Bhagalpur: The two-day 30th Research Council Meeting (Rabi 2025–26) at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, ended on Sunday, marking a significant push toward scientific farming and agricultural modernisation in the state. The programme was organised under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Dr D.R. Singh and brought together leading agricultural experts, researchers and progressive farmers. Distinguished guests included Dr Ram Bhajan Singh from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture, Pantnagar, and Dr Y.S. Shivay from ICAR–IARI, New Delhi, who praised the growing research impact of the university.
The final day witnessed department-wise presentations covering a wide range of agricultural fields, including molecular biology, plant pathology, entomology, seed science, engineering and extension education. Scientists introduced several new varieties and farming technologies such as mustard variety Sabour Rai-1, wheat variety Sabour Wheat-5 and plant propagation methods for the vermilion crop. Technologies for extracting valuable compounds from makhana and mango seed kernels, eco-friendly pest control solutions for banana and updated disease-management measures for chickpea crops were also highlighted. These breakthroughs demonstrated BAU’s commitment to supporting farmers with modern and sustainable tools.
Three progressive women farmers from Katihar, Banka and Patna drew attention during the closing session by sharing their success stories. They spoke emotionally about how BAU’s training transformed their livelihoods through activities such as nursery management, turmeric cultivation and orchard-based farming. Their testimonies reflected the growing confidence and self-reliance among rural women and showed how science-based training can significantly improve income generation and community development.
Guest speakers encouraged further collaboration and scientific discipline. Dr Shivay praised the event but recommended that departments strengthen coordination for more impactful results. He advised young researchers to remain persistent and continue studying international research developments. Dr Ram Bhajan expressed strong confidence in BAU’s scientific capability, comparing it favourably with many Western institutions. He commended research on gene identification for leaf curl virus and called for deeper studies on moisture stress and long-term strategies for maize cultivation.
The ceremony closed with the presentation of certificates to the scientists and innovators responsible for new crop varieties and technologies. Awards were also given for developments such as cattle feed blocks, hydroponically grown maize fodder and patents for mango hydrogel technology. Members of the PME Cell and Publication Cell were recognised for their dedicated work in improving BAU’s research system. In his presidential address, Director of Research Dr Anil Kumar Singh thanked all researchers, farmers and guests and encouraged scientists to make the most of research grants for the benefit of farmers and the wider agricultural sector. The vote of thanks was proposed by Deputy Director of Research Dr Sailabala Dei.
