BAU Scientists demonstrate excellence in National Seminar on Green Energy for Clean Environment and Sustainable Agriculture on the occasion of World Earth Day
World Earth day was solemnly observed in BAU, Sabour on 22nd April, 2025 to raise awareness about environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, climate change, and endangered flora and fauna. The aim is to increase awareness and encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action to preserve and protect the Earth's natural resources. Several scientists of the University participated in a NATIONAL SEMINAR on GREEN ENERGY FOR CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. Randeep Kumar, Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist, Agricultural Chemicals, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur outlined his work focussing on developing targeted, eco-friendly solutions to combat bakanae disease in rice, a serious fungal threat caused by Fusarium fujikuroi. The research combined in-silico molecular screening with in-vitro biological assays to discover novel fungicidal compounds with high specificity against the pathogen’s essential proteins and genes. This integrated approach has enabled the identification of promising lead molecules that demonstrate superior performance compared to conventional fungicides. These compounds have been further developed into oil-based seed treatment formulations, offering a sustainable method to prevent disease onset at the earliest stage of crop development. By avoiding broad-spectrum chemical use and embracing precision-targeted strategies, this work aligns strongly with Earth Day values—emphasizing environmental stewardship, biodiversity protection, and food security. This showcases how modern agricultural science can innovate responsibly, paving the way for cleaner, safer, and more resilient farming systems. Such research based innovations not only supports the ecological ethos of Earth Day but also contributes meaningfully to the future of sustainable crop protection.
Another remarkable contribution to sustainable agricultural research was presented by Dr. Ingle Sagar Nandulal, Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur. His presentation spotlighted a comprehensive GIS-based land resource appraisal of a watershed underscoring the transformative potential of geospatial technologies in land use planning and environmental stewardship. Leveraging high-resolution satellite datasets, CARTOSAT-merged IRS-LISS-IV, LISS-III, CARTOSAT-1 DEM, and Survey of India (SOI) toposheets, he identified and mapped five major landforms: plateaus, escarpments, isolated mounds, hills and ridges, and pediments. Land use/land cover analysis revealed five primary categories: forest, cultivated land, wasteland, habitation, and water bodies. The study incorporated detailed slope classification and soil series mapping at a 1:10,000 scale, identifying five distinct soil series based on landform-soil relationships. Key soil characteristics such as depth, texture, drainage, erosion intensity, and agronomic suitability were assessed to determine the capability of soils for cultivating various crops. Crop suitability was classified as moderate to marginal or not suitable depending on the inherent soil properties. The soils were grouped into relevant land capability and irrigability sub-classes, highlighting constraints like slope, erosion, and shallow profiles. Based on this scientific appraisal, targeted land use recommendations and soil and water conservation strategies were proposed to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the watershed. His work demonstrated how Remote Sensing and GIS tools can support informed, data-driven decisions for sustainable agricultural development and effective natural resource management. His research resonates strongly with the 2025 World Earth Day theme 'Invest In Our Planet', reinforcing the role of innovation and scientific insight in fostering resilient agro-ecosystems and environmental conservation.
Dr. Bhabani Prasad Mondal, Assistant Professor cum Junior Scientist, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, presented a pioneering study on Digital Soil Moisture Mapping Using Integrated Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Approaches. His research addresses the limitations of traditional surface soil moisture (SSM) monitoring by harnessing the power of optical, thermal, and microwave remote sensing data—combined with robust machine learning models—to generate high-resolution (30 m) surface soil moisture maps. This innovative approach enables precise spatial analysis of moisture dynamics at the field level, critical for informed irrigation scheduling, optimizing sowing window and drought resilience. Among the tested models, Random Forest outperformed others, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy and reliability. The study’s outcomes pave the way for real-time SSM estimation and decision-support tools, especially beneficial for optimizing sowing windows and irrigation management in water-scarce regions. By promoting precision agriculture and conserving natural resources, Dr. Mondal’s work strongly echoes the spirit of Earth Day—advancing sustainable, climate-resilient, and farmer-friendly farming practices.