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.