Latest news with #PLPatil
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Seeds from UAS Bangalore, IIT Dharwad sent to ISS for space farming research
DHARWAD: The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dharwad, have sent two types of seeds to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 research mission which was launched on Wednesday. The pack of 25 grams green gram and fenugreek seeds will get sprouted in space while the same quantity of seeds will be grown in the same condition at the UAS campus to assess the sprouting seeds in detail. Shubhanshu Shukla, the ISRO astronaut, will water the seeds and will bring back the sprouted seeds home. UAS Vice-Chancellor PL Patil said the research will play a vital role in developing nutritious salad vegetables for future space missions. Sprouted green gram and fenugreek are expected to help astronauts in managing issues related to immunity, bone, kidney and heart. It also helps to avoid carrying food in packets. 'Principal Investigator Ravikumar Hosamani, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology (UAS), and Co-Investigator Sudheer Siddapureddy, Associate Professor, IIT Dharwad, have contributed to the project,' he added.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tanzania procures black gram seeds from UAS Dharwad for cultivation
Dharwad: In a significant development, the African nation of Tanzania procured 24 tonnes of black gram (udad) seeds from the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad (UASD) and placed an order for 50 tonnes for the next year. Dr TR Shashidhar, special officer, Seeds Unit, UASD, told TOI that the varsity's seed system has also attracted agricultural scientists from Malawi, Nepal, and other countries. "Due to good pre-monsoon rain, we started the sale of seeds earlier this year as compared to previous years. We exported our seeds to other districts and also to seed corporations of Maharashtra, Odisha, Goa, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and other states. We are providing breeder and foundation seeds to govt agencies so that they can produce seeds further. Sales of green gram and black gram increased this year. Last year, we had only 65 quintals of green gram due to a loss in production. Seeing the situation, we stocked 855 quintals of green gram and already sold 800 quintals this year. We also sold 550 quintals of black gram, 1,600 quintals of soybean including DSB 21 and DSB 34 varieties, and 35 quintals of onion," he explained. Regarding the lesser quantity of onion seeds, he said these seeds are very sensitive in nature and can't be conserved for longer or consumed like green gram and black gram. He also mentioned that the UASD is providing certified seeds to companies as per the recommendation of the department of agriculture and cooperation (DAC). "If more quantity of seeds is left with us, we supply to companies after DAC's indent is fulfilled. " Dr PL Patil, vice-chancellor, said the UASD, which developed over 300 new seed varieties in the past five decades, saw a 15% increase in seed production this year and continues to export to other Indian states and countries. Unique Dharwad model is the secret The university adopted the seed village concept, which is a unique seed system in the entire country, in the name of 'Participatory Seed Production Programme,' involving farmers, in 2005-06. The UASD has about 1,500 registered seed growers (farmers) involved in seed-oriented cultivation in Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, and other districts. The varsity provides breeder and foundation seeds to them and trains them on the procedure of cultivating seeds. Varsity experts also pay field visits and monitor the process. Growers get an additional price of 20% compared to the market price for their produce. Additionally, Union and state govts provide incentives to such farmers. Benefitted by these incentives, farmers are voluntarily involved in this seed production. This system is recognised as the 'Dharwad model' among all agriculture universities in the country.
