Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau
Pantnagar. 17 September 2025. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan, visited the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Center to observe the ongoing research trials on various Kharif season crops. He was accompanied by the crop scientists, Director Research Dr. Subhash Chandra and Joint Director Dr. S.K. Verma, Director Communication Dr. J.P. Jaiswal and Ex-Director Research Dr. A.S. Nain. Addressing all present, he emphasized the development of high-yielding, disease- and pest-resistant and nutrient-rich crop varieties despite climatic challenges. He stated that agriculture plays a crucial role in the development of the state and the country, and the contributions of Pantnagar University will always be remembered. Therefore, it is the responsibility of everyone to conduct research work with full dedication as a team.
Highlighting the ‘3P’ concept (Product/Technology, Patent, and Publication), he said that any research institute is recognized by these three. He stressed research aimed at organic and natural farming for a clean environment and good human health, and the broad promotion of these methods. Additionally, he suggested giving more emphasis to research on coarse grains (minor millets). He recommended increasing the production of high-quality seeds of coarse grains and distributing seeds of newly developed varieties as mini-kits to farmers at Farmer’s fair. He also emphasized the importance of timely documentation of all ongoing research and encouraged thinking outside the box to bring new ideas. There is a need to develop technology according to the demands of farmers and society and to work with team spirit.
The Director Research said that monitoring research trials is essential for improving the quality of research. The Joint Director of the Crop Research Center informed that the center has developed a total of 225 varieties of different crops so far. The wheat varieties Kalyan Sona and Sonalika, which played a significant role in ushering the Green Revolution, were developed at this center, and 14 varieties of the university have been honoured as landmarks. All the scientists present highlighted their ongoing research. The Rice Breeder Dr. I.D. Pandey from the Genetics and Plant Breeding department informed the Vice-Chancellor about the characteristics of various rice varieties displayed in the field demonstration. The Vice-Chancellor also observed the demonstration of Mandua (finger millet) and Jhingora (barnyard millet) varieties at the Crop Research Center and expressed his satisfaction. Director Communication Dr. J.P. Jaiswal and former Director Research Dr. A.S. Nain were also present on this occasion.
