In a significant development for agricultural research and crop protection in Bihar, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has granted approval for the establishment of a voluntary centre under the All India Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management at Veer Kunwar Singh Agricultural College, Dumraon. This approval, given to Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), marks the first centre of its kind in the state.
Leadership and Proposal Submission
The proposal was prepared under the leadership of BAU Vice-Chancellor Dunia Ram Singh and the guidance of Director of Research A K Singh. With the patronage of college principal Paras Nath, the proposal was submitted to ICAR by Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist Suday Prasad and his research team.
Understanding Vertebrate Pest Management
According to Suday Prasad, vertebrate pest management involves the scientific control of animals such as rodents, monkeys, birds, wild boars, and Nilgai that damage crops, stored grains, and agricultural fields. These animals often cause significant losses to farmers by destroying standing crops and contaminating storage areas.
The objective of the programme is not to harm wildlife unnecessarily but to adopt safe, scientific, and eco-friendly methods to minimise crop damage and protect agricultural produce. The initiative includes research on pest behaviour, preventive measures, awareness campaigns, and modern crop protection techniques.
Focus Areas of the New Centre
The newly approved centre will focus on research, training, and technology development for the effective management of rodents and other vertebrate pests. Special attention will be given to the growing Nilgai menace, a major cause of crop losses in several districts, including Buxar.
- Research on pest behaviour and ecology
- Development of preventive measures and eco-friendly control methods
- Awareness campaigns and training programmes for farmers
- Technology development for crop protection and storage management
Benefits for Farmers
The centre is expected to help farmers protect standing crops, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve storage management. Researchers will also conduct awareness and training programmes on modern pest management and sustainable farming practices.
Public Relations Officer Abhinav Kumar Singh described the approval as a historic achievement for agricultural education and research in Bihar. The university administration and faculty members said the centre would strengthen scientific farming practices and provide long-term support to farmers across the state.
Additional Information
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About the Author: Kamlesh Singh, based in Buxar, covers a wide range of district-level news, including neighbouring regions of Uttar Pradesh. He has been contributing to The Times of India since 2001 and also writes for Dance of Democracy.
