VC Dr. Indra Mani praised farmers for successfully cultivating the VNMKV's 'Godavari' Variety

A Pigeonpea Field Day Celebrated at Village Khadgao (Chh. Sambhaji Nagar)

VNMKV's Pigeonpea 'Godavari' variety cultivated on 700 acres in the village

A Pigeonpea Field Day was organized on January 3, 2025, at Khadgao, Tal Paithan, Dist Chh Sambhajinagar. Hon. Vice Chancellor, Dr. Indra Mani, praised farmers for successfully cultivating the VNMKV’s ‘Godavari’ variety of Pigeonpea using best practices and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He emphasized the importance of maximizing yield with minimal inputs and encouraged the adoption of seed-to-seed mechanization for better productivity. The Godavari variety is being cultivated on 700 acres in the village, under both irrigation and rainfed conditions, with farmers expecting a yield of 12-14 quintals per acre. Some farmers reported a yield of 7-8 quintals per acre of soybean in Soybean + Pigeonpea intercropping system. The event was attended by Director of Research, Dr. K. S. Baig, ADR, Dr. S. B. Pawar, university scientist, agriculture department officials, and farmers.

Courtesy visit with Hon’ble Governor Shri Haribhauji Bagade Saheb by the Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani Sir VC

Courtesy visit with Hon’ble Shri Haribhauji Bagade Saheb, Governor, Rajasthan by the Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani Sir Vice Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. Hon’Ble VC Sir given overview about  of VNMKV’s activities, specially focusing on implementation of new education policy 2020, released varieties, seed production, farmers centric programmes like Maza Ek Divas Mazya Baliraja Sobat and Shetkari – Shastrdnya Krishi Sanvad.

VNMKV Vice Chancellor Hon'ble Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani visited PDKV AGROTECH 2024

 

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh State Level AGROTECH 2024 is organised at Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 27 -29 December.

Hon'ble Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani Sir, Vice Chancellor, VNMKV, Parbhani visited AGROTECH 2024 with Hon'ble Dr. Sharad Gadakh Sir  Vice Chancellor, PDKV, Akola on 29 December.

During this visit Hon'ble Sir visited various exhibition stalls. Taken review guided the stall owners. Also Hon'ble Sir presented VNMKV Calendar 2025 to Hon'ble Dr Sharad Gadakh Sir and certificates, mementos to the stall owners, faculties and progressive farmers.

Success of Godavari Pigeonpea Variety : A Boost to Farmers' Prosperity - Hon’ble VC Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani

A field visit and farmers' meeting focusing on the Godavari Pigeonpea variety, released by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, was successfully organized on 12 December in Pisre and Sarafdoh villages of Karmala taluka of Solapur district. The event, hosted by Pani Foundation, Agricultural Research Station, Badnapur (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University) and ATMA Karmala, attracted significant attention from farmers and experts alike. 

The event was presided over by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, with the distinguished presence of Pani Foundation CEO Shri Satyajeet Bhatkal, Principal Scientist and Plant Breeding Dr. Deepak Patil, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) and Officer In-Charge Dr. K.T. Jadhav,  Pulse Breeder (MPKV Rahuri) Dr Nandkumar Kute, Soil Science  scientist (MPKV Rahuri) Dr Durgude, Taluka Agriculture Officer Shri Deorao Chavan, and Agricultural Officer Shri D.L. Mohite.

In his presidential address, Hon. Vice Chancellor Dr. Indra Mani, stated that to uplift the lives of farmers, the government established agricultural universities in Maharashtra. The knowledge confined within the walls of these universities has been effectively implemented in the field through the guidance of the Pani Foundation in Karmala Taluka. As a result, farmer groups participating in the Farmers Cup competition in Karmala taluka have embraced innovative practices, ensuring a record production of Pigeonpea in the region this year. Also this achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the progress of farmers, said Hon. Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani.

The event also featured guidance from Pani Foundation CEO Shri Satyajeet Bhatkal, Taluka Agriculture Officer Shri Deorao Chavan, and Agricultural Officer Shri D.L. Mohite. The program began with an introduction by Pani Foundation’s Regional Coordinator Satyawan Deshmukh.

The Godavari variety, cultivated using drip irrigation and adhering to standard operating procedures provided by the Pani Foundation, has demonstrated exceptional performance. Guided by Agricultural Research Station Badanapur scientists of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani, farmers have reported remarkable outcomes, showcasing the variety's suitability for the region. 

During the event, farmers shared their positive experiences with the Godavari variety, which is now cultivated across approximately 400 hectares in Karmala taluka and is expanding in Solapur district. The crop is expected to yield over 10 quintals per acre this year, delighting farmers with its productivity and resilience. 

A highlight of the program was a question-and-answer session that allowed farmers to directly interact with experts. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Dr. Indra Mani also recognized several farmers' groups and an individual farmer for achieving the highest Pigeonpea yield in the previous year's state-level crop competition.  The success of the Godavari Pigeonpea variety, combined with the dedication of scientists, the Pani Foundation, and farmers, underscores its growing popularity and potential to enhance agricultural productivity in the region. 

The proceedings were conducted by Taluka Coordinator Ashish Lad, while the vote of thanks was presented by Ajay Kumar Bagal from the ATMA Agriculture Department. Over 400 farmers from 35 farmers' groups of the in Karmala participated with major role from the "Jidd Shetkari Group" and "Jijau’s Leki Farmers Group", making it a significant gathering for the agricultural community.

VC Dr. Indra Mani presented Crop-Specific SOPs for Drone Application at the MoA&FW, New Delhi

The National-level meeting to finalize the report of Crop-Specific SOPs for Drone-Based Application of Soil and Plant Nutrients was conducted on 2^nd December 2024 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Govt. of India).

During the meeting, Dr. Indra Mani, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, and Chairman of the Committee on Drone-Based Nutrient Application, presented a comprehensive report on the development of Crop-Specific SOPs for the Application of Soil and Plant Nutrients through Drones.

The report highlighted the development of crop-specific, technology-driven guidelines for the precise application of various soil and plant nutrients using drone technology. This initiative is poised to revolutionize agricultural practices, enhance input efficiency, and support sustainable farming.

Shri Devesh Chaturvedi commended the Committee's dedicated efforts and assured that the final SOPs would be approved and released soon, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of drone technology in Indian agriculture. This step is expected to facilitate wider adoption of drones in agriculture, leading to higher productivity, reduced input costs, and improved environmental sustainability.

The meeting witnessed the presence of several senior officials Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, Er. C. R. Lohi, Deputy Commissioner (M&T), Shri A. N. Meshram, Deputy Commissioner (M&T), Smt. S. Rukmani, Joint Secretary, MoA&FW, New Delhi along with committee members and experts and viz., Dr. Sunil D. Gorantiwar, Former Head, Agricultural Engineering & Director (Research), MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra, Dr. Dilip Kumar Kushwaha, Scientist, Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, Dr. Pravin Vaidya, Head, Department of Soil Science, VNMKV, Parbhani, Maharashtra, Dr. Pazhanivelan, Director, Water Technology Centre, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Nadimpalli Rama Gopala Varma, Principal Scientist, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. 

The successful finalization of these SOPs is a landmark achievement that will strengthen the role of drones in Indian agriculture, ensuring that farmers have access to precision-driven solutions for nutrient management, thereby driving the country's vision for smart and sustainable agriculture.

To promote the use of drone technology in agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, established five national-level committees to develop standardized guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various applications. The first committee, chaired by Dr. K. Alagusundaram and convened by Dr. Indra Mani, developed comprehensive guidelines for pesticide application using drones. The second committee, chaired by Dr. Indra Mani, drafted SOPs for spraying soil and crop nutrients, while the third committee, led by Dr. Ravi Prakash, created procedures for the use of drones in applying crop protection products. The fourth committee, again chaired by Dr. Indra Mani, developed crop-specific SOPs for pesticide application for ten key crops, ensuring customized guidelines for better pest management. Currently, the fifth committee, chaired by Dr. Indra Mani, Vice-Chancellor of VNMKV, Parbhani, is formulating crop-specific SOPs for soil and plant nutrient application using drones. These efforts aim to enhance the safe, efficient, and sustainable use of drone technology in Indian agriculture, boosting productivity, promoting environmental safety, and supporting the nation’s drive toward modernized farming practices.

Organization of ISAE Convention & International Symposium at VNMKV, Parbhani

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), New Delhi, are being jointly organized the 58^th Annual Convention of ISAE on “Engineering Innovations for Next-gen Digital Agriculture” along with an International Symposium on “Agricultural Engineering Education for Aspiring Youth in Transforming Agriculture,” during November 12-14, 2024, at Parbhani (Maharashtra).

This prestigious event will gather leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss innovative solutions and advancements in agricultural & food process engineering. It will serve as a platform for deliberations on farm mechanization, energy-efficient machinery, automated irrigation systems, smart agriculture practices, precision farm management, post-harvest crop management, renewable energy technologies, food processing solutions and the future of agricultural engineering education. Esteemed representatives from ICAR, SAUs, national and international organizations, industries, policymakers, and scientists will participate. The event will also feature an agricultural exhibition, themed sessions, farm visits, and interactions among farmers, scientists, and agricultural personnel. Recommendations from the convention will be submitted to the government for sustainable agriculture policies, which is crucial for supporting small and marginal farmers who make up 90% of India’s farm holdings.

The event aims to explore pioneering solutions and advancements in agricultural engineering, drawing over 500 participants including ICAR officials, scientists, university Vice Chancellors, representatives from national and international organizations, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students.

Renowned dignitaries will grace the symposium, including Padma Bhushan Dr. R.S. Paroda, former Director General of ICAR; Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICAR; Dr. S.N. Jha, DDG (Agri. Engg.), ICAR & President of ISAE, Dr. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Dr. V.K. Tiwari, Director of IIT Kharagpur; and several esteemed experts from countries like the USA, Germany, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Padma Bhushan Dr. Paroda will be honored with the ISAE Honorary Fellowship 2024 for his contributions to the field of agricultural engineering.

On November 12, experts including Dr. Tiwari, Dr. Kingsley from Purdue University (USA), and Dr. Bhim Prasad Shrestha from Nepal will address topics in agricultural engineering education to inspire young minds. November 13 will feature 20 sessions, covering oral and poster presentations, followed by a discussion on November 14 on “Engineering Innovations for Next-Gen Digital Agriculture,” led by experts such as Dr. Madan Jha from IIT Kharagpur.

The symposium will consist of four key sessions:

1. Farm Mechanization and Automation: Exploring seed-to-seed mechanization, tillage & traction machinery, mechatronics, solar-powered equipment, drones, AI, and robotics, ergonomics & human safety.
2. Food Processing Engineering and Technologies: Focusing on post-harvest engineering, dairy and poultry, and value-added food products, functional and nutraceutical foods.
3. Land and Water Management Technologies: Addressing soil and water engineering, drainage system, innovation in conversation agriculture, irrigation management, AI, IoT, ML in land and water management.
4. Green and Alternative Energy Technologies: Highlighting Agri-PV, renewable energy applications, and clean energy technologies, animal energy, waste / energy conservation.

The technical session includes separate sessions dedicated to industry, farmers, and students. During the industry session, senior executives from prominent organizations will join discussions, including Mr. Hemant Sikka, President of the Farm Equipment Sector at Mahindra and Mahindra; Mr. Jatin Patel (ASPEE); Mr. Kesavan (TAFE); Mr. Kumar Bimal (Sonalika International Tractors Ltd) Mr. Randhir Chavan (NETAFIM Irrigation); Ms. Sangeeta Laddha (Revulis Irrigation); Mr. Rajendra Barwale (Mahyco). In the farmer session, progressive farmers will share their experiences, while the student session including school going students will focus on the importance of agriculture, agricultural education, and the orientation of NEP 2020.

The symposium organised under the patronage of VNMKV Vice-Chancellor Dr. Indra Mani. He said that the symposium aims to bring forth recommendations to both state and central governments for the implementation of sustainable agricultural policies. Convenor of the symposium Dean Dr. Uday Khodke, Organizing Secretary Dr. Harish Awari and ISAE leaders contributing to the event include National President Dr. Shyam Narayan Zha, DDG (Agricultural Engineering) ICAR, New Delhi; Secretary General Dr. Pramod Sahu, IARI, New Delhi; Vice President of the Technical Council Dr. Ambrish Kumar, Principal Scientist, Dehradun; and Vice President of the Activity Council Dr. D. M. Kadam, CIRCOT, Mumbai. The event will also be streamed live on VNMKV’s official YouTube channel, accessible at https://www.youtube.com/@VNMKV, enabling a wider audience to benefit from the insights shared at this international gathering.

वनामकृविच्या हायटेक भाजीपाला व फुलशेती प्रकल्पाचे उद्घाटन

 वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषी विद्यापीठ, परभणीचे कुलगुरू मा.प्रा.(डॉ) इन्द्र मणि यांच्या शुभहस्ते छत्रपती संभाजीनगर येथील फलोत्पादन संशोधन केंद्रात हायटेक भाजीपाला व फुलशेती प्रकल्पाचे उद्घाटन करण्यात आले.

हा प्रकल्प आधुनिक तंत्रज्ञानाच्या साहाय्याने भाजीपाला व फुलशेतीमध्ये नवनवीन संधी निर्माण करून शेतकऱ्यांच्या उत्पन्नात वाढ करण्यास मदत करेल, असे मत कुलगुरू मा.प्रा.(डॉ) इन्द्र मणि यांनी यावेळी व्यक्त केले.

या प्रसंगी फलोत्पादन संशोधन केंद्राचे प्रभारी अधिकारी डॉ. जी. एम. वाघमारे, सहयोगी प्राध्यापक डॉ. आर. व्ही. नाईनवाड, श्री. गिरीश सोनवणे तसेच केंद्रातील सर्व अधिकारी व कर्मचारी उपस्थित होते.

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra reviewed the NEP 2020 Implementation Status of VNMKV, Parbhani

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Indra Mani presents NEP 2020 Implementation Status & Achievements of VNMKV to Hon. Governor Shri. C.P.Radhakrishnan

 

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, is conducting one-on-one direct interactions with Vice-Chancellors from universities across the state, including Agricultural Universities, to discuss the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As part of this series, on September 11, 2024, Dr. Indra Mani, Vice-Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani delivered a detailed presentation on NEP 2020 implementation status, the strengths and challenges of the University before the Hon'ble Governor and Chancellor of the Universities, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.

Hon’ble Governor reviewed key issues, including the adherence to the implementation of the National Education Policy, the Annual Academic Calendar, the internationalization of education, and the timely declaration of examination results.

Hon. Governor expressed satisfaction about the university’s work of land development, seed production, water management, seed to seed mechanization, climate smart crops varieties, tree / bamboo plantation and green energy initiatives. Prof. Indra Mani briefed the Hon'ble Governor on the steps being taken at VNMKV to ensure the effective implementation of NEP 2020 at the university. He presents a comprehensive report on the university's achievements in agricultural education, research, extension activities and various ongoing projects. 

Successful Brainstorming Session on Management of Non-Traditional & Key Horticultural Crops Held in Ch. Sambhajinagar

A significant brainstorming session on the "Management of Non-Traditional and Important Horticulture Crops" took place at the Fruit Research Station in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on August 31, 2024. The event, organized jointly by the Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, and the State Department of Agriculture, Ch. Sambhajinagar, gathered key stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges, opportunities, processing, and marketing strategies for horticultural crops in the Marathwada region.

In his presidential address, Dr. Indra Mani, Hon. Vice Chancellor of VNMKV, Parbhani, highlighted several critical challenges faced by horticulturists in the region, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and pest management. He emphasized the "Farmer First" mission as a core strategy of his tenure and outlined various developmental initiatives and reforms implemented under his leadership.

Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, Government of India, New Delhi, who attended as the Chief Guest, discussed the latest policy developments being enforced from the farmers' perspective. He encouraged the cultivation of fruit crops with functional and therapeutic values, advising farmers to explore new opportunities in this field. Dr. Tukaram Mote, Joint Director of Agriculture, Ch. Sambhajinagar, underscored the need for enhanced infrastructure and technology to support advanced research, which in turn would improve crop yields and the quality of horticultural produce.

Horticulture Experts Dr. Prakash Patil explored the potential of high-density plantation in mango cultivation, while Dr. Dinesh Kumar advocated for diversifying crop varieties and improving market access through digital platforms. Shri Anant Jawale, former Horticulture Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra, now a farmer, shared his personal experience with date palm cultivation, emphasizing the importance of government policies in supporting horticultural development.

The session also highlighted the importance of establishing community or cluster processing units to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value-added products. Concepts like protected cultivation and vertical farming were discussed by Dr. Murtuza Hasa, while Dr. Nagpal Lohakare from APEDA, Mumbai, presented strategies for better marketing, including branding, direct-to-consumer sales, and farm registration for export through the Hortnet platform.

The conference concluded with actionable recommendations from experts like Dr. Madhukar Pordar, Dr. P.K. Singh, Dr. Prakash Tripathi, and Dr. D.M. Panchbhai, aimed at bolstering the horticultural sector in the Marathwada region, fostering sustainable practices, and improving the livelihoods of local farmers. Dr. Khizar Baig, Director of Research at VNMKV, Parbhani, delivered the preamble, while Dr. V.S. Khandare extended the vote of thanks. The event was well-attended by officers from the Department of Horticulture, College of Horticulture Parbhani, NARP, KVK, FRS, ARS Badnapur, Shri Prakash Deshmukh (SAO), students, and farmers.