BAU Nominated as Nodal Agency by NITI Ayog for Study to be Undertaken for Preparing Plan for Purvodaya States

The Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour will play a pivotal role in study to be undertaken for formulating a comprehensive plan for agriculture and allied sectors including rural development for Purvodaya states.

The university has been entrusted responsibility of acting as nodal agency for conducting the study by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog). Taking note research achievements besides expertise of BAU, the university has been made nodal agency for the important study.

The study findings are likely to be the basis for preparing NITI Ayog comprehensive development plan for Purvodaya states concerning agriculture. The government of India it may be mentioned has initiated the Purvodaya plan for holistic development in eastern region including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

The Purvodaya plan aims at exploiting growth potentials of the region focusing on Key areas. Apart from addressing unique challenges, the plan as per information would be also designed to ensure available opportunities could be utilized in best possible way for development of eastern region.

The NITI Ayog has observed, Bihar being one of the critical states of eastern India needs focused analysis and strategic interventions under Purvodaya initiative for addressing existing challenges and utilizing vast development potential of the state.

In light of the observation, nomination of BAU as nodal agency for planned study could be particularly useful in identifying needed measures that could help achieve developmental goals set for Bihar under Purvodaya initiative.

The terms of reference of study for which university has been made nodal agency, include analysis of the key issues and challenges in Purovdaya region concerning sectors identified in past studies and regional plans. The performance of the previous regional plans would be taken into consideration for the study Identifying potential targets for the sectors to be covered under the study, keeping in view challenges of the sector forms part of terms of reference of the study. The terms of reference of study also includes interventions needed for bridging the developmental gaps besides estimation of financial requirement for the purpose.

Dr D. R Singh, VC, BAU expressing happiness over nomination said entrustment of responsibility for acting as nodal agency for the important study is sort of acknowledgement of university leadership in field of agricultural research and development. Following study, the university team would specify required strategies for attaining objectives of Purvodaya plan, he informed.

Dr A K Singh, director, research said the Purvodaya plan aligns with university initiative of registering impactful agricultural innovations. The university looks forward to address issues detrimental in agricultural growth and prepare developmental road map through the study, he added.

बीएयू के छात्रों का शानदार प्रदर्शन: सहायक निदेशक के पद पर चयनित हुए 8 छात्र

साबौर, भागलपुर। बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय (बीएयू) के छात्रों ने एक बार फिर अपनी उत्कृष्टता का परिचय दिया है। बिहार लोक सेवा आयोग (BPSC) द्वारा घोषित सहायक निदेशक (पौधा संरक्षण) के परिणाम में कुल दस सफल उम्मीदवारों में से आठ बीएयू के छात्र हैं। यह उपलब्धि न केवल विश्वविद्यालय बल्कि पूरे राज्य के लिए गर्व का विषय है।

इस सफलता पर बीएयू के माननीय कुलपति डॉ. डी. आर. सिंह ने कहा, "यह परिणाम विश्वविद्यालय में बेहतर शिक्षण माहौल, उत्कृष्ट सुविधाओं और उच्च गुणवत्ता वाली शिक्षा का प्रमाण है। बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, जो राज्य का एकमात्र कृषि विश्वविद्यालय है, अपने उच्च मानकों के लिए जाना जाता है। यह उपलब्धि माननीय मुख्यमंत्री के विज़न और कृषि रोडमैप के माध्यम से कृषि शिक्षा को बढ़ाने की प्रतिबद्धता का परिणाम है।"

सफल छात्रों में शामिल सोनू भारती ने अपनी सफलता का श्रेय बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय को देते हुए कहा, "विश्वविद्यालय ने हमें हर वह सुविधा दी, जो हमें इस मुकाम तक पहुंचाने में सहायक रही। कुलपति महोदय ने लाइब्रेरी को 24 घंटे खुलवाया और लैब्स को उत्कृष्ट रूप से संचालित किया, जिससे पढ़ाई में काफी सहूलियत हुई।"

इसी प्रकार, चयनित उम्मीदवार अंकित आनंद ने कहा, "बीएयू में हर छात्र पर व्यक्तिगत ध्यान दिया जाता है। विश्वविद्यालय के प्राध्यापकों ने हमें परीक्षा की बेहतर तैयारी करवाई। माननीय कुलपति ने स्वयं हमारी प्रगति की निगरानी की, जो हमारी सफलता में मील का पत्थर साबित हुई।"
 *बीएयू के इन छात्रों ने पायी सफलता :* 
अंकित आनंद 
सोनू भारतीय 
संस्कृति बी मौर्या 
सौरभ भारती
पारस देव 
अमित शेखर 
आकांक्षा कुमारी 
ऋतू राज 

बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय की यह सफलता राज्य में कृषि शिक्षा के उच्च स्तर और विश्वविद्यालय की प्रतिबद्धता का प्रमाण है। विश्वविद्यालय ने एक बार फिर सिद्ध किया है कि यहां दी जा रही शिक्षा और सुविधाएं छात्रों को राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन करने के लिए प्रेरित करती हैं।

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जारीकर्ता
जनसंपर्क अधिकारी,
बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय,
साबौर, भागलपुर

The Farm Machinery Testing Centre, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour received approval and authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Mechanization & Technology Division), GOI for testing all types of Agricultural machinery, equipment’s and implements operated manually and also by tractors and power tillers. This is the first centre in the Eastern India providing testing service for agricultural implements. Earlier the farmers had to visit farther centres to avail this facility.

Farmers have understood the role of farm machinery and implements in augmenting the agricultural productivity. However, providing efficient and improved implements to the farmers is the need of the time. In order to achieve the maximum returns, these modern machinery need to be designed and developed efficiently and tested thoroughly to ascertain their performance before they reach to the farmers. The government is giving subsidy to farm machines which are tested at authorized farm machinery training and testing institutes. Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour is now the first state university in the state of Bihar which is having farm machine testing facility.

Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar) has received Authorization of its Farm Machinery Testing Centre for ensuring supply of quality agricultural machinery and equipment under Government Programmes, from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India through F.No. 13-31/2021 -M&T (I&P) (FTS-102621) Dated the 10^th December, 2024.

The newly authorized Farm Machinery Testing Centre, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar) has been approved to test the Agricultural Machinery, equipments and implements as per below:

1. All types of Agricultural machinery, equipments and implements operated by tractors and power tillers.

        II.   All types of manually operated/animal drawn Agricultural machinery, equipments and implements.

This authorization is significant for the farm machine sector in Bihar and neighbouring regions, as it facilitates easier access to quality testing services. Farm machine manufacturers can now test and certify their machinery locally without having to send it to distant centres, promoting quality assurance and innovation in farm technology. This centre for farm machinery testing will help in testing of more agricultural equipment that are favourable for the state of Bihar and other parts of the country.

Testing will strictly adhere to the test regulations scrupulously which are followed by FMTTIs & other designated Test Centres and would offer their services directly to the manufacturers only.The Testing Report would help Manufacturersto evaluate their product both for developmental and production models, to get the advice of the testing institution based on the performance reports and thus continuously improve upon their products, to get an authentic data on the performance of similar machines of other manufacturers to further improve their product, To improve technical literature like service manual, performance data sheets etc, and to provide independence evidence to support their claims for their machine performance.

Testing Authority NERFMTTI/Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will review the functioning of the Test Centre periodically and supervise its activity, and all the Draft Test Reports along with all Technical documents will be forwarded to Director NERFMTTI, Biswanath Chariali, Assam for its approval.

Sabour Trichoderma-1: Mitigating Soil-borne Diseases

Biological control of diseases using native microorganisms especially with Trichoderma spp. is one of the alternative approaches for chemical management of soil-borne diseases. At present, no Trichoderma spp. in the country is present as biological control agent having extreme abiotic stress tolerant properties. However, considering the present environment conditions, “Sabour Trichoderma-1” has been released in the Research Council Meeting (RCM) against seed and soil-borne diseases of lentil and chickpea and recommended for pulses growing areas. The technology was developed by Dr Md Arshad Anwer of Department of Plant Pathology. The technology is having Trichoderma asperellum isolate BAU-T1, isolated from arable land of Sitakund area (near hot spring) of Munger. Phylogeneitic analysis using sequence information obtained from sequencing of 18S rDNA showed isolate BAU-T1 fungus belongs to T. asperellum. The isolate has the potential to tolerate heat temperature up to 45ºC, 1750 mM salt (NaCl) concentration, and pH up to 11.

It controls the seed- and soil-borne diseases of lentil and chickpea such as collar rot, dry root rot and wilt diseases caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia spp. and Fusarium spp., respectively. It also significantly increased the yield of non-infected plants. Treatment Recommendation: Seeds of lentil/ chickpea should be treated with 5 gram formulation having Trichoderma (2 × 10⁶ cfu/ gram formulation) per kg seed and sown in the soil followed by common agronomical practices to manage soil- or seed-borne diseases. The functioning of the Trichoderma Unit including technical observation in production process is critically monitored by Dr Abhijeet Ghatak and Dr Prachi Singh of Department of Plant Pathology, BAC Sabour. Their technical oversight in the production process ensures the effective functioning of Trichoderma formulations for disease management. The research and implementation led by these scientists have demonstrated that Trichoderma effectively controls seed- and soil-borne diseases. For sale, the current rate of Trichoderma including GST is Rs 112/- per kg.

Agri university scientists discover medicinal compound in makhana

As makhana (fox nut) gains popularity as a healthy snack in Indian households, scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, have achieved a major breakthrough. They have identified a unique compound, N-(2-iodophenyl) methane sulfonamide, in makhana, which has vital medicinal property.

"This is the first time the bioactive compound has been identified as a naturally occurring component in makhana," said Dr D R Singh, vice-chancellor (VC) of BAU. He added that the compound, a sulfonamide derivative of iodobenzene, is known for its pharmacological potential. In synthetic forms, it has been explored for medicine development. "This finding proves the therapeutic potential of makhana and promises to boost its global recognition and market value. It could revolutionise both the makhana industry and global snacking habits," he added.

Dr Singh added, "The research reflects BAU's commitment to innovation, uplifting farmers' economic conditions and positioning Bihar as a hub for cutting-edge agricultural advancements. It benefits both the scientific community and farming sectors." He said this finding would inspire farmers to combine traditional farming knowledge with modern science, ensuring Bihar remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation while improving farmers' welfare.

Dr Anil Kumar Singh, director of research at BAU, filed a patent for the discovery. He said makhana, traditionally valued as a nutritious food, is now recognised as a bioactive resource with medicinal value. "This positions makhana as more than just a snack — it becomes a key player in the nutraceutical industry, attracting interest from pharmaceutical companies and boosting its economic potential," he said.

The research team revealed that makhana is not only rich in nutrients but also has antioxidant and therapeutic properties. This discovery is expected to increase market demand and value for makhana, offering better income opportunities for farmers in Bihar and beyond.

Conducted in the university's NABL-accredited laboratory, the study was led by a team of scientists and faculty members, including V Shajeeda Banu (plant biotechnology),

The University got is first trademark granted

The university secures its first trademark on the logo and slogan “ Work is Worship, Work with Smile’ which was brainchild of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof D.R. Singh. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor after joining office in the month of January 2023, gave the slogan for upliftment of academic, research, extension and training activities of the university. The trademark has been granted from Trade Marks Registry, Government Of India, Trade Marks Act, 1999, Certificate of Registration of Trade Mark, Section 23 (2), Rule 56 (1). The trademark has been granted from 06th June 2023. This is the national recognition of the university in the arena of trademark. Under dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor university excels in sphere of academics, research, extension and training. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor congratulated the Director Research, Dr Anil Kumar Singh and Officer-in-charge, ITMU, Dr Nintu Mandal, for achieving this recognition. He further wished that the university will bring more number of patents, design and trademarks in near future.

World Soil Day-2024 celebrated by the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour

The Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry (SSAC), Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, celebrated World Soil Day-2024 with immense enthusiasm and active participation on 5^th December, 2024. This year’s theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” underscored the pressing need for accurate soil data to promote sustainable management practices, secure global food supplies, and bolster environmental resilience. Dr. D. R. Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, BAU, Sabour in his message for event emphasized the significance of managing soil health to ensure a sustainable future for the upcoming generations. He also advocated for organizing more such awareness initiatives to foster collective action for soil conservation as a whole. The celebration began with a Prabhat Pheri (morning walk), featuring enthusiastic participation from students of Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nagarpara, Bhagalpur, who traversed the university campus to promote the importance of soil health awareness. This was followed by formal registration and the unveiling of a newly curated wall magazine prepared by the postgraduate students of the department. The release of fourth issue of e-newsletter by the Indian Society of Soil Science, Sabour Chapter marked another milestone in the day’s agenda. One of the event’s key highlight was an invited lecture by Professor Goutam Kumar Ghosh, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal. His insightful discourse focused on strategies for soil health governance, highlighting the delicate balance between crop productivity and environmental sustainability through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Interactive student-centric activities, including the “KNOW YOUR SOIL” quiz and a Just-A-Minute (JAM) competition, fostered engagement and deepened understanding of soil conservation among the participants. Winners were celebrated with prizes presented by the Soil Conservation Society of India, Sabour Chapter. To add a hands-on learning component, a training session on soil testing kits was conducted, providing school students with practical knowledge about soil health assessment. Throughout the day, educational posters showcasing soil conservation methods were displayed at the plantation area near PG Lab-1, enriching the learning experience. Dr. Anshuman Kohli, Chairman, SSAC also encouraged the faculty members and students for organizing such events in future. 100 students from Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nagarpara, Bhagalpur and 60 Post graduate students of the department were present in the programme. along with  The program concluded with a powerful message emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve soil health for future generations, reinforcing its critical role in achieving sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience. At the end of various events, Dr. Kasturikasen Beura, Organizing Secretary, World Soil Day-2024, thanked all the faculty members, students, non-teaching staff and the persons involved in the programme to make this event a grand success.

आप सभी को संविधान दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। संविधान लोकतंत्र की आत्मा है, भारतीय संविधान हमें हमारे अधिकारों के साथ कर्तव्यों के निर्वहन की सीख भी देता है। आइए, हम राष्ट्रनिर्माण में अपने कर्तव्यों का पालन करें।

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, New Delhi, and former Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), warmly welcomed Dr. D. R. Singh, Honorable Vice Chancellor of BAU, Sabour, and BASU, Patna. This courtesy meeting took place at the ICAR-RCER Complex in Patna, aiming to strengthen in the field of agriculture and research.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Bihar Animal Science University, Patna, Dr. D.R. Singh inaugurated the National Conference of ISAGB (ISAGBCON) on New Vistas in Harnessing Genetic Resources for Sustainable Animal Production and XVIII Annual Convention of the Indian Society of Animal Genetics & Breeding (ISAGB) on 21st November, 2024. The chief guest on the occasion was Dr. Trilochan Mahapatra, Chairperson, PPV&FRA and Former Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi