table 1). There has been 33.44 % increase in area

under irrigated forage production. The total area under forage production increased by 29.23

per cent. The area under both kharif and rabi fodder crops has increased. Table 1. Status of fodder production

Parameters Kharif 2014

(multi cut sorghum - MP Chari bajra-

AVKB 19 and NB hybrid- IGFRI-6)

Rabi 2014-15

(Oat-JHO-851, Berseem-

Wardan)

No. of interventions 119 186

Area sown 23.5 ha 16.1 ha

Total animals of beneficiaries 929 929

Forage requirement 1254.1 tonnes 1356.33 tonnes

Green fodder yield 1355.9 tonnes 1449 tonnes

Green Fodder availability duration August to October November to March

Surplus forage production 101.8 tonnes 92.67 tonnes

Table 2. Increase in area under forage crops since project initiation (%)

Villages Multi cut

sorghum

Multi cut

Pearl millet

Maize Cluster

bean

Cowpea Berseem Multi

cut Oat

Garera 9.35 3.02 2.80 1.70 1.20 4.75 3.33

Dhobia 8.20 2.00 3.02 1.40 0.80 4.00 3.08

Awas 9.83 3.33 3.00 1.10 0.75 4.79 3.82

Total 9.13 2.78 2.94 1.40 0.92 4.51 3.41

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There was change in livestock population in 2015 than 2013 i.e. cattle increased by 15.9,

16.7, 13.34 percent and buffalo increased by 107.94, 67.72 and 111.03 percent in Garera,

Dhobia and Awas villages, respectively. The income of livestock owners has increased due to

enhanced milk production by 12.38, 8.44 and 12.44 percent in Garera, Dhobia and Awas

villages, respectively. There has been saving in wheat straw of 2.40, 1.70 and 2.43 per cent

due to partial replacement of crop residues by green fodder in Garera, Dhobia and Awas

villages, respectively. The interventions of Adarsh Chara Gram have resulted in sufficient

surplus green fodder production in all three villages and milch animal, milk production and

income from them increased. There has been increased knowledge, adoption of fodder

technologies and horizontal spread of concept of Adarsh Chara Gram.

(Purushottam Sharma, Satyapriya, A.K. Dixit, D.R. Palsaniya and J.P. Upadhyay)

Coating of fodder cowpea seeds to enhance germination and vigour

Cowpea seeds are highly susceptible to insect pest during storage in addition to seed

borne diseases. Hence, coating of seed was envisaged in order to protect the seeds from pest

attack and boost initial seedling vigour. A combination of polymer, nutrient mixture, plant

growth regulator (PGR) and insecticides in varying concentration was tested in seed coating

of the variety EC 4216. Seed coating polymer from Incotec private Ltd. was taken as base for

coating (Fig 1), protection from insect-pests and to act as harbour for nutrient mixture (N, P,

K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Mo and Co) and PGR (GA3) were also added. Seeds were tested

for germination and seed vigour traits as per standard methods of ISTA (2008). The initial

experimental results indicated that out of many combinations, a novel nutrient mixture and a

particular concentration of PGR was found to give initial boost to the seedling. The coated

Fig. 2 Farmer with his fodder crop (sorghum-

MP Chari)

Fig.3 Director and scientists of IGFRI

visiting farmers’ field

Fig. 1 Women farmers harvesting sorghum

(MP Chari) fodder

Fig. 4 Perennial fodder in crop boundary

planting system at farmers’s field

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seeds exhibited 98% germination compared to 89% in control. The initial vigour recorded as

Shoot length, Root length and Seedling fresh weight was also 18.45 cm, 16.8 cm and 0.545 g

respectively in coated seeds as compared to 14.41 cm, 16.33 cm and 0.515 g in control.

Fig 1: Coated seed of cowpea

(uncoated seed at centre)

Fig 2: Seedling of coated (A)

and uncoated seed (B)

(A. Maity, D. Vijay, D.R. Malaviya and C.K. Gupta)

Seed blower effectively separates fluffy seeds from Brachiaria seed lot

Brachiaria is one of the most important range grasses with good forage yield. The seed

of Brachiaria is of fluffy nature with poor seed filling. This jeopardises the assessment of its

seed quality. While assessing its germination percentage, to have the reliability we need

proper filled seeds. Seed blower which is commonly used for Poa was used to separate the

blank seeds from seed lot. A feeding hopper channels the seeds in a closed column in which

an air flow comes from the bottom end. Airflow can be regulated by changing the opening

size of the inlet hole as shown in the picture (Fig 1). A meter scale was attached to the

diameter of the hole for easy reference. Seed blower separates the seeds based on terminal

velocity at which the light weighed fluffs or inert matters go out of the air column and filled

or heavy matters come down to the outlet chamber. The blower at 1.8 scales effectively

separated the seed lot into blank and filled seed. 100 seed weight supports the basis of

separation (Fig 2). Complete blank seeds and seeds with <20- 30% filling did not germinate,

while seeds with >30- 40% filling showed good germination. Fully filled seeds identified on

light board sometimes are rotten and or with a hard seed coat. Caryopsis content of the

dropped down seeds substantiate the lower germination of Brachiaria seed lot (Fig 3). Result

of seed separation promises to enhance the quality seeds in terms of filling percentage, which

will ultimately increase the number of germinated seedlings from the same quantity of seed.

Fig 1. Side view and air-inlet hole

(attached with a meter scale)

of the seed blower

Fig 2. 100 seed weight (g) of

Brachiaria seeds

separated at 1.8 scales

Fig 3. Fraction of dropped down

seeds with different level

of caryopsis content

(A. Maity, D. Vijay, D. R. Malaviya, C. K. Gupta and V. K. Wasnik)

A B

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Berseem crop harvested at

physiological maturity

Harvesting at physiological maturity stage significantly enhances seed production in

berseem

Owing to poor availability, India imports huge quantity of berseem seeds from Egypt.

High production cost, farmers’ skewed interest in harvesting the crop for forage till last and

low production per unit area are major reasons for less availability. In various experiments

conducted at IGFRI and other places it has been found that seed set as such is not very low

under Indian climatic conditions if irrigation, fertilization (including KNO3 spray) and

pollinators presence is ensured. However, field loss due to inflorescence shattering/shedding

at maturity was identified as one of the main reasons for low productivity in Berseem. Seed

reaches maximum viability at the physiological maturity

stage but due to high moisture content, physiologically

mature seed is not suitable for further storage. Natural

drying on plant itself enhances desiccation tolerance in

seed and by the time of harvesting maturity, seed moisture

content gets reduced and will be suitable for storage. The

studies conducted on berseem have resulted in

identification of proper physiological maturity stage at

which shattering can be minimized. Problem of high

moisture in seed can be rectified by leaving harvested crop

in field itself for drying without any further loss to seed.

Morphological indicator was identified as colour change in the heads from green to brown

with green stalks. Plants can be harvested at physiological maturity stage by using this

indicator. During harvesting, intertwined crop should be rolled over into a heap as shown in

the Figure. Following this management practice, productivity was enhanced upto 50 % with

yield reaching up to 6 q/ha. Quality of harvested seed was estimated using standard

germination test in laby, and was more than 90% indicating no compromise in quality of the

seed by using this methodology.

(D.R. Malaviya, D.Vijay and O.P. Singh)

Planting material multiplication through in-vitro rooting in Napier-Bajra hybrid

Napier-Bajra (NB) hybrid is a good forage crop with no fertile seeds. It is propagated

through rooted slips only. A more packing friendly laboratory based method of producing NB

hybrid rooted slips was developed. The suitable aged stem cuttings with 2-3 nodes were

obtained from the NB Hybrid plants. From each plant at least 10 cuttings with 2-3 nodes were

obtained. The stem cuttings were wrapped in paper towel layers in such a manner that one

node is outside and one is inside the wrapping. The wrapping was done with 6-7 layers of

paper towel with 8-10 stem cuttings per layer. These wrapped stem cuttings were kept at

25°C and 80% RH. Alternatively it can be kept at room temperature (< 30°C) by sprinkling

water for moisture maintenance. The roots were developed in 7-8 days time making them

ready for transplanting in the field. Since the rooted slips were wrapped with paper and tied

they can easily be transported to long distances in cartons. It is a rapid method and less labour

intensive. Further there is no need of field requirement and is free from seasonal conditions.

More than 85% rooting in the stem cuttings was observed and all the rooted slips have

developed leaves within 10 days and survived in the field successfully after transplanting.

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(D. Vijay, C.K. Gupta and D.R. Malaviya)

Soil Health Cards distributed to farmers on World Soil Day at IGFRI, Jhansi

ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi, celebrated World Soil day on 5th

December, 2015. Fifty nine

farmers from various Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) villages were invited during the

occasion. The chief guest of the occasion was Mr. Ravi Sharma, MLA, Sadar, Jhansi while

Dr. O.P. Chaturvedi, Director, CAFRI, Jhansi was guest of honour. The farmers were

distributed Soil Health Cards of their field by the guests. The cards included general

information of the farmers, soil health status of their fields and advisories related to

application of various nutrients to different crop grown by them on that field. Mr. Ravi

Sharma emphasized that soil is most important national resource for crop production and

farmer’s prosperity is not possible without caring soils. We should know status and

requirement of our soils for optimum production. He said that farmers should apply various

nutrients to crops as per health card to avoid over or under use of nutrients. He appreciated

this initiative of IGFRI. Dr. O.P. Chaturvedi said that this Soil Health Card will act as a ready

reference for farmers for application of nutrient and will help in sustaining the soil health in

long run. He reiterated that there is urgent need for farmer’s awareness regarding soil health

and called for balanced application of nutrients as per soil health card. Dr. P.K. Ghosh told

that IGFRI has adopted over 80 villages from U.P. and M.P. under MGMG scheme and all

the farmers will be provided with soil health card in phased manner. Other interested farmers

may also approach IGFRI to make Soil Health Cards. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Head, Crop

Production Division said that Soil Health Card is very useful and urged farmers to bring soil

sample at IGFRI to get cards. The programme was coordinated by Dr. P. Sharma and Mr.

Manoj Chaudhary proposed vote of thanks.

Photograph: World Soil Day

Wrapped stem cuttings (controlled chamber) Stem cuttings with root and shoot development

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Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan

Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan week was celebrated during Dec 23 to 29, 2015 with following activities

Date Programme Details

Dec.23, 2015 Adarsh Chara Gram:

Livestock health camp and

farmers training on Animal

Husbandry- Garera, Datia

Through livestock health camp, the institute

veterinarian treated the animals of village and

provided required medicine free of cost to 123

animals. A farmer training on animal husbandry

was also organized on this occasion in which

farmers were trained regarding improved animal

husbandry practices.

Dec.24, 2015 Farmers Scientist Interface

meeting -Bhojla, Jhansi

In this interface meeting the institute scientist

participated and provided solutions for their

problems. The activities included were interaction

with farmers and visit to farmers field, animal

husbandry and livestock status discussion,

availability of round the year fodder production

technologies, importance of perennial and multicut

grasses and legumes, visit to animal sheds/complex,

importance of high yielding varieties and proper

management practices, and introduction of

greenhouse and its care and maintenance.

Dec.25, 2015 For Grassland’s School

going children: Quiz, essay

and talks-Community centre

IGFRI, Jhansi

The large number of students participated in essay,

short talk and quiz programme on the life of Shri

Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late Shri Chaudhary

Charan Singh, two former Prime Ministers of India.

The best performing students were awarded.

Dec.26, 2015 Farmers Scientist Interface

meeting- Sarmau, Jhansi

In this interface meeting the institute scientist

participated and proved solutions for their

problems. The farmers actively participated and

held detail discussion about farming. The scientists

also visited the farmers field, diagnosed plant or

animal diseases and provided solutions to them.

Dec.28, 2015 Livestock health camp and

farmers training on Animal

Husbandry- Ganeshpura,

Jhansi

Through livestock health camp, the institute

veterinarian treated animals of village and provided

required medicine free of cost to 64 animals.

Farmers training on animal husbandry were also

organized on this occasion in which farmers were

trained.

Dec.29, 2015 Farmers Scientist Interface

meeting and valedictory

function- Conf. Hall IGFRI,

IGFRI

Farmers Scientist Interface meeting and valedictory

function was organized in which, farmers got

solutions for their farm related problems. All

Heads of Divisions, Project Coordinator (FC),

Scientist’s of IGFRI participated. The function was

chaired by Dr. P.K. Ghosh Director, IGFRI, Jhansi

and Dr. O.P. Chaturvedi, Director, CAFRI, Jhansi

was Chief Guest. Dr. U.N. Sachan, Joint Director

(Vety. Services), Govt. of UP explained in details

the schemes of government for farmers livelihood

improvement. Dr. N. Rai, PC-KVK, Jhansi

explained the activities being taken by KVKs for

farmers welfare. Progressive farmers were awarded

for adoption of improved fodder technologies.

Progressive farmers also visited the institute farm

and got exposure of latest research activities.

13

Glimpses of Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan week activities

Independence and Republic Day Celebration 2015

ICAR Zonal Sports (West Zone) Meet at Avikanagar, 2015

Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) West Zone Tournament 2015 was

organised at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar during

November 02-06, 2015. It was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Shukhveer Singh

Jonapuriya, Hon’ble member of parliament, district, Tonk Sawai Madhopur. A total of 619

sports persons and officials from 17 ICAR institutes viz. CAZRI Jodhpur, CIAH Bikaner,

CIFE Mumbai, CIRCOT Mumbai, DOGR Junagadh, DRMR Bharatpur, ICAR RC Goa,

IGFRI Jhansi, NIASM Baramati, NRCAF Jhansi, NRCC Bikaner, NRCC Nagpur, NRCSS

Ajmer and CSWRI Avikanagar participated in this tournament. Twenty one outdoor and

indoor sports events on individual and team basis were organised. IGFRI sports contingent

consisting of 64 participants successfully participated. In opening event i.e. 1500 m race for

men, Dr Tejveer Singh won first place with 5:04:08 seconds. The Hon’ble member of

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parliament was impressed with the performance and awarded him with Rs 2000.00 cash. In

other events, our contingent won 4 individual and 01 team awards as mentioned below:

A. Gold Medal (i) 1500 m race :Dr. Tejveer Singh

(ii) 800 m race: Dr. Tejveer Singh

(iii) 400 m race: Dr. Tejveer Singh

(iv) Badminton (Team event):

Drs. Tejveer Singh, T. Kiran Kumar, D. Deb

and S. R. Kantwa

B. Silver Medal (i) Shot put (M): Mr. Faiyaz Khan

C. Life Time Achievement (i) Shri SriDayal

The tournament concluded on November 06, 2015, Dr NS Rathore, DDG (Education),

ICAR, New Delhi was Chief Guest of the closing ceremony and SDM, Malpura Sh Parbhati

Lal was the Guest of honour. Dr Rathore presented the medals and trophies to the winners

followed by a blessing speech and said that ICAR organizes sports meet in order to bring

team spirit among it’s staff .

Dr. Tejveer Singh 1st place in

1500m race

IGFRI Badminton team with

Winner’s trophy

Mr. Faiyaz Khan of IGFRI

in Silver throw

IGFRI, Kabaddi team in semi

final against CSWRI,

Avikanagar

Shri Sri Dayal awarded with

life time achievement trophy

in Kabaddi

15

Retirements, New joining, Transfers:

Name: Dr. B K Bhadoria

( PS)

28.02.2015

Shri Baiju

(SSS)

28.02.2015

Shri C P Singh

(Technical Officer )

28.02.2015

Dr. M I Azmi

(PS)

31.03.2015

Dr. Ashok Kumar

( Scientist)

31.08.2015

Shri G P Nigam

(CTO)

31.03.2015

Shri Chhote Lal

(SSS)

30.04.2015

Shri Rajendra

(SSS)

30.04.2015

Shri R S Parihar

(Asstt. CTO )

30.06.2015

Shri Ramsewak

(SSS)

30.06.2015

Shri Veeran

(SSS)

31.10.2015

Shri Bagwat Narayan

(SSS)

31.12.2015

Shri Hannoo

(SSS)

31.12.2015

Shri Shiboo

(SSS)

31.12.2015

New Joining:

1. Sh. Mahendra Prasad, Scientist on 19.04.2015

2. Sh. Sanjay Kumar, Scientist on 12.10.2015

3. Sh. Maneet Rana, Scientist on 12.10.2015

4. Sh. Rahul Gaighate, Scientist on 12.10.2015

5. Sh. Nazim Hamid, Scientist on 12.10.2015

Transfers: 1. Dr. D. R. Malaviya

2. Dr. Satyapriya

3. Dr. A. K. Mall

4. Dr. Ritu Mawar

5. Dr. B. Narsimlu

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Awards and recognitions

Mr. Manoj Chaudhary, Scientist, CP Division received Young Scientist Award of

Society for Scientific Development in Agriculture and Technology (SSDAT) in the

National Conference on “Global Research Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture

and Allied Science” during 12-13 December, 2015 at RVSKVV, Gwalior.

IGFRI in News Papers

Editorial Committee: Drs. N. Das, G. Sahay, D.R. Palsaniya, Mr. Shailendra Sinha and Mr.Pawan Kumar