Bihar Sets Milestone in Agri-Tech: AI Lab Inaugurated at BAU Sabour

 In a landmark step towards integrating cutting-edge technology in the agricultural sector, Bihar witnessed the inauguration of its first Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for Agriculture at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour on Saturday. The Centre for Agricultural Informatics and AI Research, established as a joint initiative between BAU Sabour and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Patna, aims to transform farming practices through artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and data-driven innovations. Scientists from C-DAC Kolkata also present in this occasion for demonstrating the Different AI products

The state-of-the-art laboratory was inaugurated by Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Hon’ble Governor-cum-Chancellor of Bihar, in the gracious presence of Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharwan Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Rural Development, Dr. D. R. Singh, Vice Chancellor of BAU Sabour, and Sri Aditya Kumar Sinha, Executive Director, C-DAC Mumbai & Patna. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor described the initiative as a matter of pride for Bihar, underscoring its potential to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and support sustainable agricultural development through AI-enabled solutions.

Following the inauguration, the Hon’ble Governor visited different wings of the newly established centre, where scientists demonstrated several home-grown AI-powered technologies addressing challenges across agriculture, animal husbandry, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Among the key innovations showcased was RIGE-Sense, a rice age detection system that uses colorimetric techniques and machine vision to assist procurement agencies like the Food Corporation of India in ensuring rice quality. For livestock management, tools such as Go-Paryavekshak (Go-P), a wearable collar for heat cycle detection in cattle, and MAST-D, a portable mastitis detection device for dairy animals, were highlighted for their role in improving herd health and breeding efficiency.

In the domain of environmental monitoring, AQ-ALMS, an AI-based air quality monitoring system, provides real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5, SO₂, and NO₂, aiding decision-making for industries and regulators. Aqua SURAKSHA ensures water safety by detecting harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) using biosensor technology. Agricultural innovations such as CT-VIEU, a machine vision tool to assess chilli quality for export, and CG-STAT, a device for detecting cyanogenic toxins in fermented foods like bamboo shoots, also received attention for enhancing food safety and compliance.

The centre also promotes sustainable farming through AI-enabled hydroponics and aquaponics systems that offer climate and nutrient control without soil, alongside Wireless Automatic Weather Stations that deliver precision data for irrigation and crop planning. For plant health management, the LEAF ANALYSIS System uses AI to diagnose nutrient deficiencies and diseases from leaf images, while drone-based UAV monitoring systems detect early signs of crop diseases, particularly in rice and sugarcane.

Other futuristic innovations include Digital Twin Technology, which simulates real-world industrial or urban systems for improved management, and AgricLAMS, a gamified e-learning platform to enhance agricultural knowledge among farmers and students. Scientists also demonstrated advanced Drone Technology and an Intelligent Light Trap System developed for real-time farm advisory services. The drones enable aerial crop monitoring, pest surveillance, and precision spraying, while the intelligent light trap uses AI to detect and identify insect species, supporting timely and targeted pest management decisions for farmers.

The inauguration of this AI Laboratory marks a significant milestone not just for Bihar, but for India’s journey toward intelligent agriculture. It reflects a successful collaborative model between academia and research organizations like C-DAC, aiming to deliver scalable, impactful solutions at the grassroots level. With its national footprint and technical expertise, C-DAC is poised to expand the reach of these innovations through partnerships and outreach initiatives. The facility invites academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and public agencies to collaborate for research, deployment, and knowledge dissemination, reinforcing Bihar’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation.

बीएयू सबौर में आयोजित हुआ अष्टम दीक्षांत समारोह 

बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय में आज दिनांक 26.07.2025 को अष्टम दीक्षांत समारोह का आयोजन किया गया। इस समारोह के मुख्य अतिथि माननीय राज्य्पाल सह कुलाधिपति श्री आरिफ मोहमद खां एवं विशिष्ट अतिथि माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री सह कृषि मंत्री श्री विजय कुमार सिन्हा सहित राज्य के ग्रामीण विकास विभाग के माननीय मंत्री श्री श्रवण कुमार उपस्थित रहे। 
कार्यक्रम की शुरुआत राष्ट्रगान, जलअर्पण और कुलगीत के साथ हुई। कुलसचिव डॉ मिजानुल हक़ ने दीक्षांत समारोह को शुरु करने का अनुरोध माननीय कुलपति डॉ डी. आर. सिंह से किया। माननीय राज्यपाल द्वारा दीक्षोपदेश दिया गया। कुल 797 छात्र-छात्राओं को डिग्रियां प्रदान की गयी जिसमें स्नातक के 633 स्नात्तकोत्तर 134 और पीएचडी के 30 छात्रों को उपाधि प्रदान की गयी। 
इस अवसर पर माननीय राज्यपाल ने दीक्षांत प्राप्त कर रहे विद्यार्थियों को शिक्षा के साथ संस्कार और करुणा के महत्व को बताया। 
माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री सह कृषि मंत्री ने बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय द्वारा कृषि और किसानों के लिए किये गए अभूतपूर्व कार्यों की सराहना की।
माननीय मंत्री ग्रामीण विकास ने बीएयू द्वारा प्राकृतिक खेती को बढ़ावा देने के लिए किये जा रहे कार्यों की सराहना की। माननीय कुलपति डॉ डी. आर सिंह ने कृषि शिक्षा सहित शोध और कृषि प्रसार के क्षेत्र में किये जा रहे कार्यों से सभा को अवगत कराया। 
इस समारोह में विशेष अतिथि के तौर पर पूर्णिया विश्वविद्यालय के माननीय कुलपति प्रोफेसर विवेकानंद सिंह और माननीय राज्य्पाल के सचिव रोबर्ट चोंगथु भी शामिल रहे। 

 इन्हें मिला गोल्ड मैडल : कुल 08 विद्यार्थियों को गोल्ड मेडल प्रदान किया गया।
अनामिका भगत
अंशु पटेल
प्राची कुमारी
कुणाल गौतम
अवंतिका आनन्द
सलोनी कुमारी
डॉ. मनीष राज
डॉ. अवनीश कुमार

 श्रेष्ठ थीसिस पुरुस्कार 
डॉ शिवम कुमार 
डॉ अवनीश कुमार 

 श्रेष्ठ शिक्षक और वैज्ञानिक सम्मान : विश्वविद्यालय श्रेष्ठ शिक्षक का सम्मान डॉ मीरा कुमारी और डॉ आनंद कुमार को प्रदान किया गया। श्रेष्ठ वैज्ञानिक पुरुस्कार डॉ वशीम सिद्दकी को प्रदान किया गया। 

 उत्कृष्ट कार्यों के लिए इन्हें भी किया गया सम्मानित : श्रेष्ठ कलाकार का पुरुस्कार राम ललित दास को प्रदान किया गया। कृषि प्रसार में ICT के उत्कृष्ट कार्यों के लिए मीडिया सेंटर प्रभारी डॉ राजेश कुमार सहित  मीडिया सेंटर के सभी कर्मियों ब्रजेश तिवारी, मनीष कुमार, संदीप तिवारी और अन्नू को प्रदान किया गया। हाल ही में मुंबई में आयोजित वेव अवार्ड के विजेता विश्वविद्यालय के सामुदायिक रेडियो प्रभारी श्री ईश्वर चंद्र और केवीके बाढ़ से संचालित सामुदायिक रेडियो स्टेशन के प्रभारी श्रीमती संगीता कुमारी को माननीय राजयपाल ने सम्मानित किया।

 सिंदूर पार्क का किया गया उद्घाटन : 
माननीय राज्यपाल ने आज विश्वविद्यालय परिसर में सिंदूर का पौधा लगाकर सिंदूर पार्क का उद्घाटन किया। इस अवसर पर उपस्थित माननीय उप मुख्यमंत्री और माननीय मंत्री ने भी सिंदूर का पौधा लगाया।
ए आई (AI) लैब का हुआ उद्घाटन : माननीय राज्य्पाल द्वारा विश्वविद्यालय परिसर में सीडैक के सहयोग से CAIR AI  लैब की स्थापना की गयी। यह लैब कृषि क्षेत्र में AI के प्रयोग से किसानों तक कृषि सूचना को सहजता से पहुचायेगा।

23 बिहार बटालियन एन॰सी॰सी॰, भागलपुर क े नव पदस्थापित समादेशी पदाधिकारी कर्नल रित ेश मोहन एवं सुबेदार मेजर सुरेश क ुमार ने बिहार क ृषि विश्वविद्यालय क े अंतर्गत संचालित एन॰सी॰सी॰ कार्यालय का भ्रमण किया तथा महाविद्यालय क े एन॰सी॰सी॰ कैडेट से मुलाकात की। एन॰सी॰सी॰ क े बारे में अपनी राय व्यक्त करते हुए विद्यार्थियों से उनके सुझाव प्राप्त किए तथा एन॰सी॰सी॰ क े फायदे एवं करियर में इसके योगदान के बारे में चर्चा की गई। विश्वविद्यालय भ्रमण क े दौरान परिसर स्थित एन॰सी॰सी॰ कार्यालय, स्टोर रूम एवं क्लास रूम का भी निरीक्षण किया गया। इस दौरान ए॰एन॰ओ॰ लेफटिन ेन्ट सौरभ क ुमार चौधरी भी साथ रहें। कर्नल रितेश मोहन एवं सुबेदार मेजर सुरेश क ुमार ने निद ेशक छात्र कल्याण, बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, सबौर डॉ॰ श्वेता शाम्भवी से मुलाकात की एवं विश्वविद्यालय में फायरि ंग र ेंज तथा ऑप्टिकल र ेंज बनाने और क ैम्प आयोजन क े विषय पर चर्चा की। एन॰सी॰सी॰ क े अधिकारियों न े माननीय क ुलपति, बिहार क ृषि विश्वविद्यालय, सबौर से मुलाकात क े दौरान विश्वविद्यालय में एन॰सी॰सी॰ क े अंतर्गत संचालित कार्यो की सराहना की एवं माननीय क ुलपति महोदय से एन॰सी॰सी॰ क े उद्देश्या ें पर विस्तार पूर्वक चर्चा करते हुए विश्वविद्यालय के सहयोग क े लिए आभार जताया। माननीय क ुलपति महोदय द्वारा एन॰सी॰सी॰ क े अधिकारियों को पौधा द ेकर सम्मानित किया गया।

Team BAU visits KSTPS, NTPC, Kahalgaon for devising and advocating sustainable solutions for Flyash menace amidst need for increasing green cover of the industrial unit

The Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station, NTPC, Kahalgaon has sought the expertise of Bihar Agricultural University, in its mission for sustainable flyash management and increasing the green cover of the industrial unit as mandated by the the regulatory authorities. Earlier in the month of May, top officials of NTPC unit at Kahalgaon had met Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, BAU, Sabour and sought sustainable scientific solutions for tree plantation activities around NTPC Kahalgaon Ash dyke area, controlling abnormal vegetation growth all around township and plants, problems of termite infestation on perennial trees and control of fugitive emissions from ash dykes and fly ash silos.

In response, a high level multidisciplinary team of scientists was constituted including expertise in soil science, agronomy, forestry plantation, landscaping, biochemistry, plant physiology and biotechnology and instructed to visit the affected sites in the NTPC plant and township at Kahalgaon. The team visited the site on 10th July and made several observations. Straight recommendations were made for termite control in perennial trees for drenching and foliar sprays. Plantation plans for stabilization of ash dyke areas and arresting fugitive emissions from ash handling sites including ash silos, flyash brick making units and other areas in the townships and the MGR Railway line are being finalized based on the detailed maps of the specific areas. The ash dyke areas were suggested to be stabilized using mechanical and biological measures to control fugitive dust emissions. Various mechanical and biological interventions were proposed to be tested on pilot basis so as to identify site specific sustainable solutions for fugitive emissions. The abnormal or excessive vegetative growth around the township was identified as a menace requiring continuous interventions with heavy manpower requirement and regular herbicide sprays. The team suggested growing ornamental plants in the landscape where weed growth needs to be checked. Broadly speaking, the naturally growing vegetations with attractive flora were suggested to be allowed to flourish so as to control under-storey vegetation. Various invasive weeds were found all around township on both sides of the road and NTPC campus. Management of weeds through prevention, early detection and rapid response, control and management as well as education and outreach programmes were suggested. The team also suggested vertical tree plantation in front of all the buildings and tree plantation on the Roof top and all the barren patches in the township. A close and lively interaction of the visiting team with the NTPC officials called for a continuous collaboration and signing of a productive memorandum of understanding for along term productive association. 

"Bridging Knowledge and Fields: BAU Sabour’s Campus to Community Outreach for Sustainable Rural Development"

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has consistently endeavoured to bridge the gap between academic research and grassroots-level application through its dynamic Campus to Community initiatives. These outreach efforts aim to translate the university's scientific knowledge, technological innovations, and skilled manpower into tangible benefits for farmers, rural youth, women, and agri-entrepreneurs across Bihar and neighbouring states. Through its robust network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Directorate of Extension Education, and farmer-centric programmes, BAU ensures real-time transfer of improved technologies such as high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties, integrated pest and nutrient management practices, water-saving irrigation methods, and post-harvest processing innovations. Regular on-farm trials, frontline demonstrations, and field days enable direct farmer feedback and refinement of innovations. BAU also emphasizes community empowerment through capacity-building programmes, customized vocational training, and awareness campaigns on natural farming, soil health, agri-startups, and climate-smart agriculture. Special attention is given to marginalized groups, particularly rural women and youth, through entrepreneurship development and value-addition training under various central and state-sponsored schemes. In recent years, the university has expanded its digital footprint by introducing ICT-enabled extension tools, mobile advisories, and e-portals to reach farmers in remote locations. Additionally, collaborations with SHGs, NGOs, and line departments have enhanced the university’s reach and impact at the grassroots. Through these efforts, BAU Sabour is not just producing graduates and research outcomes but is actively fostering a model of inclusive, participatory, and sustainable rural development, fulfilling its mandate as a people-centric institution.

बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय में 28वीं प्रसार शिक्षा परिषद की बैठक सम्पन्न, ‘कैंपस टू कम्युनिटी’ की संकल्पना पर दिया गया बल

बिहार कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, सबौर में आज दिनांक 05 जुलाई 2025 को 28वीं प्रसार शिक्षा परिषद (Extension Education Council) की बैठक का आयोजन किया गया। इस अवसर पर देश के जाने-माने कृषि वैज्ञानिकों, प्रगतिशील किसानों, विषय-विशेषज्ञों एवं कृषि विज्ञान केंद्रों के प्रतिनिधियों की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति रही।

कार्यक्रम का शुभारंभ दीप प्रज्वलन एवं प्रसार शिक्षा निदेशक डॉ. आर. के. सोहाने के स्वागत भाषण के साथ हुआ। बैठक की अध्यक्षता विश्वविद्यालय के कुलपति माननीय डॉ. डी. आर. सिंह ने की। अपने अध्यक्षीय वक्तव्य में कुलपति ने बताया कि विश्वविद्यालय द्वारा विकसित फसलों की किस्में आज राज्य ही नहीं, पूरे देश में किसानों के खेतों की शोभा बढ़ा रही हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि बीज उत्पादन में किसानों की भागीदारी अत्यंत आवश्यक है ताकि प्रौद्योगिकी का लाभ सीधे खेतों तक पहुँचे।

डॉ. सिंह ने ‘कैंपस टू कम्युनिटी’ की अवधारणा को रेखांकित करते हुए कहा कि विश्वविद्यालय में विकसित सभी तकनीकें और शोध किसानों के जीवन में सुधार लाने के लिए है, न कि सिर्फ शैक्षणिक उद्देश्यों के लिए।

बैठक में डॉ. अंशुमान कोहली ने विश्वविद्यालय द्वारा विकसित धान की नवीनतम किस्मों की जानकारी दी। कार्यक्रम की शुरुआत में प्रसार शिक्षा निदेशक डॉ. आर. के. सोहाने ने विश्वविद्यालय की विभिन्न प्रसार गतिविधियों एवं उपलब्धियों का संक्षिप्त विवरण प्रस्तुत किया।

उन्होंने सतत विकास लक्ष्यों (SDG Goals) के अनुरूप कृषि प्रसार द्वारा किए जा रहे कार्यों की जानकारी दी। डॉ सोहाने ने बताया कि गरीबी उन्मूलन को ध्यान में रखते हुए 13 प्रमुख विषयों पर किसानों को कौशल प्रशिक्षण प्रदान किया गया है।

डॉ. के. डी. कोकाटे, पूर्व उपमहानिदेशक (ICAR) ने अपने संबोधन में कहा कि यदि हर गाँव में एक करोड़ रुपये का कृषि उत्पादन लक्ष्य रखा जाए तो देश की आय एक बार में 7 लाख करोड़ रुपये बढ़ सकती है, जो भारत को एक ट्रिलियन डॉलर की अर्थव्यवस्था बनाने में अहम भूमिका निभाएगा।

इसके अतिरिक्त डॉ. धूम सिंह (पूर्व निदेशक, CSAU&T, कानपुर), डॉ. आर. एन. पडरिया (संयुक्त निदेशक, IARI, नई दिल्ली), डॉ. अंजनी कुमार (निदेशक, ICAR-ATARI, पटना) ने भी सभा को सम्बोधित करते हुए बीएयू के अंतर्गत कार्य कर रहे कृषि विज्ञान केंद्रों द्वारा चलाये जा रहे प्रसार गतिविधियों की समीक्षा की।

डॉ. मीनू शशि ने विश्वविद्यालय द्वारा कुपोषण पर चलाई जा रही परियोजनाओं की प्रस्तुति दी।

बैठक में कई महत्वपूर्ण *प्रकाशनों का विमोचन* किया गया, जिनमें शामिल हैं:

“प्राकृतिक खेती एवं स्वास्थ्य” (केवीके भोजपुर एवं रोहतास)

प्राकृतिक खेती (केवीके मुंगेर)

कृषक संदेश (केवीके भोजपुर द्वारा प्रकाशित)

मोटा अनाज पर आधारित पुस्तक (केवीके पूर्णिया)

इसके अतिरिक्त नालंदा जिले के प्रगतिशील किसान श्री वीरेश कुमार को किसान पुस्तकालय स्थापित करने हेतु कृषि-आधारित पुस्तकें प्रदान की गईं। यह बीएयू द्वारा स्थापित पांचवां किसान पुस्तकालय है, जो किसानों के ज्ञानवर्धन हेतु राज्यव्यापी पहल का हिस्सा है।

आयोजन में सभी कृषि विज्ञान केंद्रों द्वारा प्रस्तुतीकरण दिया गया, जिस पर सभी विशेषज्ञयों ने महत्वपूर्ण सुझाव दिया। रेडियो जॉकी अन्नू ने सभा का संचालन किया। 

कार्यक्रम में शामिल सभी वक्ताओं एवं प्रतिभागियों ने प्रसार शिक्षा के ज़रिए कृषि नवाचारों को गाँव-गाँव तक पहुँचाने की आवश्यकता पर बल दिया। समापन में विशेषज्ञों ने महत्वपूर्ण सुझाव साझा किए और धन्यवाद ज्ञापन के साथ कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न हुआ।

BAU Sabour Inaugurates Neera Processing Unit

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) Sabour has taken a significant step towards promoting the livelihood of Neera tappers and sellers by inaugurating a Neera processing unit. Dr. D.R. Singh, Vice Chancellor of BAU Sabour, inaugurated the unit in the presence of Taadi tappers, university officials, press, and media.

A Breakthrough in Neera Preservation

Dr. Singh proudly announced that BAU Sabour is the first institution to develop technologies in Palmyrah Neera processing. The university has been working on Neera preservation for several years and has successfully developed technologies for safe collection to finished Neera product. The processing unit has a capacity of 100 liters per hour.

Potential of Palm Trees in Bihar

Dr. Singh highlighted the vast potential of palm trees in Bihar, stating that there are over 90 lakh palm trees in the state. He emphasized the need for full exploration of these trees to maximize benefits through processing, entrepreneurship development, and livelihood status upgrade of Neera tappers.

Livelihood Improvement of Neera Tappers

Dr. Singh assured Neera tappers that the university will continue working on developing diversified processed products of Palmyrah palm to help in entrepreneurship development and livelihood improvement. The university has developed different technologies for Palmyrah palm products processing, including Neera preservation using pasteurization and canning techniques.

Key Researchers and Their Contributions

Dr. Ahmar Aftab, Dr. Wasim Siddiqui, Dr. Shamsher Ahmad, and Dr. Vivek Kumar played a significant role in developing the Neera preservation technology. Dr. Wasim Siddiqui, Chairman of the Department of Food Science and Technology, informed that the department's processing lines are open for community preservation.

Supporting Government Initiatives

BAU Sabour is committed to serving the livelihood improvement of Neera tappers and sellers through its support for the Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana. The university has also designed and patented a Neera collection box and polybag to ensure good quality Neera for processing.

Revolutionizing Neera Production

The scientists at BAU Sabour have worked extensively to develop innovative technologies for Neera production. Dr. Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui, Associate Professor and Senior Scientist, led the development of these technologies, including a technology to prepare Neera powder that can be reconstituted with water to resemble fresh Neera.

A Bright Future for Neera Tappers

The inauguration of the Neera processing unit marks a significant milestone in the development of the Neera industry in Bihar. With the support of BAU Sabour, Neera tappers can look forward to a brighter future and improved livelihoods.

NAAC accreditation with A grade and Academic leadership make BAU Sabour more sought-after by students

June 29th, 2025. Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour has shown a remarkable increase in the turnout for its M.Sc. and Ph.D. entrance examinations held today, registering an impressive 95.5% attendance this year. This marks a significant leap from the 82.5% turnout recorded in 2024, underscoring the rising academic reputation and national appeal of the institution. This significant improvement follows BAU’s recent NAAC accreditation with A grade and elevated institutional ranking, which have positioned the University as a premier institution for agricultural higher education and research in India. Students from across the country are now increasingly choosing BAU as their preferred institution for advanced studies in agricultural sciences.

Dr. D.R. Singh, Vice Chancellor of BAU, expressed his satisfaction, stating “The surge in student participation is a direct reflection of the trust and credibility BAU has earned over the years. The recognition from NAAC has further strengthened our commitment to quality education, research, and student success.” The entrance examinations were conducted smoothly across designated centres, adhering to all standard protocols. The University ensured a student-friendly process, marked by efficient coordination, timely communication, and transparent procedures, all of which contributed to the high turnout. This progress has also been bolstered by the continued support of the Government of Bihar, which remains instrumental in enabling institutional improvements, research infrastructure development, and academic innovation. This collaborative backing has played a key role in reinforcing BAU’s ability to attract and retain top talent from across the country.

In addition to academic distinction, BAU continues to gain recognition for its innovation ecosystem, especially through its incubation centre SABAGRIs, field-driven research programs, and partnerships with leading institutions at national and international levels. With this renewed momentum, BAU reaffirms its mission to foster cutting-edge agricultural research and produce future-ready agri-professionals, further strengthening its standing as a leading institution in the agricultural education landscape. BAU is being sought after by students of other agricultural educational and research institutions to intern at BAU’s state of the art laboratories facilities. Many private sector institutions and consortia are also lining up with BAU to collaborate and partner for nation building.

Summer Internship on Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Geospatial Database Management

A two-month summer internship program on Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Geospatial Database Management, was successfully conducted from May 1 to June 27, 2025 under the auspices of Sabour Consultancy Services (SABCONs), BAU, Sabour in collaboration with the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry (SSAC), Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour. The interns from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneshwar worked in the recently established Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, BAU, Sabour and were apprised with practical knowledge and skills in various aspects of geospatial data handling and analysis. Throughout the internship, students received intensive training on downloading remote sensing data from platforms such as Bhoonidhi, USGS Earth Explorer, and NASA. They were oriented about raster data processing in QGIS, including tasks such as projection transformation, clipping, and mosaicking. The program also covered watershed and landform delineation techniques for soil resource studies, supervised and unsupervised classification methods for Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) mapping, and derivation of various environmental covariates from Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). In addition, the students explored the Google Earth Engine (GEE) for satellite data analysis and visualization, year-wise NDVI analysis, and FCC creation for LULC interpretation. The curriculum further included an introduction to R software, with sessions on data visualization and geostatistical analysis using semivariogram modeling. One of the specialized modules focused on the delineation of makhana-growing soils and soil fertility mapping using GIS tools. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members namely Mr. B K Vimal, Dr. Bhabhani Prasad Mondal and Dr. Ingle Sagar Nandulal, the students were provided with one-on-one mentorship and hands-on experience for each module. At the end of the internship, the participants prepared and submitted detailed module-wise reports reflecting their learning outcomes. The internship concluded with a valedictory session presided by Dr Anshuman Kohli, CEO, SABCONs and Chairman of the Department of SSAC, faculty members, and staff. The students presented their final reports and shared their experiences during the training. This internship provided the students with valuable exposure to real-world applications of remote sensing and GIS in agricultural and environmental research, significantly enhancing their academic and professional competencies.

Students from ITM University, Gwalior intern on “Cutting-edge analytical tools and techniques in Soil Science” at SSAC, BAU Sabour

A practical and insightful Summer internship programme on “Cutting-edge analytical tools and techniques in Soil Science” was conducted during 16 to 25 June, 2025, at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, under the auspices of SABCONs in technical collaboration with the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, BAU Sabour. This hands-on training was specially designed for students of ITM University, Gwalior, with 15 participants who gained invaluable exposure to advanced soil science techniques and analytical procedures. The programme commenced with an inaugural session where the interns were briefed about the objectives and detailed schedule of the training by the organizing team which included Dr. Kasturikasen Beura, Dr. Amit Kumar Pradhan, Dr. Ingle Sagar Nadulal and Mr. Randeep Kumar. The interns then shared their expectations from the programme. The internship programme commenced with a detailed lecture on fundamental laboratory management and analytical techniques. The interns were then exposed to hands-on learning in soil sampling and soil profile studies which was followed by exposure visits to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including an NABL-accredited pesticide residue analysis lab, X-ray Diffraction Unit and ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) Unit. Participants thoroughly conducted laboratory based analysis for physico-chemical properties and soil fertility parameters, such as pH, Electrical Conductivity, Soil Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and micronutrients. A special class concentrated on Digital Soil Mapping allowing the interns to explore modern data-driven approaches for soil classification. Interns also visited the Azolla cultivation unit, Vermicomposting unit and Commercial Biofertilizer Production Unit and gained direct knowhow on the practical aspects of organic amendment synthesis and production. Advanced drone technology for precision agriculture was also demonstrated by professionals from M/s Teknoground Pvt. Ltd., Begusarai.. The training also covered the laboratory analysis of soil for microbial properties, enzymatic activity along with important physical properties like soil texture, bulk density, particle density and porosity. Dry chemistry methods and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques implemented for soil analysis also enhanced students' understanding of soil elemental analysis. Throughout the internship, the dedicated faculty members of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry provided expert guidance and conducted all the practical sessions to the best of their ability. Their mentorship ensured that students received rigorous, application-based knowledge and developed hands-on proficiency with analytical instruments. The programme concluded with a valedictory session, during which the interns were evaluated, shared their feedback and expressing deep satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunity which according to them was enriching and transformative. They were given internship certificates by Dr. Anshuman Kohli, CEO, SABCONs & Chairman, SSAC.