MoU Signed between VNMKV, Parbhani and HarvestPlus Solutions

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS), Washington D.C., marking a significant step towards strengthening global collaboration in the areas of agriculture, nutrition, and food security. The MoU was signed by Dr. Indra Mani, Vice-Chancellor, VNMKV, Parbhani, and Mr. Ravinder Grover, Chief Operating Officer, HarvestPlus Solutions, on the occasion of the National Nutrition & Biofortification Scaling Workshop held at New Delhi on 16^th December 2025.

This strategic partnership will focus on scaling and commercialization of innovative solutions emerging from HarvestPlus, CGIAR, and public–private sector partners, with a strong emphasis on improving livelihoods and addressing global food and nutrition security challenges. The collaboration aims to create a sustainable and meaningful impact, particularly for vulnerable communities across the globe.

VNMKV, Parbhani Honoured with Veterans India – Pride of Nation Award 2025

VNMKV, Parbhani has been conferred the Veterans India – Pride of Nation Award 2025 on the recommendation of a five-member jury led by a Retd. Chief Justice of the High Court. On the solemn and proud occasion of Vijay Diwas, Veterans India organised the Pride of Nation Awards 2025 as a national tribute celebrating patriotism, nation-building, and the exemplary contributions of Higher Education Institutions beyond academics.

The award was received by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, at the auspicious hands of Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of Defence, during the award ceremony held in New Delhi on 16 December 2025. This recognition reflects VNMKV’s commitment to agricultural education, research, extension, and nation-building. Dr. B. K. Mishra, Founder & National President, Veterans India, Dr. Sunil Pareek, National Coordinator, Veterans India, and other dignitaries were chief present on the dais.

ओळख नादेंड येथील कापुस संशोधन केंद्राची

 

Hon’ble VC Dr. Indra Mani honoured with the prestigious “Prof. Gajendra Singh ISAE Education Gold Medal 2025”

On the occassion of Golden Jubilee celebrations of the ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, a three-day International Symposium on “Engineering Innovations for Agriculture 5.0” was organized. On this occasion, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, was conferred with the prestigious “Prof. Gajendra Singh ISAE Education Gold Medal 2025” in recognition of his outstanding and exemplary contributions to Agricultural Engineering education.

This distinguished honour was presented at the valedictory ceremony on 12th November 2025 by Hon’ble Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The ceremony was graced by Dr. C. R. Mehta, Director, CIAE, Bhopal, Dr. S. N. Jha, President, ISAE, and Dr. K. N. Agrawal, Convenor of the Symposium, among other dignitaries. The event witnessed participation from around 600 scientists, academicians, industry experts, and policymakers from India and abroad. Representatives from IITs, NITs, Agricultural Universities, and international institutions were also present in large numbers.

The previous recipients of this prestigious award include Prof. Vijay Pal Singh (2020), Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M University (USA), Dr. Rameshwar S. Kanwar (2023), Distinguished Professor, Dept. of Agril. & Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University (USA); and Dr. Pitam Chandra (2024), Former Director, CIAE, Bhopal;

Under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, VNMKV, Parbhani, has made remarkable progress in integrating modern technologies into agricultural education, promoting entrepreneurial spirit among students, and ensuring the effective transfer of research outcomes to the farming community. The university has implemented several innovative initiatives in education, research, and extension, setting a new benchmark for industry-integrated agricultural education.

Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani possesses extensive academic experience, having served as a visiting faculty member and expert lecturer at several leading universities and institutions across the United States, South Asia, North America, Africa, Japan, and Europe. Under his visionary guidance, VNMKV has achieved the prestigious ‘A’ Grade accreditation from the ICAR National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board (NAEAB) with a commendable score of 3.21, the highest among State Agricultural Universities.

He assumed charge as Vice-Chancellor of VNMKV, Parbhani, on 25^th July 2022. A distinguished alumnus of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Prof. Mani holds M.Tech. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Engineering. In a short span, he has brought renewed dynamism to the university’s academic, research, and administrative systems, significantly accelerating its overall progress.

For his exceptional contributions, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani has received numerous national and international recognitions, including the ICAR’s Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Outstanding Teacher Award, ASABE Presidential Citation Award (USA), Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Groundwater Conservation Award, IARI Best Teacher Award, Fellowships of IAABE and ISAE, the Eminent Engineer Award 2024 from the Institution of Engineers (India), and the Vice-Chancellor of the Year – Leadership Excellence Award 2025.

Under his inspiring leadership, VNMKV has adopted a comprehensive vision focusing on farmer-centric extension, student-centric education, innovation-driven research, and employee-centric administration. His dedicated efforts have not only brought pride to Marathwada but have also enhanced the reputation of Maharashtra at the national level. This award is a testament to his visionary leadership and national recognition of his contributions to agricultural education and innovation.

Expressing his gratitude, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani said, “This award is not a personal achievement but a recognition of the collective efforts of the entire university fraternity. My goal is to contribute to the progress of rural India through modern agricultural education.”

The Directors, Heads of Departments, Professors, Students, and Staff Members of VNMKV have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, expressing confidence that under his leadership, the university will continue to advance as one of the leading agricultural universities of the country.

Hon’ble Dr. Indra Mani, VC addresses the National Conference on Quality Agri-Inputs organized by ICFA at New Delhi

The Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture successfully organized the National Conference on Quality Agri-Inputs at the India International Centre, New Delhi on 5^th September 2025. The event focused on ensuring quality, traceability, and transparency in seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and bio-stimulants, with the shared vision of empowering farmers through safe and genuine inputs. Hon’ble Dr. Indra Mani, Vice-Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani graced the conference as Guest of Honour and delivered a talk on the crucial role of State Agricultural Universities in supplying quality agri-inputs such as improved seeds, biofertilizers, and biomix.

The conference brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on tackling spurious inputs and strengthening quality standards in Indian agriculture. The ICFA extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their valuable insights and active participation.

अतिवृष्टीनंतर सोयाबीन पिकाची घ्यावयाची काळजी.....!

मागील आठवड्यात सतत पाऊस झाल्याने बऱ्याच ठिकाणी अतिवृष्टी सुद्धा झालेली आहे. त्यामुळे खरीपातील सोयाबीन, कापूस, तूर व हळद यावर पिकांवर विपरीत परिणाम होताना दिसून येत आहे. अशा परीस्थितीत शेतामध्ये पाणी साचून राहत असल्यामुळे बुरशीजन्य रोगांचा प्रादुर्भाव रोखण्यासाठी ताबडतोब या पिकांमधील अतिरिक्त पाण्याचा निचरा करणे अत्यंत गरजेचे आहे. तसेच पुढील प्रमाणे नमुद केलेल्या उपाय योजना करून सोयाबीन पिकामधील अतिवृष्टी नंतर पीक व्यवस्थापनाचे तंत्रज्ञान शेतकरी बंधुंनी अवलंबावे, असा सल्‍ला वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषि विद्यापीठातील कृषि तंत्रज्ञान माहिती केंद्रातील शास्‍त्रज्ञ डॉ.जी.डी.गडदे, डॉ.डी.डी.पटाईत आणि श्री.एम.बी.मांडगे यांनी दिला आहे.

सोयाबीन :

1. सोयाबीन पिकात सततच्या पावसामुळे तसेच ढगाळ वातावरणामुळे आणि जमीनीत पाणी साचल्यामुळे पिकांना मुळाद्वारे अन्नद्रव्य घेण्याची क्रिया मंदावली आहे. अशा परिस्थितीमध्ये सर्व प्रथम शेतामधून अतिरिक्त पाण्याचा निचरा लवकरात लवकर करावा.

2. या वातावरणामध्ये शंखी गोगलगायीचा प्रादुर्भाव वाढण्याची शक्यता आहे. गोगलगायीच्या नियंत्रणाकरीता दाणेदार मेटाल्डीहाईड हे गोगलगायनाशक 2 किलो प्रति एकर याप्रमाणे शेतामध्ये, बांधाच्या कडेला आणि बांधावर सायंकाळच्या वेळी पसरवून द्यावे.

3. सध्या सर्वत्र सोयाबीन फुले तसेच काही ठिकाणी शेंगा लागण्याच्या अवस्थेत आहे. सोयाबीनवर मोठ्या प्रमाणात पाने खाणाऱ्या, शेंगा पोखरणाऱ्या अळ्यांचा तसेच खोडकिडीचा प्रादुर्भाव दिसून येत आहे तरी सर्व शेतकऱ्यांनी लवकरात लवकर खालीलपैकी एका कीटकनाशकाची फवारणी करावी.

क्लोरॅट्रानिलीप्रोल 18.5% - 60 मिली (3 मिली प्रति 10 लिटर पाणी) प्रती एकर

किंवा

 इंडाक्झाकार्ब 15.8% - 140 मिली (7 मिली प्रति 10 लिटर पाणी) प्रती एकर

किंवा

असिटामाप्रीड 25%+ बाईफैंन्थ्रीन 25% -100 ग्रॅम (5 ग्रॅम प्रति 10 लिटर पाणी) प्रति एकर

किंवा

क्लोरॅट्रानिलीप्रोल 9.3% + लॅम्बडा सायहॅलोथ्रिन 4.60% - 80 मिली (4 मिली प्रति 10 लिटर पाणी) प्रती एकर

किंवा

आयसोसाक्लोसिरम 9.2% - 240 मिली (12 मिली प्रति 10 लिटर पाणी) प्रती एकर

तसेच येणाऱ्या काळात शेंगा करपा, रायझोक्टोनिया एरियल ब्लाईट, चारकोल रॉट आणि इतर बुरशीजन्य रोगांचा ही प्रादुर्भाव होण्याची शक्यता आहे. त्याकरिता पावसाचा अंदाज घेऊन टेब्युकोनॅझोल 10%+ सल्फर 65% (पूर्वमिश्रित बुरशीनाशक) - 500 ग्रॅम प्रति एकर (25 ग्रॅम प्रति 10 लिटर पाण्यात) किंवा टेब्युकोनॅझोल 25.9% -250 मिली ( 12.5 मिली प्रति 10 लिटर पाण्यात) किंवा पायरोक्लोस्ट्रोबीन 20% - 150  ते 200 ग्रॅम ( 7.5 ते 10 ग्रॅम प्रति 10 लिटर पाण्यात ) किंवा पायरोक्लोस्ट्रोबीन 13.3%+ इपिक्साकोनाझोल 5% (पूर्वमिश्रित बुरशीनाशक) -300 मिली ( 15 ग्रॅम प्रति 10 लिटर पाण्यात ) प्रति एकर फवारावे.

तसेच अशा ठिकाणी वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषी विद्यापीठ निर्मीत बायोमिक्स किंवा ट्रायकोडर्मा या जैविक बुरशी युक्त औषधाची 4 किलो प्रति एकर याप्रमाणे आळवणी करावी.

पिकांमध्ये फवारणी करताना घ्यावयाची विशेष काळजी: कुठलीही फवारणी करताना पावसाचा अंदाज घेऊनच फवारणी करावी. वरील कीटकनाशका सोबत कुठल्याही प्रकारचे इतर कीटकनाशके, बुरशीनाशके, विद्राव्य खते,सूक्ष्म मूलद्रव्ये अथवा रसायने मिसळू नये. लागोपाठ एकच एक कीटकनाशक फवारू नये. फवारणी करिता दुषित पाणी न वापरता स्वच्छ पाणी वापरावे आणि पाण्याचे प्रमाण शिफारसितच वापरावे, कमी पाणी वापरल्यास फवारणीचे अपेक्षित परिणाम दिसून येत नाही. किडनाशके फवारणी करताना योग्य ती संरक्षक विषयी काळजी घ्यावी

 

अधिक माहितीसाठी संपर्क करा : कृषि तंत्रज्ञान माहिती केंद्र, वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषि विद्यापीठ, परभणी

दुरध्‍वनी क्रमांक 02452-22900, व्हाटस्अप हेल्पलाईन- 8329432097

संदर्भ : वनामकृवि संदेश क्रमांक- 04/2025( 21 ऑगस्ट 2025)

Hon VC Prof. Indra Mani Inaugurates Five-Day Krishi Sakhi Training & Rooftop Solar Plant at KVK, Badnapur

Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Indra Mani inaugurated the Five-Day Krishi Sakhi Training at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Badnapur (Jalna-II), organized in collaboration with ATMA, Jalna on 11^th August 2025. The inaugural programme was graced by the presence of Dr. R. D. Ahire, Director of Extension Education, VNMKV; Dr. D. K. Patil, Dean, College of Agriculture, Badnapur; Shri Amol Agwan, Project Director, ATMA; Dr. Dipti Patgaonkar, Programme Coordinator, KVK, CSN-1; and Dr. S. D. Somwanshi, Programme Coordinator, KVK.

A total of 54 Krishi Sakhis are participating in this training programme, which aims to enhance their knowledge and skills in agricultural practices, thereby strengthening grassroots agricultural extension in the region. On this occasion, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the 15 kW rooftop solar power system installed at KVK, a step towards promoting renewable energy use and sustainable practices for Green University. 

Hon VC Dr. Indra Mani delivers a lead lecture at AGRIVISION-2025 National Convention in New Delhi

Dr. Indra Mani, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, VNMKV, Parbhani delivered a thought-provoking lecture at the 9^th National Convention of AGRIVISION-2025, held at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, ICAR, New Delhi on July 26, 2025. The two-day convention, organized by Vidyarthi Kalyan Nyas, Bhopal in collaboration with ICAR, focused on the theme “Empowered Youth – Prosperous Agriculture: Skill, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.” Dr. Indra Mani delivered his expert lecture on “Advancements in Farm Machinery for Small Landholding Farmers,” wherein he highlighted the need for region-specific mechanization, energy-efficient tools, and digital innovations tailored to India’s smallholder farmers. He emphasized the crucial role of affordable, scalable, and climate-smart technologies in enhancing rural livelihoods and making agriculture more resilient and youth-centric. He also highlighted VNMKV’s significant contributions in the field of farm mechanization, particularly for small and marginal farmers, as well as its efforts in upskilling farmers through various initiatives.

शुद्ध पैदासीतून देशी गोवंशाला शाश्वत व्यवसायाकडे घेऊन जाणे गरजेचे - माननीय कुलगुरू प्रा. (डॉ.) इन्द्र मणि

 शुद्ध देशी गोवंश जतन आणि संवर्धन सप्ताह समारोप उत्साहात संपन्न

शुद्ध पैदासीतून देशी गोवंशाला शाश्वत व्यवसायाकडे घेऊन जाणे गरजेचे असून शुद्ध गोवंश पैदासीतून गुणात्मक व संख्यात्मक गोमातेचा विकास शक्य होईल असे प्रतिपादन वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषि विद्यापीठाचे कुलगुरू प्रा. इंद्रमणी याने केले . ते कृषि महाविद्यालय, लातूर, विलासराव देशमुख कृषि जैवतंत्रज्ञान महाविद्यालय, लातूर, एम.एस.डी. पशु आरोग्य,लातूर, देवणी गोवंश जतन व पैदासकार असोसिएशन, लातूर आणि ज्येष्ठ पशुवैद्यक संघ,लातूर यांच्या संयुक्त विद्यमाने दि.22 जुलै 2025 रोजी आयोजीत शुद्ध देशी गोवंश जतन आणि संवर्धन सप्ताह समारोप प्रसंगी अध्यक्षस्थानावरून  बोलत होते.  कार्यक्रमास माफसु चे माजी विस्तार शिक्षण संचालक डॉ अनिल भिकाने , वनामकृवीचे शिक्षण संचालक डॉ. भगवान आसेवार , सहयोगी अधिष्ठता डॉ.बाबासाहेब ठोंबरे, प्रादेशिक सहआयुक्त पशुसंवर्धन डॉ.नानासाहेब सोनवणे, डॉ. अच्युत भरोसे,डॉ.भास्कर बोरगावकर, राजेशजी संन्याशी, डॉ.चंद्रशेखर दैवज्ञ व कुणाल घुंगार्डे आदी मान्यवर उपस्थित होते.

 उद्घाटनपर भाषणात  डॉ. भिकाने म्हणाले की  स्थानिक देवणी  व लाल कंधारी गोवंश जतन व संवर्धन करणेसाठी उत्कृष्ट निवड प्रक्रिया, सेक्स सॉर्टेड सिमेन व आय व्ही  एफ तंत्रज्ञानाच्या माध्यमातून  गायीची दूध उत्पादकता वाढविणे आवश्यक आहे. पैदासकारानी गोवंशाची पैदास वळूकेंद्रित न ठेवता गायकेंद्रित करणे गरजेचे असून धोरणकर्ते, शास्त्रज्ञ व पैदासकार यांनी समन्वयातून गोवंशाचा समतोल विकास साधावा. देशी गोवंशाच्या वाढीसाठी उत्कृष्ट चारा उत्पादन,आहार व्यवस्थापन व मुक्तसंचार गोठ्याचा अवलंबं करावा.

डॉ. आसेवार यांनी देशी गोवंश जतन व संवर्धनाचे महत्त्व विशद करून मार्गदर्शन केले.   यावेळी मनोगत व्यक्त करताना डॉ.ठोंबरे म्हणाले की शुद्ध पैदास,समतोल आहार, काटेकोर व्यवस्थापन आणि चांगले आरोग्य हे पशुधन गुणवत्तेसाठी अत्यंत महत्त्वाचे आहे. ते पुढे असेही म्हणाले की दुग्ध उत्पादन, सेंद्रिय खत व शेतीसाठी ओढ शक्ती हे शुद्ध देशी गोवंशाच्या संवर्धनातून होऊ शकते. याप्रसंगी डॉ. बोरगावकर, श्री संन्याशी व डॉ.  सोनवणे यांनी देखील मनोगत व्यक्त केले या प्रसंगी  डॉ.अनिल भिकाणे, बच्चेसाहेब देशमुख, रावसाहेब आडे यांचा सेवापुर्ती निमित्त गौरव करण्यात आला. तसेच देशी गोवंश शास्त्रज्ञ डॉ. बाबासाहेब ठोंबरे, डॉ. दिनेशसिंह चौहान, डॉ. श्रीधर शिंदे, डॉ.अनंत शिंदे,डॉ. गणेश निटुरे , देवणी व लाल कंधारी गो पैदासकार  शेषराव सूर्यवंशी, देविदास नरवटे, सत्यभामा शिंदे, रज्जाक पठाण, विठ्ठल देवकते व बालासाहेब जाधव यांना प्रशस्ती पत्र देऊन गौरविण्यात आले.

या कार्यक्रमाचे प्रास्ताविक डॉ. अच्युत भरोसे यांनी केले तर सूत्रसंचालन डॉ. अनंत शिंदे व आभार कुणाल घुंगार्डे यांनी मानले. कार्यक्रमाच्या यशस्वीतेसाठी डॉ. व्यंकट जगताप,डॉ.विजय भामरे, डॉ. ज्योती देशमुख, डॉ. राजेश शेळके, डॉ. वसंत सूर्यवंशी, डॉ.  पद्माकर वाडीकर, डॉ.सुनिता मगर, डॉ. दयानंद मोरे, डॉ. प्रभाकर आडसूळ,डॉ.नितीन तांबोळी,डॉ. अनिल कुमार कांबळे,डॉ.ज्ञानेश्वर सुरडकर, डॉ. महेंद्र दुधारे, डॉ. रमेश ढवळे,डॉ. योगेश भगत,प्रा.ममता पतंगे यांनी विशेष परिश्रम घेतले.या कार्यक्रमाला लातूर धाराशिव नांदेड व बीड या चार जिल्ह्यातील पशुपालकांचा उत्स्फूर्त प्रतिसाद लाभला.

Dr. Indra Mani, VC, VNMKV, Parbhani, addresses National Seminar on Cotton Productivity & Value Chain Transformation

New Delhi, July 22, 2025: 

Dr. Indra Mani, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, participated in the inaugural session of the National Seminar on ‘Cotton Productivity and Value Chain Transformation,’ held at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The seminar brought together national leaders in agriculture, textiles, and industry to discuss strategies for boosting cotton production and strengthening value chains. The event featured prominent speakers including Hon’ble Shri Ashok Dalwai, Rtd. IAS, Chairman, Karnataka State Agriculture Price Commission; Ex Chairman, Prime Minister Task Force of Doubling Farmers Income, Shri Upendra Prasad Singh – Former Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Purnesh Gururani (IRS) – Director – Fibre, Ministry of Textiles, Smt Sudha Kesari – Additional Development Commissioner, MSME, Smt. Chandrima Chatterjee – Secretary General, Confederation of Indian Textiles Industry, and Dr. Tarun Shridhar – Director General, Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture.

In the inaugural session focused on “Policy & Regulatory Support Framework for Accelerating Cotton Growth in India,” Dr. Indra Mani addressed the gathering and highlighted VNMKV’s significant contributions to cotton research and development. He stated that VNMKV has developed several high-performing cotton varieties and hybrids over the years, catering to the needs of farmers in different agro-climatic zones. He proudly shared that two straight BG II Bt cotton varieties developed by VNMKV were recently approved by the Central Variety Identification Committee (CVIC) for high density planting in rainfed area of Central India, marking a significant milestone in the university's research achievements. These varieties are expected to offer improved pest resistance, better yield stability, and economic returns to farmers.

Dr. Mani also emphasized the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies, precision farming tools, and robust extension services to improve productivity and profitability in the cotton sector. He called for stronger collaborations among research institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to transform India’s cotton value chain and position the country as a global leader in cotton production.

Hon VC Dr. Indra Mani Addresses the Inaugural Session of Annual Zonal Workshop of ATARI at Bhuj, Gujarat

Bhuj, Kutch (Gujarat), July 20, 2025:

The 8^th Annual Zonal Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa commenced at Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, from July 20 to 22, 2025. The workshop is being organized by ICAR-ATARI, Zone VIII, Pune, with the support of KVKs from Kutch I, Kutch II, Mehsana, and Patan.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of VNMKV, Parbhani, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he emphasized the significance of digital tools like the ‘MahaVistaar App’, and underlined the need for impactful extension strategies to translate research into farmer benefit. He shared the innovative extension programmes initiated by VNMKV such as ‘One Day with My Farmer’ and ‘Online Scientist-Farmer Dialogue’, which are receiving positive responses from the farming community. He urged all KVKs to adopt such innovative approaches to maximize impact and recommended that KVKs evolve into research-linked extension hubs for better technology transfer.

Distinguished guests including former DDG (Extension), ICAR Dr. P. Das; former Vice Chancellors Dr. A. K. Singh (BAU, Sabour) and Dr. M. M. Adhikary (BCKV, Mohanpur); and ATARI Pune Site Selection Committee Chair, were present. The event also witnessed virtual participation from Dr. R. Roy Barman, ADG (Extension), ICAR, New Delhi. The workshop featured presentations on new technologies, extension methodologies, and innovative practices, aiming to enhance the outreach and efficiency of KVKs. Directors, scientists, and coordinators from all KVKs in the three states are participating in this important event.

Two Straight Bt Cotton Varieties of VNMKV recommended for High-Density Planting in Central India

The Cotton Research Station (CRS), Nanded of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, has achieved a significant milestone with the development of two straight Bt BG II cotton varieties - NH 22037 Bt BG II and NH 22038 Bt BG II. These are the first public sector Bt BG II straight varieties in India to be recommended for high density planting, especially under rainfed conditions.

The Central Variety Identification Committee (CVIC) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), during its meeting held on June 19, 2025, approved these varieties for cultivation in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh - covering the Central India cotton-growing region. Being straight varieties, farmers can reuse their self-produced cotton seeds for the next two to three years, leading to savings on seed costs.

NH 22038 Bt BG II is a 160 to 170 days variety, yielding 18 to 19 quintals per hectare. This variety is suitable for high-density planting. Its fiber length is 29 to 30 mm, and its fiber strength is 28 to 29 gm/tex. The boll weight is 4.8 to 5.0 grams. This Bt variety is tolerant to sucking pests as well as bacterial blight and leaf spot diseases.

NH 22037 Bt BG II is also suitable for high-density planting, with a height of 90 to 95 cm. The fiber length of this variety is 29 to 30 mm, and its fiber strength and fineness are excellent. The boll weight is 4.5 to 4.7 grams. This Bt variety is tolerant to sucking pests, bacterial blight, and leaf spot diseases.

The research was carried out under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Indra Mani, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, with technical guidance from Dr. K.S. Baig, Director of Research. The development team includes Dr. K.S. Baig (Cotton Specialist), Dr. Vijaykumar Chinchane (Associate Breeder), Dr. Arun Gaikwad (Assistant Breeder), along with dedicated scientific and technical staff of CRS, Nanded. Hon. Prof. Dr. Indra Mani has extended hearty congratulations to the entire team for this impactful contribution to cotton research and farmer empowerment.

Successful Indian Delegation Study Tour to Germany to Boosts Indo-German Collaboration in Agri-Photovoltaics Technology

Hon’ble VC Dr. Indra Mani highlights VNMKV’s Agri-PV Research Initiatives at International Platform

A high-level Indian delegation has successfully concluded a study tour to Germany from June 29 to July 5, 2025, aimed at strengthening Indo-German cooperation in the field of Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) technology. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Dr. Indra Mani actively participated in the delegation and made presentations on the university’s ongoing Agri-PV initiatives. As per the MoU signed between VNMKV, the German international agency GIZ, and Sunseed Pvt. Ltd., an Agri-PV research project is currently being implemented near Manwath in Parbhani district. This innovative technology, being adopted in developed countries like Germany, Japan, and Italy, enables simultaneous solar energy generation and crop cultivation on the same agricultural land.

The delegation participated in the "AgriVoltaics World Conference 2025" held in Freiburg, Germany, where international experts presented ongoing research and projects in the Agri-PV sector. Dr. Indra Mani presented the progress and achievements of the Agri-PV research project at VNMKV and discussed potential business models for Agri-PV projects in India.

During the visit, the delegation interacted with senior officials and experts from Germany’s ministries of agriculture, environment, and energy. They also visited the 3.5 MW vertical Agri-PV project by Next2Sun AG, which integrates battery storage and maintains 90% agricultural efficiency. Additionally, the team inspected the Volmer Orchard project that implements three different Agri-PV technologies in traditional horticulture. A significant highlight of the tour was the Indo-German Roundtable Discussion, where policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and financial institutions from both countries deliberated on policy-level aspects of Agri-PV technology. It was also confirmed during the visit that an International Conference on Agri-Photovoltaics Technology will be organized in New Delhi, India, in 2026. This study tour marks a major milestone in advancing Indo-German collaboration in the emerging field of Agri-Photovoltaics.