Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur Inaugurates Makhana Research and Development Centre of Excellence in Bihar
In a significant move to bolster agricultural innovation, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, inaugurated the Makhana Research and Development Centre of Excellence at Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) in Pusa, Bihar, on Thursday. The minister emphasized the critical role of this new facility in enhancing the production and quality of makhana, a crop abundantly produced in the state.
Government Commitment to Agricultural Advancement
During the inauguration ceremony, Thakur urged agricultural scientists to focus on improving makhana productivity, which he stated would directly benefit farmers and entrepreneurs. He highlighted the government's unwavering commitment to supporting research and development in agriculture, aimed at improving farmers' livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural growth. Thakur praised RPCAU for its recent contributions to agricultural education and research, acknowledging the university's efforts in advancing the sector.
Leadership and Vision for Makhana Research
The event was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Punyavrat Suvimalendu Pandey, who received commendation from Thakur for his pioneering work in digital agriculture and natural farming. In his presidential remarks, Pandey declared that the newly established makhana research centre marks a pivotal milestone in the university's history. He outlined its focus on advanced research and development to address the specific needs of farmers and the industry.
Pandey stated, "We aim to make makhana cultivation more profitable and sustainable through scientific interventions. To achieve this, the university has formed a dedicated team of 17 experts, including scientists, breeders, agriculture engineers, and extension scientists. This team will work on developing a complete value chain for makhana, providing comprehensive support to farmers in every aspect of cultivation."
Broad Participation and Collaborative Efforts
The programme witnessed the attendance of key officials, including Horticulture Commissioner Prabhat Kumar from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, along with more than 500 farmers from various districts across Bihar. This diverse participation underscored the widespread interest and collaborative spirit in advancing makhana research.
Addressing a seminar on makhana research held concurrently, Horticulture Commissioner Prabhat Kumar expressed appreciation for RPCAU's initiatives in promoting horticulture and agricultural research. He emphasized that the discussions at the seminar would lead to innovative solutions for the challenges faced by the makhana industry, fostering growth and efficiency.
Research Focus and Expected Outcomes
Research Director A K Singh provided insights into the centre's objectives, noting that it will facilitate cutting-edge research on makhana. This includes varietal improvement, development of advanced production technologies, and effective post-harvest management strategies. Singh highlighted that these efforts are expected to significantly enhance the quality and yield of makhana, thereby providing substantial economic benefits to farmers and the broader industry.
The establishment of the Makhana Research and Development Centre of Excellence represents a strategic step towards transforming Bihar's agricultural landscape, with a focus on leveraging scientific expertise to drive farmer prosperity and industry development.
