Muzaffarpur: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU) has honoured its vice-chancellor, Prof Dinesh Chandra Rai, for his role as co-editor of Indian Agriculture: Challenges, Priorities and Solutions, a new academic volume published by the global publishing house Springer Nature.
Co-edited alongside Prof Naveen Sharma of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Madhya Pradesh, and Dr Pradeep Kumar Rai, scientist at Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), the book offers an extensive analysis of the complexities, challenges and future directions of Indian agriculture, with a focus on its evolving role in global food security and trade.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Rai said the book, backed by Springer Nature’s global platform, traces India’s economic evolution, from an industry-driven economy to an agrarian one, before the wave of rapid urbanisation in the late 20th century. “It critically examines how modern agribusiness is influenced by local, regional and international policies,” he said.
The book advocates sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, adaptive technologies including biotechnology and IT, and calls for coherent national policies on soil and water management, marketing, and climate resilience. It also presents frameworks aimed at strengthening food security and positioning India as a key player in global food systems.
Prof Rai, an internationally recognised scholar in dairy science and technology with over 200 research papers to his credit, said the book was a significant contribution to research that addresses societal challenges, especially in rural India. He also noted the role of BRABU’s Research Promotion Cell and its collaborations with over 30 institutions, which have helped transform the university into a research-focused institution.
The BRABU community extended congratulations to Prof Rai, with messages pouring in from faculty, including LS College principal Prof Om Prakash Roy, proctor Prof BS Rai, college inspector Prof Rajeev Kumar, and retired IAS officer Dr Sanjay Sinha.
