धाराशिव येथे कृषी उद्योजकता निर्मिती व क्षमाता विकास कार्यशाळचे आयोजन आणि महा ॲग्रो आयडॉल पुरस्कार २०२४ चे वितरण

उद्योजकता हाच यशस्वी होण्याचा मार्ग - कुलगुरू मा. प्रा. (डॉ.) इन्द्र मणि

वसंतराव नाईक मराठवाडा कृषी विद्यापीठाचे तुळजापूर येथील कृषी विज्ञान केंद्र, महाराष्ट्र शासनाचा कृषी विभाग, कृषी तंत्रज्ञान व्यवस्थापन यंत्रणा (आत्मा) धाराशिव आणि कृषी भूषण महाराष्ट्र एफपीओ स्टार्टअप फेडरेशन यांच्या संयुक्त विद्यमाने शेतकरी, कृषी उद्योजक, शेतकरी उत्पादक कंपन्यांचा क्षमता विकासावर आधारित कृषी उद्योजकता निर्मिती व क्षमता विकास कार्यशाळा तसेच ॲग्रो केअर कृषी मंच आयोजित महा ॲग्रो आयडॉल अवॉर्ड्स २०२४ चे वितरण कार्यक्रम दिनांक ७ जानेवारी रोजी धाराशिव येथील सेंट्रल बिल्डिंगच्या डीपीडीसी हॉल मध्ये आयोजित करण्यात आला. अध्यक्षस्थानी विद्यापीठाचे कुलगुरू मा. प्रा. (डॉ.) इन्द्र मणि हे होते. कार्यक्रमास सन्माननीय उपस्थिती धाराशिव चे पोलीस अधीक्षक मा. श्री संजय जाधव यांची होती. व्यासपीठावर विस्तार शिक्षण संचालक डॉ. गिरधारी वाघमारे, धाराशिवचे जिल्हा अधीक्षक कृषी अधिकारी श्री रविंद्र माने, सहयोगी अधिष्ठाता डॉ दिगंबर पेरके, आत्माचे प्रकल्प संचालक श्री खंडेराव सराफ, कृषी विज्ञान केंद्राचे वरिष्ठ शास्त्रज्ञ तथा प्रमुख श्री सचिन सूर्यवंशी आणि कृषी भूषण महाराष्ट्र एफपीओ स्टार्टअप फेडरेशनचे अध्यक्ष श्री भूषण निकम हे होते.

यावेळी कृषि आणि सलग्न क्षेत्रात उल्लेखनीय कार्य केलेले शास्त्रज्ञ, विस्तार कार्यकर्ते , प्रगतशील शेतकरी आणि यशस्वी उद्योजक अशा एकूण ३० व्यक्तींना मान्यवरांच्या शुभहस्ते महा ॲग्रो आयडॉल पुरस्कार २०२४ चे वितरण करण्यात आले.

अध्यक्षीय भाषणात कुलगुरू मा. प्रा (डॉ) इन्द्र मणि यांनी कृषी उद्योजकता निर्मिती आणि क्षमता विकासासाठी महत्वपूर्ण   मार्गदर्शन केले. ते म्हणाले की, उद्योजकता हाच यशस्वी होण्याचा मार्ग, उद्योजक बनायच असेल तर मेहनत करण्याची इच्छा, आर्थिक जोखीम घेण्याची तयारी पाहिजे. ठराविक गोष्टी ठरवून उद्योजक बनने अवघड आहे. महाराष्ट्रात शेतकरी मध्ये उद्योजकता कौशल्य भरभरून आहेत. यशस्वी उद्योजकाने किमान एक नवीन उद्योजक निर्माण करणे गरजेचे आहे . तसेच समाजातील लोकांना उद्योजक होण्याकरिता सहकार्य व प्रेरणा दिली पाहिजे. तसेच आपण मोठे बनण्यापेक्षा महान बनणे महत्वाचे  आहे, असे प्रतिपादन केले.

विस्तार शिक्षण संचालक डॉ. वाघमारे सर म्हणाले की, चिन, जपान या देशांनी छोटे छोटे लघु उद्योग निर्माण करून उद्योजकता वाढविली. परंतु, आज भारत देशाने चिन आणि जपान या देशांना मागे टाकत आहोत. मा. कुलगुरू यांच्या संकल्पनेतून माझा एक दिवस माझ्या बळीराजासाठी हा कार्यक्रम खास शेतकरी बांधवाकरिता दर महिन्याच्या दुसऱ्या बुधवारी अविरतपणे घेण्यात येत आहे. शेतकरी शास्त्रज्ञ सुसंवाद दर शुक्रवारी ऑनलाईन पद्धतीने घेण्यात येतो त्याचा शेतकरी बांधवानी सहभागी होऊन फायदा घ्यावा व आपल्या शंका चे निरसन करून घ्यावे. विद्यापीठ विस्तार कार्यातून शेतकऱ्यांना यशस्वी उद्योजक तयार करण्यासाठी प्रयत्न करत आहे. मोठे उद्योजक निर्माण होने काळाची गरज आहे असे नमूद केले.

Five-Day Training on "Food Processing & Value Addition" Inaugurated at VNMKV

A five-day residential training program on "Food Processing & Value Addition" was inaugurated at the College of Food Technology, VNMKV, Parbhani, on January 6, 2025, by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani. The event is jointly organized by the College of Food Technology and the Agri-Clinics & Agri-Business Centres (ACABC), MANAGE, Hyderabad.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Dr. V.K. Singh, Director, CRIDA, Hyderabad, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Director, IIFSR, Modipuram (UP), Dr. B.V. Asewar, DI & Dean , Dr. G M Waghmare, DEE, Dr. R.B. Kshirsagar, Associate Dean, College of Food Technology, & Dr. Bhavajali, Advisor from ACABC, MANAGE.

Agripreneurs from five states — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry — have registered for the training, with a total of 25 participants. The program aims to provide hands-on training in food processing and value addition to enhance entrepreneurial skills and promote self-reliance in agriculture.

In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani highlighted the importance of cultivating entrepreneurial spirit among students and participants. He emphasized that resilience and analytical skills are essential for overcoming challenges in business ventures. He encouraged the trainees to combine hard work with innovation to succeed as entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector.

Dr. V.K. Singh stressed the potential of dryland crops and the significance of green energy and sustainable agriculture in ensuring future food security. Dr. Sunil Kumar underscored the role of food processing technologies in improving nutritional security and achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

The training program will include interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, and field visits to equip the participants with innovative techniques in food processing and help them establish sustainable agri-business enterprises.

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.