Research Unit 2: Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa

The Regional Research Station in Agwanpur, established on 14th July 1987, plays a significant role in advancing agricultural research and supporting farmers in the region. By focusing on crop improvement, soil and water management, pest and disease control, and sustainable farming practices, the station contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Agwanpur and surrounding areas.

Mandate of Regional Research Station, Agwanpur

·         The centre conducted state varietal trial, testing of hybrid seed of the private companies which is allotted by the University.

Research activities

·         The GKMS Project of IMD is also going on by RRS, Agwanpur, Saharsa.

·         The Regional Research Station (RRS) at Agwanpur has made substantial contributions to agricultural research and farmer support in the region. In 2009, the Agromet Field Unit (AFMU) under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) was established at the station to record weather data and provide bi-weekly weather-based agricultural advisory services to farmers. This advisory bulletin, available in both the local language and English, ensures that crucial weather information is accessible to all farmers. In the 1990s, RRS Agwanpur introduced Rabi maize to Saharsa and the surrounding regions, popularizing the recommended production technology to boost maize cultivation in the area. Furthermore, the station has played a key role in producing quality sugarcane seeds, providing 2,416 quintals of certified sugarcane seeds (varieties BO-137 and BO-147) between 2009-10 and 2014-15 under the State Government's Sugarcane Seed Production Project, significantly improving production productivity for farmers.

·         RRS Agwanpur has also conducted State Varietal Trials (SVT) on maize, moongbean, and linseed to evaluate varieties suitable for Zone-II. In irrigated linseed trials, the entries SVT (LS-IR)-3 and SVT (LS-IR)-2 exhibited superior production rates of 12.8 q/ha and 11.6 q/ha, respectively. Similarly, in the SVT moongbean trial, entries SVT(Moong-2024)-02 and SVT(Moong-2024)-06 demonstrated higher productivity, yielding 16.67 q/ha and 16.19 q/ha, respectively. The station also prepared a fertility map of the Saurbazar Block in the Saharsa district, first in 1990-91 and later in 2015-16, highlighting changes in soil fertility over a span of 25 years. The fertility map analyzed major nutrients (N, P2O5, K2O) and other parameters, including available sulfur, cationic micronutrients (DTPA-Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B), physiochemical properties (pH, EC, organic carbon), and CaCO3 status, providing a comprehensive understanding of soil health. Over the last two decades, RRS Agwanpur has published more than 20 research papers and four books, contributing significantly to agricultural literature. Notable recent publications include "Agrometeorology at a Glance" and "The Millet - Nutri-Cereals," both published in 2024 by Perfect Writer Publishing House, New Delhi. These achievements underscore the pivotal role of RRS Agwanpur in advancing agricultural research, supporting farmers, and contributing to knowledge dissemination in the region.