Industry–Academia Interaction on Agri-Entrepreneurship Held at VNMKV Under 'Udyam Viksit Marathwada Mission'

Parbhani, July 18: The College of Food Technology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, in collaboration with the Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB) and Seva Bharati, Devgiri, organized an Industry–Academia Interaction Program under the 'Udyam Viksit Marathwada Mission' on Saturday 18.07.2026. The programme focused on promoting agro-based industries, value addition, entrepreneurship development, and employment generation in the Marathwada Region.

Maharashtra Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare, Water Supply and Sanitation, Energy, Women and Child Development, and Public Works (Public Undertakings), as well as Guardian Minister of Parbhani District, Hon'ble Mrs. Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. The programme was presided over by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of VNMKV, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani. Among the distinguished guests were Director of Education Dr.BM Thombre, Director of Research Dr. BV Asewar, Director of Extension Education Dr. RD Ahire, University Engineer Mr. Deepak Kashalkar, Controller Mrs. Bhagyashree Jadhav, Dean of the College of Food Technology Dr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, CASMB General Secretary Dr. Umesh Kamble, Project Coordinator of Natural Industries Group, Ranjani (Dharashiv), Mr. Shripad Thombre, Mr. Atish Salunkhe of Bhoomi Nutraceuticals, Vasmat, and food technology expert Mr. Satish Bhorkade of Flavosys India.

In her address, Mrs. Meghna Sakore-Bordikar emphasized that students should aspire to become job creators rather than job seekers. She stated that agro-based industries have the potential to reduce migration from Parbhani and the Marathwada region. Agriculture can become more profitable only when integrated with food processing industries and allied enterprises, making integrated farming systems the need of the hour. She also announced that under the 'Parbhani Growth Hub' initiative, investment proposals worth nearly ₹1,500 crore are being planned, and a pilot project based on the 'Silk and Milk' concept will be implemented in Parbhani district. She assured full government support in terms of infrastructure, technical guidance, and policy assistance for agro-based industries, urging agriculture graduates to view farming as an entrepreneurial opportunity capable of creating large-scale enterprises.

Presiding over the programme, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani highlighted that seriousness, humility, perseverance, and consistency are essential qualities for successful entrepreneurs. He observed that Marathwada offers immense opportunities for agro-based industries due to its fertile land, skilled human resources, and strong agricultural research ecosystem. Stressing the vision of "Parbhani First," he called for close collaboration among industry, educational institutions, and government agencies to accelerate regional development. He also noted the success of farmer groups in collective marketing of agricultural produce, cited the ongoing processing of forest produce such as Karvanda in Vasmat taluka, and informed the gathering that the university has recently secured four major research projects. He reaffirmed VNMKV's commitment to transferring research outcomes to industries, farmers, and students.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, Dean of the College of Food Technology, presented the activities of the College's Common Incubation Centre and explained how value addition to agricultural produce can significantly enhance farmers' income. He stated that value-added products not only fetch higher market prices but also strengthen the rural economy and generate employment opportunities in rural areas. Sharing his entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Shripad Thombre said that dairy farming has emerged as a reliable source of sustainable income in the drought-prone regions of Marathwada. He noted that the expansion of the dairy sector in Dharashiv district has contributed to reducing farmer suicides. Referring to ethanol production, he remarked that sugarcane farmers now receive better prices and that farmers are not only food providers but also energy providers. He stressed that industries must move towards rural areas to strengthen the village economy.

Mr. Atish Salunkhe highlighted the increasing demand for technology-driven skilled manpower in the industrial sector and encouraged rural youth to embrace innovation, food processing, and start-up ventures. Mr. Satish Bhorkade observed that challenges often create opportunities and that perseverance, consistency, and innovative thinking are the foundation of successful enterprises.

Explaining the objectives of the 'Udyam Viksit Marathwada Mission,' Dr. Umesh Kamble informed that industry–academia interaction programmes are being organized across various districts of Marathwada to promote entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among industries, educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies while creating new avenues for employment and self-employment for local youth.

The programme was attended by Dr. Pravin Vaidya, Dr. Rahul Ramteke, heads of various departments, university officers and staff, office bearers of Seva Bharati Parbhani including Mr. Boralkar, Mr. Sanjay Joshi, and Mr. Karbhajan, entrepreneurs, representatives of Farmer Producer Companies (FPOs), food processing professionals, students, researchers, faculty members, and officials from different departments. The programme was compered by Dr. Anuprita Joshi, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Umesh Kamble.

Hon'ble Union Food Processing Industries Minister Shri Chirag Paswan Inaugurates Common Incubation Centre at VNMKV, Parbhani

Parbhani, June 28, 2026: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Common Incubation Centre (CIC) at the College of Food Technology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India. The centre has been established with financial assistance from MoFPI in collaboration with VNMKV and the State Nodal Agency, Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra.

The inaugural programme was attended by Smt. Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, Minister of State and Guardian Minister of Parbhani; Members of Parliament Dr. Ramrao Wadkute and Shri Sanjay Jadhav; Director of Agricultural Processing Planning Shri Vinaykumar Awate; senior government officials; and university dignitaries led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Chirag Paswan emphasized that food processing is the key to enhancing farmers' income through value addition, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting rural entrepreneurship. He highlighted the Government of India's commitment to strengthening the food processing sector under the vision of Viksit Bharat, encouraging quality production, organic farming, and export-oriented value-added agricultural products. He urged students and entrepreneurs to maintain uncompromising quality standards and become job creators rather than job seekers.

In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani stated that only three Common Incubation Centres have been sanctioned in Maharashtra under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, and VNMKV is proud to host one of them. He noted that the centre is dedicated to promoting rural entrepreneurship and will provide training, technology support, product development, quality testing, business planning, and market linkage to farmers, women, youth, startups, FPOs, and small entrepreneurs.

The newly inaugurated CIC houses three advanced processing lines for jaggery and liquid jaggery production, sugarcane juice and beverage processing, and spice processing, along with a modern Food Testing Laboratory for nutritional, safety, and shelf-life analysis. More than 1,000 beneficiaries have already received training and demonstrations through the centre, which is expected to significantly boost agro-based entrepreneurship and employment in the Marathwada region.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, Associate Dean, College of Food Technology, in the presence of university officials, scientists, farmers, students, alumni, entrepreneurs, and PMFME beneficiaries.

Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, VC, VNMKV honoured with the prestigious “CHAI Honoured Fellow Award–2026” and “CHAI Lifetime Recognition Award–2026”

Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, was honoured with the prestigious “CHAI Honoured Fellow Award–2026” and “CHAI Lifetime Recognition Award–2026” by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during the 15th Annual General Meeting held at Maharana Pratap Horticultural University on May 28, 2026. The awards were presented by the Confederation of Horticulture Associations of India in recognition of his outstanding contributions to agricultural education, research, academic leadership, and farmer-oriented technology dissemination.

मौजे आडगाव येथे एल-निनोच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर शेतकऱ्यांसाठी विशेष मार्गदर्शन बैठक संपन्न

 

यावर्षीच्या खरीप हंगामात एल-निनो चा प्रभाव राहण्याची शक्यता लक्षात घेऊन शेती क्षेत्रात योग्य नियोजन कसे करावे तसेच हवामानानुरूप तंत्रज्ञानाचा अवलंब करून संभाव्य संकटांना कसे सामोरे जावे, याबाबत शेतकऱ्यांमध्ये जनजागृती करण्यासाठी वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषी विद्यापीठ अंतर्गत अखिल भारतीय समन्वयित कोरडवाहू शेती संशोधन प्रकल्पाद्वारे राबविण्यात येत असलेल्या एकात्मिक शेती पद्धती प्रकल्पांतर्गत मौजे आडगाव, ता. पालम येथे विशेष मार्गदर्शन बैठकीचे दिनांक २८ मे २०२६ रोजी आयोजन करण्यात आले होते.

या बैठकीचे आयोजन विद्यापीठाचे माननीय कुलगुरू प्रा. (डॉ.) इन्द्र मणि आणि संशोधन संचालक डॉ. खिजर बेग यांच्या मार्गदर्शनाखाली करण्यात आले. या बैठकीस परिसरातील शेतकरी मोठ्या संख्येने उपस्थित होते. बैठकीत वरिष्ठ शास्त्रज्ञ डॉ. गणेश गायकवाड यांनी उपस्थित शेतकऱ्यांना सविस्तर मार्गदर्शन केले.

यावेळी मार्गदर्शन करताना त्यांनी सांगितले की, एल-निनोमुळे पावसाचे प्रमाण कमी होणे, पावसाचे अनियमित वितरण होणे तसेच दुष्काळसदृश परिस्थिती निर्माण होण्याची शक्यता आहे. त्यामुळे शेतकऱ्यांनी खरीप हंगामासाठी आगाऊ नियोजन करून हवामान बदलाशी सुसंगत शेती तंत्रज्ञानाचा अवलंब करणे आवश्यक आहे.

पीक व्यवस्थापनाविषयी माहिती देताना त्यांनी कमी पाण्यावर तग धरणाऱ्या पिकांची निवड करणे, वेळेवर पेरणी करणे तसेच जमिनीतील ओलावा टिकवून ठेवण्यासाठी योग्य मशागत पद्धतींचा वापर करणे आवश्यक असल्याचे सांगितले. तसेच खत व्यवस्थापन करताना जमिनीच्या परीक्षणानुसार संतुलित खतांचा वापर करावा, सेंद्रिय खतांचा वापर वाढवावा आणि सूक्ष्म अन्नद्रव्यांचा योग्य प्रमाणात वापर करावा, असेही त्यांनी नमूद केले.

अंतरपीक पद्धतीचा अवलंब केल्यास उत्पादनातील जोखीम कमी होऊन शेतकऱ्यांना आर्थिक स्थैर्य मिळू शकते, असे त्यांनी सांगितले. यासोबतच रुंद वरंबा-सरी पद्धतीचा अवलंब केल्यास पावसाचे पाणी जमिनीत अधिक प्रमाणात मुरते, ओलावा टिकून राहतो आणि पिकांची वाढ चांगली होते, अशी माहिती त्यांनी दिली.

बैठकीदरम्यान शेतकऱ्यांनी विविध प्रश्न उपस्थित करून आपल्या शंकांचे निरसन करून घेतले. हवामान बदलाच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर शाश्वत शेती, जलसंधारण, पीक नियोजन आणि दुष्काळ व्यवस्थापन या विषयांवर सखोल चर्चा करण्यात आली.

हा कार्यक्रम यशस्वी करण्यासाठी प्रकल्पाचे मुख्य शास्त्रज्ञ डॉ. आनंद गोरे, वरिष्ठ शास्त्रज्ञ डॉ. गणेश गायकवाड तसेच श्री. सुरेश खटिंग यांनी विशेष परिश्रम घेतले. कार्यक्रमाच्या उत्कृष्ट नियोजनाबद्दल उपस्थितांनी समाधान व्यक्त करून आयोजकांचे कौतुक केले.

या कार्यक्रमास गावातील शेतकरी, ग्रामस्थ तसेच कृषी क्षेत्राशी संबंधित मान्यवर मोठ्या संख्येने उपस्थित होते.

VNMKV Students Shine at Pune Agri-Hackathon 2026

PG students Mr. Subhash Kumar and Ms. Vaishnavi of VNMKV have brought laurels to the University by securing the Runner-Up position at the Pune Agri-Hackathon 2026. Their innovative research work on a resource-efficient hybrid AI pipeline for digital plant phenotyping earned this recognition. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, along with Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Shri Dattatray Bharane, distributed cheques and awards to the winners and runners-up across various categories among startups, emerging entrepreneurs, and progressive farmers organized on 17 May 2026.

The students developed a novel digital plant library and AI-based solution aimed at supporting precision agriculture and benefiting farmers and researchers. University authorities, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Indra Mani and faculty members, congratulated the students on their remarkable accomplishment and wished them continued success.

Israel backs modern mango farming in Marathwada

Upgraded Kesar Mango Centre of VNMKV, Parbhani aims to improve yield and quality

The Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kesar Mango on 12th May 2026 marked a significant step toward strengthening horticulture research and development in the region with the inauguration of its upgraded facilities at Fruit Research Station of VNMKV, Parbhani situated at Himayat Baugh, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Consul General of Yaniv Revach lauded the FRS for taking modernization initiatives and upgrading the Centre of Excellence. Speaking at the inauguration, Revach emphasized that Indo-Israel collaboration would bring prosperity to agriculture in both India and Israel.

“To promote better agriculture and ensure the prosperity of Indian farmers, the Indo-Israel collaboration will combine technology with knowledge-sharing to improve both the quality and yield of crops. This initiative will benefit farmers in both countries. We will also facilitate training for experts by inviting them to Israel, who will, in turn, train farmers in the region in the future.”

The event was presided over by Dr. Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth. The programme was attended by Sunil Wankhede, Dr. Mahesh Kulkarni, Brihma Dev, Joint Director of Agriculture (JDA), Marathwada region, and hundreds of mango growers from across the region. In his address, Dr. Indra Mani stated that efforts would be made to facilitate the training of experts in Israel at the earliest.

“The Indo-Israel collaboration will certainly help improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region. The fusion of technology and knowledge will work wonders.” He also appreciated the efforts of FRS in developing nearly one lakh mango saplings and consistently guiding mango growers to enhance productivity.

Shri. Sunil Wankhede expressed hope for large-scale sharing of mango rootstock and breeding material from Israel in the future. He noted that the Centre of Excellence would play a significant role in improving the financial condition of farmers. Officer-in-Charge and Project Officer of the Centre, Dr. Sanjay G. Patil, highlighted the important role of the CoE in disseminating modern mango production technologies through training programmes and field visits. He stated that the Centre has emerged as a model institution for modern horticulture development in Maharashtra. Assistant Horticulturist Dr. Ravindra Nainwad conducted the proceedings, and Sunil Wankhede proposed the vote of thanks.

Photo Caption: Dr. Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, addresses mango growers during the inauguration of the newly upgraded facilities at the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kesar Mango at Himayat Baugh, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Also seen are (from left) Dr. Mahesh Kulkarni, Sunil Wankhede, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai Yaniv Revach, and Dr. Sanjay G. Patil.

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra reviews SAUs of Maharashtra

Under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of the University Shri.Jishnu Dev Varma, a high-level meeting of senior officials from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries (ADF) Department and Vice-Chancellors of state agricultural universities was held at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai on 24 April 2026.

Hon'ble Governor directed all agricultural universities to establish agro-based incubation centres and promote at least 50 startups to enhance commercialization of agricultural products and create income opportunities for graduates.

During the meeting, Dr. Ramaswami N. presented an overview of animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors, highlighting key opportunities and challenges. Senior officials including Suraj Mandhare, Prerna Deshbhratar, and Dr. Kiran Patil were present.

Among the Vice-Chancellors, Dr. Nitin Patil, Dr. Sanjay Bhave, Dr. Vilas Kharche, Dr. Sharad Gadakh, and Dr. Indra Mani presented overviews of their respective universities.

Dr. Indra Mani, Vice-Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, highlighted the university’s achievements in agricultural innovation, research, and farmer-centric technologies, aligning with the Hon’ble Governor’s vision of promoting agri-entrepreneurship and startup development.

Hon'ble Governor directed all agricultural universities to establish agro-based incubation centres and promote at least 50 startups to enhance commercialization of agricultural products and create income opportunities for graduates.

The Oilseeds Research Station (ORS), Latur under VNMKV), Parbhani has been honoured with the “Best Performing Voluntary AICRP-G Centre” award for the year 2025–26.

Pune, April 23, 2026:

The Oilseeds Research Station (ORS), Latur under Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani has been honoured with the “Best Performing Voluntary AICRP-G Centre” award for the year 2025–26.

The award was presented during the Annual Group Meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Groundnut, held from April 21 to 23, 2026 at the College of Agriculture, Pune (MPKV, Rahuri).

This recognition highlights the outstanding research contributions, field performance, and dedication of ORS, Latur in advancing groundnut research and development.

The achievement brings pride to VNMKV, Parbhani and reflects the institution’s continued commitment to excellence in agricultural research and innovation.

Prof. Dr. Indra Mani Visits JIVA Project, Inaugurates Bio-Input Resource Centre at Babhulgaon Ganganbeed Watershed

25 March 2026: Prof. Dr. Indra Mani, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, visited the JIVA project site at Babhulgaon Ganganbeed watershed today. During his visit, he inaugurated the Bio-Input Resource Centre (BRC), interacted with farmers and women farmers, and undertook field inspections to observe ongoing project interventions. The visit was attended by Dr. Tekale, In-charge, Mechanisation in Animal Husbandry; Dr. H. H. Kausadikar, Head, Soil Science; Dr. Madhuri Revanwar, Head, KVK; and Dr. Maharani Din, Former Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on UAE, ICAR CIAE, Bhopal.

Prof. Dr. Indra Mani lauded the efforts of the farmers, acknowledging the initiatives of Sanskriti Sanwardhan Mandal and the technical support provided by WASSAN and the RRA Network. He felicitated women farmer Smt. Suman Borole for achieving the highest yield under Natural Farming practices. 

During the visit, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor welcomed key suggestions for further project development, including conducting a participatory assessment of the cotton-based crop diversification model—covering both economic and performance analysis—and undertaking a systematic evaluation of Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs).

Emphasizing the importance of scaling up Natural Farming initiatives, Prof. Dr. Indra Mani highlighted the role of multi-actor partnerships involving universities, state government agencies, and civil society organizations. He particularly stressed the need to strengthen the social dimensions of such projects to ensure sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.

VNMKV’s AICRP on Mechanization of Animal Husbandry Centre receives Best Centre Award

The AICRP on Mechanization of Animal Husbandry (MAH) centre at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani has been honoured with the Best Centre Award for Outstanding Research Contribution for the year 2024–25. The award was conferred during the Annual Workshop of the AICRP on MAH held at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The prestigious award was presented by Dr. M. S. Chauhan, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the university, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. S. N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi; Dr. K. P. Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Engineering), ICAR; and Dr. S. P. Singh, Project Coordinator, AICRP on MAH from ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal.

The award recognizes the significant research contributions and technological advancements made by the VNMKV centre in the field of mechanization of animal husbandry, aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, and reducing drudgery in livestock management. On this occasion, Dr. Indra Mani, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of VNMKV, and Dr. K. S. Baig, Director of Research, congratulated the team of scientists of the AICRP on MAH centre for this significant achievement and appreciated their dedicated efforts in strengthening research on livestock mechanization for the benefit of farmers. 

महाराष्ट्र राज्याचे सन्माननीय कृषिमंत्री माननीय नामदार श्री दत्तात्रय भरणे यांचे अध्यक्षतेत "नैसर्गिक शेती- संधी आणि आव्हाने" विषयावर राज्यस्तरीय विचारमंथन संपन्न!

“नैसर्गिक शेती संदर्भात विस्तार सेवा व समन्वय " सत्र माननीय कुलगुरू प्रा. (डॉ.) इन्द्र मणि यांच्या अध्यक्षतेखाली पार पडले.

कृषिप्रधान संस्कृती लाभलेल्या आपल्या देशाने कृषि वैज्ञानिक आणि शेतकऱ्यांच्या योगदानातून कधीकाळी इतर प्रगत राष्ट्रावरील  अन्नधान्य उत्पादनातील परावलंबीत्व झूगारत केवळ आपल्या सर्वधिक लोकसंख्यांक देशाची भूकच भागविली नाही तर अन्नधान्य, फळे व इतर कृषि उत्पादांच्या निर्यातीत महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका बजावत आपले सर्वोत्तम योगदान दिले असल्याचे प्रतिपादित करतांना महाराष्ट्र राज्याचे कृषि मंत्री ना. श्री. दत्तात्रय भरणे यांनी राज्यातील शेती क्षेत्राचे आधीपत्य अधोरेखित केले व सध्या काळाची गरज बनलेल्या व्यावसायिकदृष्ट्या फायदेशीर नैसर्गिक शेतीच्या तंत्रज्ञान वापरासह प्रचार प्रसारात महाराष्ट्र देशपातळीवर अग्रेसर राज्य ठरेल असा आत्मविश्वास देखील व्यक्त केला. नैसर्गिक शेतीचे विविध पैलू जाणून घेण्यासाठी डॉ. पंजाबराव देशमुख कृषि विद्यापीठाच्या नैसर्गिक शेती संशोधन व प्रशिक्षण केंद्राचे वतीने "नैसर्गिक शेती - संधी आणि आव्हाने" या अतिशय महत्त्वकांक्षी विषयावर एक दिवसीय राज्यस्तरीय विचार मंथन सत्राचे आयोजन दिनांक १० फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी कृषि महाविद्यालय अकोलाच्या स्व. के. आर. ठाकरे सभागृहात करण्यात आले होते, यां अतिशय महत्वाकांक्षी ब्रेन स्टोर्मिंग सत्राच्या उदघाटन प्रसंगी कार्यक्रमाचे उदघाटक तथा अध्यक्ष म्हणून राज्यभरातून उपस्थित झालेले कृषि विद्यापीठांचे कुलगुरू, संचालक, शास्त्रज्ञ, कृषि महाविद्यालय/कृषि तंत्र विद्यालयांचे सहयोगी अधिष्ठाता/ प्राचार्य, कृषि विज्ञान केंद्राचे प्रमुख/ विषय तज्ञ,  अधिकारी, कर्मचारी, विद्यार्थी- विद्यार्थिनी सोबतच राज्यातील कृषि विभागाचे प्रादेशिक,विभागीय, जिल्हा स्तरीय अधिकारी, प्रकल्प संचालक आत्मा, यांचे सह आभासी माध्यमातून सहभागी झालेले प्रयोगशील, प्रगतीशील शेतकरी वर्गाला संबोधीत करतांना ते बोलत होते.  केंद्र शासनाच्या शाश्वत शेती धोरणांनुसार तसेच महाराष्ट्र राज्य शासनाच्या कृषी धोरणांनुसार नैसर्गिक शेतीस चालना देणे ही काळाची गरज बनली असून या संदर्भात महाराष्ट्राचे सन्माननीय राज्यपाल व कृषी विद्यापीठांचे कुलपती मा. श्री. आचार्य देवव्रतजी यांचे योगदान अत्यंत मौलिक असल्याचे सांगताना कृषिमंत्री नामदार श्री. दत्तात्रय भरणे यांनी त्यांच्या दूरदृष्टीतून आणि सातत्यपूर्ण मार्गदर्शनामुळे नैसर्गिक शेतीचा विचार राज्यातील प्रत्येक शेतकऱ्यांपर्यंत पोहोचविण्यासाठी आपण संयुक्त परिश्रमांची मोट बांधत आर्थिक, सशक्त, आरोग्य  संपन्न राज्य म्हणून पुढे आणण्याचा संकल्प करण्याचे भावनिक आवाहन केले व राज्य शासनाच्या भरीव सहयोगाची शाश्वती देखील दिली. तर  माननीय राज्यपाल आचार्य देवव्रत यांनी आपल्या दूरदृष्टीतून शास्त्रोक्त पद्धतीने शाश्वत ठरलेले विविध कृषि विषयक संशोधन संस्थांच्या निरंतर संशोधनातून सिद्ध झालेले व्यावसायिकदृष्ट्या शाश्वत नैसर्गिक शेती तत्रज्ञान पूर्णपणे समजून घेत, प्रथम निविष्ठा निर्मिती व नंतर छोट्या प्रमाणात वापर करण्याचे देखील स्पष्ट केले असल्याचे सांगताना माननीय राज्यपाल महोदयांचे सचिव डॉ. प्रशांतकुमार नारनवरे यांनी इतर राज्यातील कृषि विषयक संस्थानी सिद्ध केलेले तंत्रज्ञान प्रथम आपल्या राज्यातील कृषि विषयक संस्थानी यावर अधिक संशोधन करीत त्यातून आपल्या शासकीय निमशासकीय संस्थासह प्रयोगशील शेतकऱ्यांच्या एकात्मिक प्रयत्नातून नैसर्गिक शेती कृतीत आणायचे आवाहन आपले मार्गदर्शनात केले.

त्याप्रसंगी डॉ. पंजाबराव देशमुख कृषी विद्यापीठ, अकोला येथील माननीय कुलगुरू डॉ. शरद गडाख तसेच राज्याचे माननीय कृषी आयुक्त श्री. सुरज मांढरे यांनीही कार्यक्रमात मार्गदर्शन केले. उद्घाटन सत्रानंतर तांत्रिक सत्रांच्या माध्यमातून नैसर्गिक शेतीचे विविध पैलू सविस्तरपणे उलगडण्यात आले. यामध्ये “नैसर्गिक शेती : क्षमता व परिणाम”, “नैसर्गिक शेतीमध्ये सूक्ष्मजीव व गांडुळांची भूमिका”, “नैसर्गिक शेती अंतर्गत पीक उत्पादन सुधारणा” तसेच “नैसर्गिक शेती संदर्भात विस्तार सेवा व समन्वय” या चार तांत्रिक सत्रांमध्ये तज्ज्ञांनी मार्गदर्शन केले. यापैकी “नैसर्गिक शेती संदर्भात विस्तार सेवा व समन्वय” हे सत्र माननीय कुलगुरू प्रा. (डॉ.) इन्द्र मणि यांच्या अध्यक्षतेखाली पार पडले.

महाराष्ट्र राज्याचे सन्माननीय कृषिमंत्री माननीय नामदार श्री. दत्तात्रय भरणे यांचे अध्यक्षतेत संपन्न झालेल्या या अतिशय महत्त्वकांक्षी परिसंवादाचे प्रसंगी महाराष्ट्र राज्याच्या राज्यपाल महोदयांचे माननीय सचिव डॉ. प्रशांतकुमार नारनवरे, राज्याचे कृषी आयुक्त माननीय श्री सुरज मांढरे यांचे सह डॉ. पंजाबराव देशमुख कृषी विद्यापीठ अकोलाचे माननीय कुलगुरू  डॉ. शरद गडाख, महात्मा फुले कृषी विद्यापीठ राहुरीचे कुलगुरू  डॉ. विलास खर्चे, मराठवाडा कृषि विद्यापीठ परभणीचे माननीय कुलगुरू, डॉ. इन्द्र मणि, डॉ. बाळासाहेब सावंत कोकण कृषी विद्यापीठ, दापोलीचे माननीय कुलगुरू डॉ. संजय भावे, महाराष्ट्र पशु व मत्स्य विज्ञान विद्यापीठ, नागपूरचे माननीय कुलगुरू डॉ. नितीन पाटील , महात्मा फुले कृषि विद्यापीठ,, राहुरीचे माजी कुलगुरू डॉ. सुभाष पुरी, विद्यापीठ कार्यकारी परिषदेचे सदस्य, वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषी विद्यापीठाचे संशोधन संचालक डॉ. खिजर बेग, प्रमुख संशोधक (PI) डॉ. आनंद गोरे यांच्यासह नैसर्गिक शेती क्षेत्रातील तज्ज्ञ शास्त्रज्ञ डॉ. मिनाक्षी पाटील, डॉ. पपिता गौरखेडे, डॉ. श्रध्दा धुरगुडे, प्रा. प्रीतम भुतडा तसेच संशोधन सहाय्यक तेजस्विनी कच्छवे तसेच या कार्यशाळेत कृषी आयुक्तालयापासून ते जिल्हा स्तरावरील अधिकारी, आत्माचे प्रकल्प संचालक, विद्यापीठाचे अधिष्ठाता, विस्तार व संशोधन संचालक, विषयतज्ज्ञ शास्त्रज्ञ, विद्यार्थी, जिल्हा कृषी अधीक्षक आणि विविध राष्ट्रीय संशोधन केंद्रांचे  संचालकांची उपस्थिती लाभली होती.

सौजन्य - 

डॉ. किशोर बिडवे, जनसंपर्क अधिकारी, पीडीकेव्ही, अकोला