By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Pantnagar, 1 Jan: Directorate of Research at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology organised a New Year programme and the third annual meeting of the Research Council, today, at Gandhi Hall, under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan.
The Chief Guest was Dr DS Rawat, Vice-Chancellor of Kumaon University, Nainital.
Dr DS Rawat shared his experiences and stated that both money and determination are necessary to achieve goals. He inspired the scientists and urged everyone to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of society. He emphasised the importance of scientists effectively utilising their time, publishing high-quality research papers, developing innovative products, and commercialising technologies for societal benefit.
In his presidential address, Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan suggested that scientists focus on Idea, Innovation and Strategy while incorporating the principles of ‘IIS’. He emphasised the importance of patents, publications and making efforts to commercialise patents. He encouraged the establishment of entrepreneurial ventures through the opening of outlets for Mandua Lassi, a product developed by the university. He also urged researchers to publish high-quality research papers with NAAS rating of 8 or above and stressed the significance of teamwork, positive thinking, and collective efforts for social development. Reflecting on past achievements, he mentioned that over 100 technologies had been developed in the past three years. He expressed happiness over the university receiving recognition for All India Coordinated Research Projects funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
At the beginning of the programme, Dr AS Nain, Director of Research, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the university’s achievements. He also highlighted the university’s outreach through agricultural advisory services in the districts of Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital. He mentioned the successful implementation of the e-file system initiated in January 2024, which has enhanced administrative efficiency by addressing issues related to bill payments and project management.
Scientists involved in ongoing ICAR projects, recognised as best centres under the AICRP scheme, were honoured. These included Dr SK Verma for pulses research, Dr Rupali Sharma for crop biocontrol, Dr SK Mishra for mushrooms, and Dr DK Singh for organic farming. Dr SK Verma was also honoured with the Radha Krishnan Best Teacher Award for his contributions to research and teaching. Additionally, certificates were awarded to research scholars recognised for their work in key areas such as waste management, organic farming, animal breed improvement, genomics-assisted breeding, and nanotechnology. The recipients included Dr Subhash Chandra, Dr Shiv Prasad, Dr Sandeep Kumar, and Dr Rajeev Kumar.
Two MoUs were signed during the meeting. The first MoU was signed with VPKAS, Almora, represented by Dr Nirmal Hedau, Head of the Department of Crop Science. The second MoU was signed with Green Cybus International Private Limited, Ghaziabad, in the presence of Managing Director Swati Thakur and the GST Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, Gaurav Rajput, to promote innovation. Dr Lalit Bhatt, Dr Archana Kushwaha, and Dr Sarita Srivastava from Pantnagar University were also present during the agreement. On this occasion, the system for applying for leave through the e-office was inaugurated.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr PK Singh, Joint Director of Research, and the event was conducted by Dr Anil Yadav, Joint Director of Research. The programme was attended by deans, directors, faculty members, scientists and staff.
