Latest news with #HimanshuPathak
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
TAFE, ICRISAT join hands to set up agri-research centre in Hyderabad to boost sustainable farming
Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited ( TAFE ) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ( ICRISAT ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the 'JFarm Adaptive Agriculture Research & Extension Centre' in Patancheru, Hyderabad. The partnership, formalised on July 11, 2025, will see TAFE and ICRISAT collaborate on promoting mechanised, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive farming practices. The new centre will be part of TAFE's JFarm initiative — launched in 1964 to empower farmers through research and training — and will operate under ICRISAT's Centre of Excellence for South–South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). Pivotal to Viksit Bharat The centre will focus on field-validating innovations like machine-harvestable chickpeas, soil conservation, water-use efficiency, crop residue management, and lab-to-land technology transfer. It will also provide training to farmers on tractor operations, servicing, and integrated mechanisation models. One key highlight will be the promotion of the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Digital Custom Hiring model that enables mechanisation access without the need for ownership. TAFE's Group President, Dr. T R Kesavan, said the collaboration aims to 'implement precision agriculture while safeguarding land and water resources.' He added that the initiative reflects TAFE's belief in last-mile knowledge dissemination. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, called mechanisation 'pivotal to achieving a Viksit Bharat,' adding that the partnership will help reduce chemical inputs, labour dependency, and environmental impact — with potential applications across Africa.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Horticulture is flourishing in India: Dr Himanshu
Bagalkot: Horticulture in India is flourishing and the production in it has exceeded that in agriculture, said Professor Himanshu Pathak, director general, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad. Delivering his address at the 14th annual convocation of University of Horticulture Sciences (UHS) here on Tuesday, he said the production in horticulture in India stood at 362 million tonnes and there is need to focus on developing this sector further. India is aiming at becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047 and the youths have a greater role to play in realising this mission. Nearly 50 percent of India's population depends on agriculture and it is imperative that the youths should be engaged more in farming and ensure enhancement of production as well as value addition, Prof Pathak said. He also called upon the fresh graduates to find solutions to the problems that crop up from time to time and help the farmers. Chancellor of the university and governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, who conferred the degrees and presented the gold medals and prizes, hailed the increased entry of women in the study of agriculture and horticulture sciences. University VC Vishnuvardhan said UHS Bagalkot is the topper among seven horticulture universities in the country in getting Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Bother With An Expensive Will (Do This Instead) Local Will Finder Undo Stating that the students have been encouraged to take up research on the problems faced by the farmers, the VC said the varsity needs another 500 acres and a proposal has been sent to the government in this connection. As many as 508 candidates were conferred degree in BSc Horticulture and BTech, 144 in MSc while 42 were conferred PhD at the convocation. As many as 95 gold medals, including 25 instituted by the university, were presented to the achievers. UHS registrar Mahadev Muragi, director of instruction N K Hegde, research director B Fakruddin and director of extension Venkateshalu were present. BOX Gold Medallists Sahana Patage and Bheemavva Karkihalli, who won 17 and 16 gold medals respectively in BSc (Horticulture), emerged as the 'Golden Girls'. Other Gold Medallists are: PhD: PR Pavan (four), M Mahalakshmi, Vandana Virupaksha (two each). MSc: Dhanyashri SG, HT Amulya (four each), Sachin Modagin (three), MS Supriya (two), BH Harshita, Kune Lavanya, CS Karthik, Harsha Patil, B Chandana, Kavya Jagadish and M Likhitgowda (one each). BSc Horticulture: Ramyashri Gangoti, Pallavi L (four each), KM Nityashri, Nandita Nayak (three each), Priyanka TK, BS Prakruti, Prateeksha, Arun Hegde, Vijay Balaji Yadav, Rekha Ramappa Teli (two each), K Chaitra, R Jayavardhan, K Salma, Laxmi Nagappa, Kashamma Ishwar Pawadi, Mahesh Baburao and KM Asha (one each).
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Young horticulture graduates told to update their skills
Director-General of the International Crop Research Institute of Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, Himanshu Pathak has urged young horticulture graduates to update their skills to face new challenges in farm sciences. 'As graduates who are ready to enter a world of opportunities remember that horticulture today goes beyond agriculture. It includes data science, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, food innovation and sustainable ecosystems. Whether your path is in research, agribusiness, urban agriculture or conservation, the skills you acquire here will serve you well. However, you should stay updated, learn new skills, acquaint yourselves with emerging fields and be ready to face new challenges,' he said in Bagalkot on Tuesday. He was delivering the convocation address at the University of Horticultural Sciences. 'As you know well, over 50% of the country's population is dependent on agriculture. There are vast opportunities in horticulture which farmers should utilise to improve their economic status. Horticulture can help them tide over the economic crisis they face. Horticulture can thus contribute to the overall economic growth of the country,' he said. 'Students should use their knowledge not only for personal success but also to uplift farmers, strengthen food systems and nourish and protect the environment,' he said. 'By 2025, horticulture crops in Karnataka are expected to be grown in 2.68 million hectares. This reflects a steady growth trend. Districts like Dharwad, Belagavi, Kolar, Vijayapura and Chikkamagaluru are known for mangoes, grapes, spices and vegetables. The Union and State governments have introduced several schemes for facilitating horticulture crops like the Integrated Horticulture Development Plan 2.0 and schemes by Mango Development Board. Farmers will also be given assistance in branding, marketing and export promotion,' he said. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said that horticulture crops not only improve the lives of rural people but also help boost the development of the country. 'Farmers can become economically strong in horticulture and agriculture with new technology and value addition,' he said. He said that it was a welcome sign to see women dominating the field of horticulture and agriculture. The Governor gave away medals and certificates to students. As many as 95 gold medals were awarded to 35 students. Students were given 508 (Hons), (Food Technology), 144 Horticulture degrees and 42 in nine departments during the 14th convocation of the university. Vice-Chancellor Vishnu Vardhan, Registrar Mahadev Muragi, MLC Hanumant Nirani, MLA Bhimsen Chimmankatti and members of the governing body were present along with students and parents.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
ICRISAT develops world's first extreme heat-tolerant pigeon pea through speed breeding
Hyderabad: In a significant advancement for Indian agriculture, scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have developed ICPV 25444, a first-of-its-kind pigeon pea cultivar that can withstand high summer temperatures and mature in just 125 days. Interacting with the media on Monday, Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, stated, 'This breakthrough in developing a summer-adapted pigeon pea cultivar is a shining example of what science can achieve when driven by urgency and purpose. By transforming pigeon pea into an all-season crop, our scientists have delivered a timely solution with the potential to address pulse shortages and the climate challenges facing farmers across India.' This heat-tolerant, photo- and thermo-insensitive cultivar has been successfully tested in the states of Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana, demonstrating yields of 2 tons per hectare. Crucially, it represents a breakthrough in pigeon pea cultivation, allowing the crop to be grown not only during the traditional rainy (kharif) season but also in the extreme heat of summer, where temperatures can reach up to 45°C. Previously, pigeon pea was limited to specific growing seasons due to its sensitivity to photoperiod and temperature. ICPV 25444, currently undergoing field trials, marks a turning point by transforming pigeon pea into an all-season crop and opening new possibilities for Indian farmers. Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director of Research and Innovation at ICRISAT, explained, 'This breakthrough was made possible by the world's first pigeon pea speed-breeding protocol developed by ICRISAT in 2024. The protocol enabled researchers to grow up to four generations per year, reducing the time required to develop a new variety from 15 years to just five.' ICRISAT has unveiled this pioneering speed-breeding protocol for pigeon pea, an achievement led by Dr Prakash Gangashetty, Senior Scientist in Pigeon pea Breeding, and his team. Developed over a year, the protocol addressed the complex challenge of speeding up crop improvement processes and reduced the time for advanced cultivars to be submitted for registration trials to 3-4 years. By growing pigeon peas in controlled environments and utilizing space-optimized planting in 4-inch pots, scientists managed to grow 18,000 plants per season in a 2,250 sq ft area to maximize seed generation. This process was further enhanced using advanced genomic technologies with the seed-chipping method. The new cultivar is poised to address India's pulse deficit.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ICRISAT scientists develop heat tolerant pigeon pea cultivar for year round cultivation
1 2 Hyderabad: In a significant advancement for Indian agriculture, scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) on Monday announced the development of ICPV 25444—a first-of-its-kind pigeon pea cultivar that can withstand high summer temperatures and mature in just 125 days. The heat-tolerant, photo- and thermo-insensitive cultivar has been successfully tested in Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha in India, demonstrating yields of 2 tons per hectare. The new pigeon pea cultivation will enable the crop to be grown not only during the traditional rainy (kharif) season but also in the extreme heat of summer, where temperatures reach up to 45°C. According to ICRISAT, until now, pigeon pea in the country was limited to specific seasons due to its sensitivity to photoperiod and temperature. However, the new cultivar, which is currently under field trials, marks a turning point as it allows pigeon pea to be an all-season crop, opening new possibilities for Indian farmers. While India currently produces 3.5 million tons of pigeon pea annually, it falls short of the 1.5 million tons needed to meet domestic demand, said ICRISAT, adding that this results in $800 million worth of imports each year. Developed over a year, the breakthrough was achieved by the team led by Dr Prakash Gangashetty, senior scientist-Pigeonpea breeding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo "This breakthrough in developing a summer-adapted pigeon pea cultivar is a shining example of what science can achieve when driven by urgency and purpose. By transforming pigeon pea into an all-season crop, our scientists have delivered a timely solution with the potential to address pulse shortages and climate challenges facing farmers across India," said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT. MSID:: 121732176 413 |
