The 10 Best Agriculture Institutes in India 2018

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INDIA - OCTOBER 2018

THE

10

BEST

AGRICULTURE

INSTITUTES IN INDIA

2018

Himgiri Spearheading the Agricultural Education in India

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Editorial

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ndia’s agrarian economy is supporting 60% of the entire population only with agriculture. It’s a saddening fact that being highly dependent on rainfall and human labour, most of the Indian farmers are still supporting a constantly growing population with age-old farming techniques. The most developed economies, however, have already harnessed the disruptions of technology in the field of agriculture.

It’s evident that the ever-evolving technology has sprouted its impact on the agriculture field of India lately. It has not only increased the firm efficiency but also helped in reaping the best quality product.

Digital Farming: Reinventing Agriculture in India

With the constantly growing world population, unpredictable weather and climate change, the supply of commodities often fall short of the demand. Digital farming has brought the solution for this. Digital farming is, basically, the adoption of new and advanced technologies, integrated into one system, helping farmers and other stakeholders to improve food production and the entire agribusiness value chain.

Precision farming, one of the key elements of digital agriculture, has proved to be of much help for the farmers to increase production in lower cost. There are now new technologies for analysing the soil acidity, nutrient level, historical yield and climate variations of a field. GPS-enabled tractors and aerial drones carrying multispectral sensors connected IoT devices are now in use offering a new dimension to the traditional farming.

Apart from this, the agriculture industry is going to bring big data into the scenario.

Various Software and algorithms have come into existence, which is helping to leverage data and thus increasing yields, improving farm profitability and increasing farm sustainability.

Implementation of the cloud and AI for rainfall, sowing, pest control prediction, and commodity pricing is definitely a major initiative which has been proved to be beneficial for increased income and thus providing stability for the farmers. This facility has entered the Indian farming sector recently as a part of the government initiative of Digital India.

Now, it’s crystal clear that digital farming has brought in all the potential to feed the ever-growing world. It’s not only a new way of farming; it’s the change cropping up in the whole agricultural supply chain.

However, in order to bring a true revolution in the agricultural scenario, trust, harmonization and standardization in each and every part of the business is mandatory.

The First Agricultural Revolution, also known as the Neolithic Revolution, occurred worldwide between 10,000 BC and 2000 BC, was the transformation of human societies from hunting and gathering to farming. This transition led to the formation of the world’s first civilization. Apparently, we can be sure that this contemporary digital revolution in Agriculture might help the civilization to survive for centuries to come. T R

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pooja M. Bansal MANAGING EDITOR Rajarshi Chatterjee EXECUTIVE EDITOR Upama Goswami CONTRIBUTOR Anmol Preet Singh VISUALISER David King ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR CO-DESIGNER

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October 2018

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COVER STORY

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ARTICLES

Editor’s Desk

Farming as a Service : Embedding Hope and Enriching Lives of Indian Farmers

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Farming Archive 34 Forethoughts for the Modern day Organic Farmers

CXO STANDPOINT

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Himgiri Zee University

Professional's Stance

Spearheading the Agricultural Education in India

Tour with DAV University

Organizations should Invest in Team Building for Success

University at a Glance

18 26 DAV University

A Legacy Redefining the Indian Educational Scenario

UAHS

Blending Traditional and Contemporary Agricultural Norms for a Better World

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CONT ENTS

ICAR-CIWA Enhancing Effectiveness of Women in Agriculture

38 Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences Towards Excellence in the Agricultural Research and Education in the Nation

40 M.M. University, Sadopur Fostering Students with Wisdom and Inciting Change

42 Shobhit University Centre for Agricultural Informatics and e-Governance Research Studies

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Redening the Agriculture Sector in India– A Step Forward “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will, in the end, contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness” ~ Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father of America

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igital Farming has changed the mundane image of Agriculture forever. It’s not the fieldwork of village farmers anymore. Numerous technologies have been invented throughout recent years to redefine the global Agriculture sector. With this changing scenario, many career opportunities have also been popped up. Most of the careers are related to science or business.

The field of Agricultural science studies includes the natural and social sciences, economics, engineering and management of biological systems to practice, develop and understand the fields of agriculture and forestry. Apart from this, Agricultural Science uses the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics to bring solutions to the agriculture and food industry.

There are numerous career opportunities in the sector for Agriculture Science graduates. Major domains include agribusiness, R&D organizations, public and private agencies, government and policy-making agencies, and private consulting companies. Some of the major Scientific (R&D) career options within Agricultural Science are Food Science, Plant Science, Soil Science, and Animal Science.

If we skip this scientific research and development part, even then we’re left with business & management roles. Non-scientific roles such as marketing, technical sales, merchandising, economists, accountants, finance managers, commodity traders, and communication & education (social services) can also be proved as brighter career opportunities.

In this issue, “The 10 Best Agriculture Institutes in India 2018”, we’ve highlighted the best agriculture institutes in India, which are redefining the scope of careers in the agriculture sector.

On the cover, we have highlighted Himgiri Zee University, a pioneering agriculture institute in India, which caters to thousands of young agriculture aspirants and trains and prepare them for lucrative job opportunities in the private and public sectors of the country.

Other than that, we have showcased DAV University; University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga; Central Institute for Women in Agriculture; Maharishi Markandeshwar University; Karunya Institute of Technology And Sciences; and lastly Shobhit University.

So without further ado, flip the pages and gather more insights on these top Agriculture institutes. T R

Cover Story h e 10 Best

Agriculture

InstituteS in India, 2018 T R

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his university provides educational opportunities to all segments of society, without discrimination of any kind. In addition to regular face-to-face education, with the use of modern technologies, HZU brings education to the doorsteps of all those who did not have access to higher education earlier or were denied such an access.

Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group of Industries and Zee Telefilms had brought together in 1995 a group of committed anthropologists, sociologists, economists, and development communications professionals to set up TALEEM Research Foundation in Ahmedabad. Himgiri Zee University, one of the ventures of the foundation, is located in Dehradun, the picturesque hill city in the foothills of the Great Himalayas.

Based on the motto ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (World as Family), Himgiri Zee University has been established for the vocationalisation of higher education which is national in character and transnational in jurisdiction. The University is characterized by its resolve not to discriminate on grounds of caste, creed, residence, community, gender and religion. HZU has been established under Act No. 17 of 2003 of the State LegislativeAssembly, Government of Uttaranchal (Act 2003, Uttaranchal AdhiniyamSankhya 17 of 2003) and has since become operational.

The Learning Methodology The exposure to practical knowledge through field work are part of learning mechanism to give critical practical know how about the different Agro techniques, Field crops, Weeds,

We believe in training the students not only in their chosen academic discipline but beyond

Ornamental and Medicinal Plants.

Identification of Crop based diseases and insect pests in the field conditions help the students to gather sound knowledge practically.

The idea behind the whole academic exercise is to expose students in the cultivation and the pre and postharvest technologies in Agriculture.

The normal methodology includes: Ÿ Classroom teaching and Laboratory Exercises Ÿ Field Tours to Scientific Institutions and Research Units Ÿ Guest lectures by Eminent Agricultural Scientists Ÿ Practical Crop Production on the concept of “Learning by Doing” Ÿ Continuous Internal Evaluation Elegantly Styled ‘State-of-the-art’ Infrastructure With a high class infrastructure and fully equipped accommodation including separate AC and Non AC hostels for boys and girls, Himgiri Zee University strives to provide all kinds of facilities ranging from transportation, cafeteria, Wi-Fi campus, sports, open gymnasium, swimming pool, medical aid, to enable comfort and a tech savvy learning to the students with fully equipped computer labs. The Library has state- of the - art information systems and provides access to an extensive range of database, together with traditional printed material. The library is stocked with more than 30,000 books, 4000 titles and a number of journals and reports that cover all subjects. Although the primary mission of the library is to support the curricular and research needs of the students, the library also provides material and reference assistance for the faculty.

We believe in creating student entrepreneurs and innovators for future

We provide educational opportunities to all segments of society, without discrimination of any kind Sports at University campus provide for the perfect setting to hone one’s team skills and to maintain physical fitness. Apart from indoor games, there is a whole gamut of outdoor sports like Football, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Cricket, Badminton etc. The HZU is a vibrant campus full of healthy sports and extracurricular activities.

Carving a niche in Agriculture sector- Promotional Activities Frequent exposure to Agriculture markets, Farmers field, Agriculture Exhibitions, Workshops, Seminar’s has enabled the students to grasp the knowledge as well as exposure to the current scenario of Agriculture at a glance. Competitions related to curriculum in the form of Quiz, Debate, Drawing competitions, model making etc. are some of the key areas that the students are engaged to develop their skill and also their personality development.

Exposure to a Vast Realm of Spheres The Department of Agriculture under the aegis of University frequently

organizes various events like National Seminar on Innovation and Challenges in Present Day Agriculture, Agriculture Education Day, Girl Child Day, and Visit to Agriculture Market etc.

Apart from departmental activities, students actively participated and won titles in different co-curricular activities like Freshers welcome, Extempore, GK quiz, Girl Child Day. The students participate with great zeal and enthusiasm in rangoli, poster making, mask painting, cricket, basket-ball, football etc. The students also take up short term trainings of one to two months in areas like Mushroom cultivation, VermiComposting, Organic Farming, Bee keeping, Floriculture etc.

third year where they grow different crops of Kharif and Rabi Season by themselves starting from field preparation till the harvest and marketing of the produce. The extensive sessions including Experiential Learning in the Eight Semester enable the students them to gain practical knowledge in “Learning

by Doing”. The students also get attached with the Farmers in the form of RAWE Programme thereby making the students aware of the problems of the farmers and the solution by giving sound knowledge to farmers regarding Scientific Agricultural practices.

Practical Crop Production (PCP), Experiential Learning ( EL) and Rural Agriculture Work Experience (RAWE)

The University is shaping up to become a pioneering Agriculture Institute in India, to cater to the thousands of young Agriculture aspirants, to train and place them in different offices of Private and Public sector of the Country.

The curriculum (as per ICAR, Indian Council of Agriculture Research norms) is designed in such a way so as to focus on overall development of the students. The students undergo Practical Crop Production on the motto “Earn while you learn” in the

The Unrelenting Journey towards Excellence

A delegation from Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands visited the Department of Agriculture during the month of July for possible

We believe in translating the vision of young minds into reality for sustainable development

collaborations in the area of Agriculture and allied sectors.

The university has been awarded as “Best Private University” in the year 2015 and 2018 and the quest for excellence continues with the same spirit. Since last two years, the B.Sc (Hons)Agriculture students have achieved placements in both Private and Public sectors like Bayer, Dayal Fertilizers, DCM Shriram, Horticulture Development Officer, Sugar Industry, Jet Airways, Amazon. Many students have secured merit positions in State Agriculture Universities for Post Graduate Programs. T R

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Name of the Institution

URL

DAV University

davuniversity.org

Sarmastpur, Jalandhar - Pathankot, National Highway (NH 44), JALANDHAR - 144 012, Punjab

Himgiri Zee University

hzu.edu.in

P.O. - Sherpur, Chakrata Road Dehradun, Pin - 248197 (Uttarakhand) INDIA

ICAR - Central Institute for Women in Agriculture

icar-ciwa.org.in

Plot No. 50-51, Mouza-Jokalandi, Baramunda P.Ohubaneswar - 751003, Odisha, India

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya

jnkvv.org

Krishinagar, Adhartal, Jabalpur - 482004 (M.P.) INDIA

Karunya Institute of Technology And Sciences

karunya.edu

Karunya Nagar P.O, Coimbatore - 641 114 Tamil Nadu, India

Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Sadopur- Ambala

mmumullana.org

Village Sadopur, Distt. Ambala- 134007 (Ambala Chandigarh Highway, Opposite Omaxe Green)

Ramanata Crisna Pai Raikar School Of Agriculture

rcpragrischool.com

Madhala Wada, Savoi Verem, Ponda, Goa - 403 401

Shobhit University

shobhituniversity.ac.in

University Tower, Plot No. 7, Pocket-B, Mayur Vihar Phase II Delhi 110091

Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University

sknau.ac.in

Jobner, Jaipur

University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga

uahs.in

Savalanga Road, Shivamogga, Karnataka, INDIA-577 204

Location of the Institution

DAV University A Legacy Redefining the Indian Educational Scenario

Tour with DAV University

DAV University provides excellent human resources to public and private sectors; DAV University ensures that students are taught through latest teaching methodologies and technology platforms.

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AV University traces its roots to the legacy that has been reforming and redefining India’s educational scenario for 130 years. The University has been established by a Legislative Act of the Punjab Government and empowered to confer degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act 1956.

DAV University, Jalandhar is promoted by DAV College Managing Committee which is India’s single largest non-government educational organization managing more than 800 educational institutions in the country. It has been providing students with an excellent education in modern academic environment. The setting up of the University is the culmination of the movement that started with the founding of the first

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DAV School in Lahore on June 1, 1886, to propagate the ideals of the religious and social reformer Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

Urbane Infrastructure and Updated Curriculum DAV University lays emphasis on education and research, befitting the DAV brand known for harmonious blend of modern education with traditional Indian Vedic values.

It is a multi-disciplinary institution, home to faculties of teaching excellence in subjects ranging from engineering to languages to natural sciences including physical and life sciences.

DAV University is spread across an area of about 72 acres and it provides an ideal ambience for pursuing professional courses and ensuring all-round development of students.

The campus is well equipped with modern infrastructure including state-of-the-art buildings, round-the-clock power backup, canteens and huge parking area in the basement of each building. Playgrounds, sports and fitness facilities add to the quality of life on the campus.

The innovative courses so designed also save precious time, money and energy of the students while they remain focused to the field of their choice. Multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach to studies followed by the University has been helping the students to learn by making connections between ideas and concepts across different disciplinary boundaries. Students learning in this way are able to apply the knowledge gained in one discipline to another different discipline as a way to deepen the learning experience.

Infinite Opportunities for Students DAV University understands the need of hour in preparing the healthy and high-tech manpower which can lead society along with their personal growth. Renowned experts from various fields are invited to T H E

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impart knowledge and share their experiences with the students.

Dr. Punam Suri, Padma Shree Awardee, is the Chancellor of DAV University. An illustrious grandson of Mahatma Anand Swami, Shri Punam Suri is an eminent educationist, with a rare sense of futuristic initiatives in the field of education. A distinguished alumnus of British Institute of Management, London, U.K., he exhibits unique approach in decision making, leadership, growth and innovation. World Systems and increased tie ups with Indian & Foreign Universities have jointly paved a path for giving new dimensions to the educational programme at DAV under his stewardship.

The University has collaborations with Central University Punjab (CUP), Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), Student branch of Computer Society of India (CSI). DAV University has established DAV Academic Industry Synergy Hub- a unique platform to promote research and development activities in association with industry. The members of the synergy provide opportunities to DAV university students for undergoing industrial training and seek placements in the industries managed by them. The university aims at making students competent enough to embrace professional mobility after their placements.

The Agricultural Department of DAV Department of Agricultural Sciences is established under the aegis of DAV University with an aim to achieve excellence in academics and research. The Department offers four years course in B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture and two years Masters’ programme in Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology and Vegetable Science. The Department has designed a dynamic and focused curricula as per the guidelines of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to develop welltrained manpower for academics, agro-based industry and extension oriented applications. In post graduate programmes, students undertake specific research in fundamental and applied aspects of agriculture and its allied fields.

The vision of the Department is to develop highly specialized manpower in diverse areas of agriculture and its applications in industry, commercial food, fuel and fodder production, environment and research.

Distinguished academician and noted administrator Prof (Dr) Rakesh Kumar Mahajan is the Vice- Chancellor of DAV University. Mahajan has held several major positions at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar including Head of Chemistry Department, Professor-in-Charge (Examinations), Dean, College Development Council, Coordinator, University-Industry Linkage Programme and Dean, Faculty of Science.

An M. Sc. in Chemistry and Ph. D. from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Prof Mahajan specializes in Physical Chemistry, Analytical and Environmental Chemistry.

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Agriculture graduate has a variety of career opportunities ranging from academics to manufacturing, marketing, banking, extension work, State Agriculture Department, corporations and quality control. Many students of the Department have qualified various competitive examinations like ICAR- JRF, State Agriculture Universities Entrance Examinations and pursuing their Masters in the renowned Agricultural Universities like Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, SKAUST, Jammu and CSK HPKV, Palampur in different disciplines including Soil Science, Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Agri. Extension, Horticulture- Pomology, Vegetable Science etc. Students of the Department have also joined different Masters’ programmes in foreign Universities of repute. T R OCTOBER 2018

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Editor’s Desk

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hen tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.” – Daniel Webster, Renowned American Statesman After the great transformation of IT sector with the implementation of Software-asa-Service model, India is going to witness a transformation in the ailing agriculture sector.

Well-known as agrarian economy, India has the secondlargest arable land globally with its 160 million hectares, succeeding the United State of America. Despite this, the sector is facing a depriving state.

Around 70 per cent of Indian population is totally dependent on agriculture. Sadly, they comprise of small farmers who barely hold one hectare of land holding, struggle to make ends meet and depend on loans for their day to day farming.

Alarmingly low rate of productivity in this sector is due to various structural challenges, including heavy dependence on rainfall for irrigation, small-farm land holdings and lack of access to technology and real-time information.

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What is Farming-as-a- Service?

Farming as a Service offers innovative, professional-grade solutions for agricultural and allied services via a subscription or pay-per-use model. Some solutions by FaaS are organized, efficient reinventions of existing practices, while others are brand-new tech-driven innovations.

The first FaaS category is farm management solutions, which offer information sharing, analytics and precision farming tools. Information management between farmers, government, corporates, financial institutions and advisory bodies fall under this category.

Production assistance is the second category of FaaS, which offers on-farm resources to aid production. This involves equipment rental, labour services and utility services.

The third and final FaaS category offers access to markets—platforms connecting farmers with suppliers of agrochemicals and consumers of their farm produce.

These solutions have been adopted globally to provide a gateway to innovations across the agriculture value chain.

High Impact Model of FaaS With a clear perspective of an efficient and productive future of Agriculture sector, both the Government and the private players are inclining towards the effectiveness of Farming as a Serving. Basically, FaaS provides affordable technology solutions for efficient farming. It converts fixed costs into variable costs for farmers, which makes the techniques more affordable for a majority of small farmers.

The services are available on a subscription or pay-per-use basis in three categories, which are crucial across the agriculture value chain: Farm management Solutions: Information sharing, analytics and precision farming tools Production assistance: On-site resources to aid production, such as equipment rentals Access to markets: Virtual platforms that connect farmers with suppliers of seeds, fertilisers and other agrochemicals, as well as consumers of their produce Nonetheless, the model also has a vast social impact on the rural agrarian economy in which small and marginal farmers are the primary beneficiaries

Indian Agriculture. With the arrival of FaaS, India has witnessed an increase in number of start-ups and an influx of funds to the sector. Total investor for FaaS in India is currently $105 million to $115 million, which undeniably looks promising. The number of startups evolving to growth stage funding has increased as investors become more confident in the viability of these business models and the returns. It has seen to become a global trend as FaaS based start-ups have gained popularity as investors have invested millions of dollars into it.

The majority of the investments in start-ups that offer farm management solutions that are primarily influenced by developed markets with high mechanisation. Many start-ups are in the digital or technology space, which is already attracting investments from tech giants.

In addition, both the central and state governments have taken initiatives regarding this new innovation of agricultural technology. The government is actively pushing FaaS-based services through customer hiring centres (CHCs) and soil testing. The government’s focus on increasing institutional credit to farmers, improving infrastructure (such as investment in cold storage areas) and promoting digital transactions will also expand FaaS-based solutions.

Looking the Way Forward FaaS can definitely help address the problems like inefficiencies across the agricultural supply chain, such as low productivity, lack of farm mechanisation, access to markets and data asymmetry.

FaaS will encourage product innovations such as multipurpose agricultural equipment and tools for real-time data capturing and analysis. FaaS has the potential to spark an economic and social revolution by improving the status of small and marginal farmers. Coordination between all the direct stakeholders (start-ups, investors, governments and corporations) and indirect stakeholders (local entrepreneurs, implement suppliers, agronomists and IT vendors) is critical for the success of FaaS. Addressing the key structural challenges, such as the lack of infrastructure, technology and financing, the resistance from the ground level and regional differences, is critical to realising the concept’s full potential. In the future, all the FaaS solutions—farm management solutions, production assistance and access to markets—are expected to converge into a single model, as the end customer is the farmer. T R

Farming as a Service in India FaaS bears a lot of potential to the forever-ailing scenario of

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UAHS Blending Traditional and Contemporary Agricultural Norms for a Better World

To build the University as a premier institution to provide best professional education, R&D solutions addressing key issues confronting the sector growth and achieve excellence with quality outputs in frontier areas of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, and Allied Science, professional consultancy, contract services in public and private domains at national and international levels.

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ndia is a country of farmers and orchards. India today is a home to a bunch of people who are initiating an agritech reformation. Technology being the core of most of the new-age innovation is leaving its imprints in agriculture too. The University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS) based in Shivamogga is blending both the conventional and modern farming techniques and preparing students for the world. This university was initiated with a vision to achieve brilliance in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry and related areas.

Carved out of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru and the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, this university and its four colleges have been accredited and recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi for the period of 5 years from 2016-2021. One among top three colleges of Forestry

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University at a Glance

The Dedicated Scholar

(at National Level) having collaboration with international organizations, the College of Forestry, Ponnampet has received an A++ Accreditation by ICFRE (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun).

The inception tale of the university dates back to 1976 when the Shivamogga campus was established as a Regional Tobacco Research Station (RTRS). This centre at that time undertook studies on Flue Virginia Tobacco which elevated the prominence of RTRS, which later served a new objective; conducting research on rainfed cropping system under NARP. Later in 1990’s the foundation stone for College of Agriculture with BSc. (Agri.) programme was laid then affiliated to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, this college was established after realizing the need for agricultural education in rural areas.

However, the dream of having University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga as a full-fledged

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Dr. Manjunatha K. Naik, the present Vice-Chancellor of UAHS has been playing a major role in the accomplishments of the university. An author, educator and mentor, Prof. Naik brings with him vast experience. His professional journey began in the year 1990.

Starting from 1990 until 1996 he has served at different roles including ICAR scientist and post-doctoral fellow at ICRISAT. Later in the year 1996, Dr. Naik began his teaching profession as an Associate Professor and Head, Plant Pathology at UAS, Dharwad.

Following, in the year 2004 he served as the Professor and Head, Plant Pathology at UAS, Dharwad / Raichur and University Head of Plant Pathology from 2009-13. He served as Full bright Professor at NDSU, USA in 2010-11.

After serving as the Dean (PGS) of UAS, Raichur from 2012 until 2016, he joined UAHS as the Director of Research in 2016.

Having appointed as the Vice-Chancellor in the year 2018, Dr. Naik had guided many new developments in the university. Agriculture Technology Information Centre (ATIC) at the UAHS Head Quarter, Centre for Climate Resilient Agriculture, Centre of Excellence for Diagnosis of Plant Diseases and Pests, and Centre of Excellence for Pesticide Residue are some of the recent developments of the university. Widely travelled over 14 countries on professional assignments, he has 190 research papers, 58 book chapters and 11 books with two patents to his credit. The UAHS established collaboration with national and international institutions for research and education to realize the goals of its establishment.

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university was realised on 1st April 2013.

Exceptional and Advanced Facilities UAHS is the only university in Karnataka imparting education, research and technology transfer in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry.

Knowing that this reputation comes with certain responsibilities, the university has equipped itself with the best amenities for its students.

The university comprises of six teaching institutions, 13 research stations, and two extension education units. Equipped with smart classrooms and laboratories for UG and PG students with advanced facilities for practical knowledge, the university has armed itself with all the necessities. The students also get a first-hand experience on farming as the university has four Krishi Vigyana Kendras located in seven districts of Karnataka. These Kendras come under the jurisdictions of the University and functions effectively to solve the various problems of the farming community and take forward the transfer of technology.

Highly qualified, skilled and experienced faculty members, the advanced video conference hall and a placement cell are the other eyecatching features of the university.

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The placement cell of the university has successfully placed many of its students at many reputed organizations. Having an active collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has helped this university to achieve excellence in education, research and extension activities. The advanced field laboratories and demonstration units and hands-on training and Student READY programmes of the university nurture students for the future.

Spreading geographically, the university plans to establish a new University campus at Iruvakki, Sagar Taluk in 777.77 acres of land sanctioned by the Government of Karnataka Academic Programmes Boasting about its unique facilities the university is equally proud of its academia. Being the first integrated university in the state of Karnataka, UAHS had gained national recognition as it has both agricultural and horticultural sciences under its purview. The prestigious academics offered at UAHS include Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate and Diploma programmes.

The courses under Undergraduate Programme encompasses of Bachelor Degree courses in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry.

The Postgraduate Programmes include:· M. Sc. Horticulture in Fruit Science, Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Horticultural Entomology and Vegetable Science and Crop Improvement and Biotechnology · M.Sc. Agriculture in Entomology, Agriculture Extension, Agronomy, Genetics, and Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry · M.Sc. Forestry in Silviculture and Agroforestry, Forest Biology and Tree Improvement Under the diploma programmes, the university offers courses in Diploma in Agriculture and trains the rural unemployed youth for agriculture.

The university also has a one year Diploma program in Agricultural Extension Services to input dealers, strengthen the extension system for the efficient transfer of technology to the farming community.

The doctorate course offered by the university includes programmes of Ph.D. in Agriculture Entomology, Agronomy, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, and Agricultural Chemistry. T R

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ICAR-CIWA Enhancing Effectiveness of Women in Agriculture

The inst ute aims to disseminate knowledge to promote gender sens ive decision making for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of women in agricu ure

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CAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICARCIWA) is an institution first of its kind in India that is exclusively devoted to gender related research in agriculture. It was established as National Research Centre for Women in Agriculture (NRCWA) in April 1996, at Bhubaneswar (Odisha) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. Keeping in view the role of women in integration of farm and household activities, All India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science (AICRP on HS) started in the 6th Five Year Plan (1980-85) was merged with NRCWA in the year 2007.

The NRCWA was further upgraded to the ‘Directorate of Research on Women in Agriculture’ (DRWA) in the year 2008. The Directorate has been upgraded and renamed as ‘ICARCentral Institute for Women in Agriculture’ (ICAR-CIWA) in the year 2014.

Institute is undertaking research on several issues affecting women and their opportunities in agriculture through participatory action research in different technology based thematic areas involving farm women to test suitability of farm technologies for

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them and suggest refinement. The Institute is coordinating the AICRP on Home Science (AICRP HS) at 12 centres in 11 states across the country.

State-of-the-art Infrastructure The Institute has a well-developed Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, Video conferencing system, Institute Technology Management Unit with necessary facilities for IPR and commercialization of institute’s technologies.

The institute has a conference hall with seating capacity of 150 and two committee rooms with seating capacity of 40 each in addition to wellequipped training hall and with the provision of LCD and other audio visual aids. Technology block also functioning in the Institute campus which has an exhibition cum meeting room with a seating capacity of 300 persons, while the training cum conference hall can accommodate 100 persons.

The Institute has a research farm of 32 acres including 15 acres area under different horticultural and field crops as well as livestock & fisheries. The institute has well developed OCTOBER 2018

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demonstration units viz; horticulture based cropping models, vermicomposting unit, integrated fishpoultry-duck-unit and ornamental fish unit. The institute also has Trainees hostel, Residential quarters, Women farmers’ hostel, well-equipped laboratories in the field of entomology, ergonomics, post- harvest technology, horticulture, seed technology, animal science, fisheries, and gender data centre.

Major Activities of ICAR- CIWA The institute’s primary activities include technology assessment and refinement in gender perspective; Management of operational drudgery for farm women; Livelihood and nutritional security of farm families; Gender sensitive extension methodologies; Repository of gender disaggregated data and policy advocacy and Coordination and monitoring AICRP on Home Science.

The institute also focuses on Capacity building, Consultancy services, Human Resources Development (HRD), and Collaborative network projects.

The Institute also conducts various national flagship programmes viz; · Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav · Tribal Sub Plan programme · Aspirational Districts · Swachch Bharat Abhiyan Achievements and Recognitions The below mentioned are just a few of the achievements earned by ICARCIWA: — Developed Multi Agency Participatory Extension Model (MAPEM) for promotion of backyard poultry by rural women, Gender sensitive village level para extension worker model to bridge the extension gap between women and development functionaries, Gender and agril. R & D (GARD) framework, Extension model for T H E

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fish seed production, Resource efficient horticulture model, Gender Knowledge System in Agriculture Portal.

Developed Low cost women friendly technologies included Hygienic fish drying rack, Fish silage based poultry feed and organic manure, Azolla based poultry feed, Weaning mix for reducing malnutrition, Pot method of vermi composting, maize dehusker cum sheller(commercialized) Enhanced crop protection knowledge of 556 farm women of twenty villages of Odisha in Khurda, Puri, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur districts through 19 training programmes having knowledge gap (78.4- 95.2%) in the use of seed treatment and biopesticides. Farm women are motivated to adopt eco-friendly pest management technologies which resulted in reduction in use of pesticides hazards.

Popularized gender friendly IPM technologies in 10 agroclimatic zones of Odisha and provided technological support to 896 farmwomen/ farmers.

Developed Gender desegregated database from 27,000 women involved in farming, livestock, post harvesting and other allied activities covering 42 agroclimatic zones of the nine states on participation and decisionmaking status in agriculture & allied activities.

Nutritional profiling of 3000 adolescent girls out of total sample of 5069 using anthropometry, clinical assessment and haemoglobin estimation.

Eleven gender friendly new tools were developed, tested and refined 49 Entrepreneurs were established for income generation in group and individual mode in different activities. T R

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About the Director Dr. S. K Srivastava is the Director of this Institute. He obtained Graduation in Agriculture with First class from Gorakhpur University; and Post-graduation and Doctorate in Agricultural Entomology from CSAUA&T Kanpur. Dr. Srivastava has published more than 170 publications including 47 full length papers in scientific/professional journals, 55 in conference proceedings, 26 compendium/book chapters, 25 popular articles, 8 manuals/teaching aids and 13 research/ extension bulletins.

He served C.S.A.University as a Senior Research Fellow, Research Associate and Jr.Scientist/Assistant Professor of Entomology for about 16 years. Thereafter, he joined this premier Institute as Senior Scientist, Entomology from 2002. He acquired a Diploma in HARDI Spraying course from HARDI International Denmark.

He has also attended Advanced International Training Programme at Stockholm and Svalov, Sweden and at Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Srivastava has been the recipient of many awards including Best Innovator, Farmers guide and Friend

by Hon'ble Minister, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Bharat Jyoti Award; AZRA Fellowship Award; Dr Radhakrishnan Gold Medal Award; Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Gold Medal Award;

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Himanshu Talwar Management Consultant

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Professional's Stance

Organizations A should Invest in Team Building for Success

group of employees when working together towards accomplishing the goals of the organization, they become a team. In an organization, team building is an essential factor for building a strong workforce. When the employees work as a team, they are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses and they collectively work towards achieving the goals of the organization.

About the Author Himanshu Talwar is an Educationist, the National Award Winner, a Ph.D. holder, and a Management Consultant. He has a wide-ranging professional experience in Public Relations, facilitating setting-up of companies, negotiations, and market expansion of businesses. He has worked for the Government of Japan, Government of Poland, Government of El Salvador, Government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and several corporate houses.

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Each organization has various teams for various tasks which makes achieving goals easier. In today’s business and corporate world, team building has emerged as an important element because it gets work done in a quicker and better way.

IMPORTANCE OF TEAM BUILDING Boosts individual performances: Team building works as a booster for individual performance and improves productivity because, in a team, individuals strive to be better and prove themselves which leads to healthy competition.

Motivates employees: Team building is a good way to motivate employees to do their best at work. When employees work together, they are motivated to do better in the long run.

Gives various perspectives: Team building gives scope for analyzing different perspectives as different minds come together to work for a single goal. It also gives space for creativity and innovation

which is a great asset to an organization.

The Sense of responsibility: Team building inculcates a sense of responsibility in every individual because, in a team, each member feels responsible for the entire team and hence they put in more efforts for a better outcome.

WAYS TO BUILD AN EFFECTIVE TEAM Break the ice: For building an efficient team, it is important for each member to understand the others and know them well. For this, it is essential to break the ice between employees by various activities and fun sessions where they are given a chance to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Team building activities: A good way to build a team is to engage the employees in various activities which require them to work together. Through this, they learn to work in harmony with each other and develop trust.

Fun sessions: Another good way to build a good team is to involve them in fun sessions beyond work where they don’t have work-related stress like fun Fridays or Wednesday pizza nights. These can also be sessions like motivational talks which the team attends together or other sessions where they can bond well. T R

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Farming Archive

Forethoughts

Organic Farmers for the Modern day

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he backbone of the Indian economy, the agricultural sector, ranks second in the global farm output. In India, the word ‘organic food’ has created quite a buzz.

This has resulted in more number of farmers turning to grow food without the use of chemicals and pesticides rather than the traditional method of farming. Organic farming has no universally accepted definition.

However, it can be widely considered as the specific production system that aims in avoiding the use of harmful and synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, livestock feed activities and growth regulators.

The reason why one chooses to be an organic farmer differs from one to another. At first, this idea would be overwhelming; the path to it is different for everyone. This new trend in farming is now gaining prominence amongst the city dwellers too; who are venturing into this field. While the start line of this career seems all promising many are not sure about the finish line. Below are some of the ideas about how to get this finish line.

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Personal Commitment One of the most important aspects of being an organic farmer is to make sure that one must have the drive to accomplish a milestone in farming. Farming, in general, is a tough career path; nevertheless, organic farming is a much difficult path due to the need of gaining certifications and the rules that need to be followed. However, there is nothing that cannot be achieved if one has dedication and willingness to encounter anything that comes its way. To be successful in organic farming one must at first be clear about his or her reason behind, ‘why they choose this career’. Secondly, they must be willing to invest sufficient time and their resource into it.

Healthy Body “The greatest wealth is health”! People from all walks of life might have come across a variant of this legendary phrase. Speaking about a farmer, this phrase is more than just a reference. Stepping foot into farming is different from having a corporate job. Farmers have to spend long hours standing, pulling, lifting and the on-the-go moving swiftly and quickly from one task to another. This one such kind of profession one is always on the move. On one hand were farming tasks are extremely strenuous, these tasks are often done under various conditions like extreme heat, rain, cold which might add to the stress. Unlike a regular 9 hour job, farming does not have time limit. All in all, there is no other alternative than being healthy and stable. Having a healthy diet and maintain body will help one to invest more time into farming.

Management Skills A farm no matter how big or small, managing it effortlessly is what makes one a good farmer. Farming does not end with just growing crops, there are other tasks like expanding farm, finding new employees, getting a good buyer or agent. Ability to manage all these tasks without much hassle is the attribute of a good farmer.

Being capable of managing tasks swiftly also indicates being organised. If one is unable to balance their check book and locate health insurance, organic farming will come as much as a chaotic task. Farmers, especially the organic farmers should keep all the records accurately and should update themselves with any alteration. Being a farmer friendly nation, the Indian government frequently announces farmer friendly programs, offers financial

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supports and lots more. In order to be a beneficiary of such programs and following upon on such packages needs proper handling of documents.

Managing skills does not end with just handling the paper work. A farmer also experiences pressure at certain times.

Factors like changing climate, stress from both organic and conventional sides of agricultural industry and other issues can be challenging for farmers. Keeping oneself composed and calm and the ability to solve a problem are also the traits of managing skilfully.

A Business Savvy Mind Unlike traditional farmers, the role of an organic farmer does not end with just growing crops and caring for other livestock. An organic farmer needs the shrewdness of a businessman. Dealing with bank and other financial related matters, interacting with buyers and sellers, making deals with marketers, promotions, budgeting, bills to be taken care off, hiring employees, managing a website and the list goes on and on. Organic farming basically is practical like; growing crops, cleaning and harvesting which consumes most of the time while the pending time is spent running the business end of it.

Eagerness to Learn Being an organic farmer means exposing themselves to new ideas and possibilities. Accepting and analysing new opportunities and willingness to learn are important to be in this profession. Learning goes in many forms; there are some farmers who get their training from experienced farmers while there are few who go to colleges. Along with knowing the drills of conventional farming, organic farmers should also equip themselves with some mechanical knowledge like running some machines, fixing these machines etc. Even though having mechanical knowledge is not necessary for organic farmers, learning to become a mechanical minded does no harm.

Unlike the earlier days when most farmers learned the trade by growing up in a farmer’s family, the farmers today are unknown to the conventional ways. Many of the new entrants have joined this career path for its unique feature and the increasing demand. The modern day farmers have much more qualifications under their belt. Standing on the cusp of a new era, organic farming is set to make new levels. The above mentioned points will help the budding farmers to stay focused and achieve their goals. T R

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Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences Towards Excellence in the Agricultural Research and Education in the Nation

To raise professionals and leaders of high academic caliber and unblemished character, nurtured w h a strong motivation and comm ment to serve human y

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arunya Institute of Technology and Sciences was founded with the noble vision of grooming a smart and progressive generation with integrity and concern for humanity. Accredited

by NAAC, the institution offers a wide array of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral Degree programmes in various branches of Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Processing Technology and Agricultural Sciences.

The institution has made significant progress in teaching - learning, research and consultancy, innovation and transfer of technology, community service and value education. The KITS is currently engaged in finding solutions to human problems in the four major focal areas of societal importance, namely, Water, Food, Healthcare, and Sustainable Energy through scientific and technological interventions.

Culturally rich and diverse campus of Karunya is home to students hailing from almost all the States and Union Territories of India and also international students and interns from different parts of the world. It provides a platform for the students to come together, to learn and groom in academics, stature and personality. The

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institute has already linked up with the reputed institutions in Israel, such as Technion of Haifa, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University and Jacob Blaustein Desert Research Institutes of Beer-Sheva and the Agricultural Research Organization (Volcani Institute) of Israel to attract faculty and exchange programmes.

All these institutions in Israel have eminent faculty members and scientists working on different aspects of agriculture dealing with soil-waterplant trinity. The KITS also signed an MoU with the University of Saskatchewan, Canada from where the faculty with specialization in food processing served as Visiting Faculty at KITS. State-of-the-art Campus of Karunya Far away from the hustle and bustle of concrete city life, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences is situated in a serene and peaceful valley in the foothills of Western Ghats.

Karunya is equipped with gallery classrooms and latest teaching aids for providing application oriented teaching. Students have the freedom to choose the course of their study according to their liking with the OCTOBER 2018

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Choice Based Credit System. The institute has nationally acclaimed laboratories for referred water technology and food processing. Its contributions in the field of biotechnology and nanotechnology have been highly appreciated nationally. Computer laboratories are equipped with high-end IBM PureFlex System, Blade servers, Rack servers and Workstations. Green computing is practiced by server consolidation and desktop virtualization using VMware products. A separate Storage Area Network has been commissioned by the Centre for Data Storage. The Computer Technology Center is well equipped with licensed software to cater to the academic and administrative needs. A state-of-the art campus network with 10 Gbps fiber optic backbone connects the entire institution and residential buildings.

Internet connectivity is available 24x7 through multiple service providers via Internet leased lines. The Institute also facilitates placement facilities for graduating students.

Modern Artifact of the ‘Agricultural Station’ A Model ‘Agriculture Station’ has been established in the campus of KITS with the technical support of Dr. Avri Bar Zur, the former Agricultural Attache’ to the Israeli Embassy in India with a vision to help in academic, research, demonstration and extension programmes of the School of Agriculture and Biosciences. The Research Station intended to help in T H E

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introducing precision agriculture in the region will make use of modem tools like Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, Digital Media, Remote Sensing and GIS in the farming sector.

Precision farming will be practised both in the poly-houses and the open field. ‘Technology of Tomorrow’ and ‘Interdisciplinary Research’ are the keywords of this initiative.

In addition, with the support of advanced technology and collaboration with the Israeli scientists, a High Tech Poly house facility has been established in Karunya. The poly house is one of the ‘state-of-the-art’ facilities built for Precision Agriculture and High Tech Horticulture and has been used for growing crops in a naturally ventilated, climate controlled environment unlike the crops grown in the open fields.

The institute has provided around 100 ha of land for establishing farms and other related facilities for the agricultural programmes in the campus.

The Department of Agriculture offers B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture and B.Tech Agricultural Engineering programmes. The programmes are designed to develop skills and explore career areas in agriculture, horticulture and agricultural engineering and are tailor-made to fit into the curriculum and syllabi prescribed by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR). T R

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The Prestigious Chancellor An eminent academician and educationalist, Dr. Paul Dhinakaran (MBA, PhD) is the prestigious Chancellor of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences. Apart from this, he is an evangelist who comforts millions of people through his Ministry of hope and love. He heads Jesus Calls International Ministry with its outreach program all over the world. He is a Philanthropist who founded SEESHA (Samiti for Education Environment Social and Health Action) with a noble vision to uplift the deprived and the destitute of the nation. Dr. Paul Dhinakaran played a vital role in the education system of India by serving as Member of National Monitoring Committee for Minority Education, Government of India and as Member of the Governing Council of National Mission for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of India.

The dynamic leadership and futuristic approach of Dr. Dhinakaran has considerably helped in adding novel and progressive dimensions to the vision of this institute.

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M.M. University, Sadopur Fostering Students with Wisdom and Inciting Change

To prepare students w h an integrated and technology oriented education for a be er career and to be worthy c ens of a global society

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stablished in the suburbs of Ambala City, Maharishi Markandeshwar University’s (M.M. University) vision is ‘Shaping Future’. Since its inception in 2010, the university has been striving to bring a new life to the educational system. A pre-eminent institution for higher education, M.M. University is spread over 44 acres and boasts of an excellent infrastructure. It encompasses well equipped labs and workshops; faculty from Ivy League colleges of the country; library stacked with latest books; national and international journals; e-resources with paradigm infrastructure; which provide an eventual centre of excellence for professional education.

Being legislated under the Haryana Govt Act No. 29, of 2010 and created under the provisions of Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006, the University has approval from Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana, PCI, COA and recognition

by UGC for awarding degrees under section 22 of UGC Act, 1956.

Advanced Substructure with Great Value The greatest asset an educational

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institution holds apart from its competent faculty is the infrastructure and facilities. Maharishi Markandeshwar University undeniably has the finest amenities for its students.

Giving equal importance to fun, competence, sports and any other activity that enhances and encourages students to soar higher, the university takes initiative to offer its students the right platform. Keeping that in mind it has established a sports academy namely Yuvraj Singh Cricket Academy that helps students achieve glory in sports along with academics.

The transportation structure here is smartly planned and highly efficient.

The transportation network of the university commutes from stations in 80 km radius of the campus including cities like Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Chandigarh, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Karnal etc. and other stations in between. The other facilities of the university include easy money transaction with the help of the nationalized bank branch and an ATM within the university. It also has a wellequipped hostel that gives students ‘at home’ feeling. These hostels provide all amenities for comfortable and OCTOBER 2018

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enjoyable stay of the students. A fullfledged Wi-Fi campus, solar power plant for producing and in return helping in reducing the carbon footprint, are the other attractions.

Having own dispensary run by qualified medical officers and an infirmary equipped with medicines and first aid has again put the university at the top. The university is also aided by the services of a multi-specialty hospital by the same trust at Mullana.

Academia and Educators Par Excellence The university is proud and boasts of the faculty having a research experience from Ivy League colleges of the country like IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, NIT Kurukshetra, IIM Lucknow etc.

Some of the prominent faculty achievements are:Ÿ

Prof. Manoj Kumar of Applied Science Department published two Patent vide No. 2416/DEL/2013A titled, “A hydrazone Schiff base Ligand and Method Thereof” and 1177/DEL/2014 titled, “A detergent powder and method Thereof”.

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Dr. Cheshta Kashyap of Management Department was awarded the Best Presentation Award at IIT Roorkee for her paper titled, “A Study on the Bubbles of Stock Markets”.

M.M. University’s greatest achievement is its academic excellence and the vast exposure it offers to the students. The undergraduate programs offered under this university include T H E

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streams Agriculture ( Hons. and Integrated Hons ), Pharmacy, Architecture, commerce, design, Journalism and Mass Communication, Business Administration (Specialization in Brand Management & Communication and in Financial Services), Computer Application (Specialization in Cloud Technology and Information Security and in Web Technology and Mobile Application), and Performing Arts. The postgraduation programs offered here include M.Sc. in Agriculture (Specialization in Agronomy and Entomology), Masters in Architecture, and Masters in English, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

This habitat of advanced education has unbolted all doors to ensure that the students receive great technical proficiency. The university organizes expert lectures, workshops, conferences, seminars, and industrial visits. This ensures that the students are always equipped and updated with the linings of the industry. The training & placement division of the university has been aptly set up to ensure 100% placement of students and also assists in conducting pre-placement activities by focusing on preparing young intellectual talent by providing inputs on group discussion, preparing Bio-Data, facing interview and effective communication skills both written and verbal. The university also offers exposure to real-time environment especially to students of agriculture domain by field work inclined towards crop production and exhibition of vegetables in university premises. T R

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The Visionary Leader Serving a Purpose It was the vision of Dr. Tarsem Garg, Chancellor of M.M. University that has brought this university the glory it enjoys.

Dr. Garg aimed at delivering knowledge. Coming from a humble background, Dr. Garg made his mission to do something worthwhile for the children belonging to rural hinterland and small towns of Haryana. In 1993, going forward with his goals, he established the Maharishi Markandeshwar Education Trust, now known as Maharishi Markandeshwar Trust. Under his dynamic leadership, the MM Group of Institutions has become one of the nation's most reputed educational groups which commands respect for its stateof-the-art infrastructure & expert faculty. These institutions have broadened the horizons of millions of youth and enriched them with their culture of excellence, social service and inclusiveness. Today the university has been accredited with Grade 'B' by NAAC and has been placed 3rd amongst top 10 emerging universities of India by Higher Education Review Magazine

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Shobhit University Centre for Agricultural Informatics and e-Governance Research Studies

The inst ute promotes learning in Indian trad ion w h international ou ook. The Univers y distinguishes self as a diverse, socially responsible learning commun y of high qual y scholarship and academic rigor, sustained by Indian ethics & values. The Univers y draws from the cu ural, intellectual and economic resources of the nation to enrich and strengthen s educational programmes.

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cknowledging the mission of the University to create the quality human resource in the niche and emerging areas, the Government of India, Ministry of Human Resources Development, vide its Notification No. F-9-37/2004U.3(A) dated 8 November, 2006 under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act granted “Deemed-tobe University” status to Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology, Meerut (popularly known as Shobhit University Meerut).

Agricultural Informatics—A Synergistic Discipline

Both farmer and farm generate a lot of data from their farm management practices but these data are not systematically captured for subsequent analysis and interpretation using Informatics, for strengthening Agriculture Value Chain.

Digitalization of farming system is the step towards achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and minimizing Farmers’ Distress. In order to boost Farmer’s Income in a sustainable manner, India requires Strategic use of ICT & e-Governance in Farming System Life Cycle.

Agricultural Informatics has thus emerged out as the potential and impactful discipline in the Country.

Agricultural Informatics is the Science

The University has constituted an

The Shobhit University has established “Agricultural Informatics Research, Development and Education recently which is an e-Governance Paradigm in Farming Sector” Programme, for competency development in Agricultural Sciences Graduates, who pass out annually, about 25,000 in numbers in the Country, facilitating them to apply ICT for infusion and diffusion in the farming sector for productivity increase and employment generation in the Indian agricultural sector.

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of agricultural Information and Engineering of Agricultural Information Systems and agricultural Information Processing. India needs about 100,000 Agricultural informatics professionals to facilitate “Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022” (DFI-2022). The DFI-2022 Committee Report (2018) of the Government of India, endorses the need for “Agricultural Informatics” and “Digitalization of Agricultural systems of India”.

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The Leading Light

Advisory Committee with eminent and distinguished Scientists, Technocrats and Professionals, to guide Agricultural Informatics Programmes. The Shobhit University has initiated this programme through a National Level Brain Storming Session and Workshop way back in 2010 with the theme: Agri-Informatics in Emerging Educational System: Modes, Methods and Relevance”. The CAIRS of the University is the first of its kind in India, to promote Genomics, Robotics, Informatics and Nanotechnology for agricultural productivity and farmer’s income rise.

CAIRS, first-of-its-kind in India, has its mission to generate human resources with the right skills, knowledge, aptitude, entrepreneurial, and leadership qualities for effective design and implementation of ICT enabled agricultural production, supply-chain, value-chain and extension services. These services cater to the needs of Agricultural sector stakeholders (farmers, industry, research, extension and scientific organizations, etc.) in global era, through the emerging field of Agricultural Informatics, e-Governance, AgriBusiness Management and Language Computing.

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Student Life at CAIRS Ensuring the overall development of students, the university provides all facilities for sports and recreation.

Such facilities improve the quality of life on campus for the entire community; strengthen ties between and among students, faculty and staff; provide opportunities for participation in sport clubs, recreational fitness and wellness programs and informal recreation; help reduce the stress experienced by those who live, work and study in the university and improve the health and well-being of the campus community.

The University is having an indoor stadium with facilities like squash court, fitness centre cum gymnasium, TT room, and Badminton Courts.

For outdoor game lovers facilities like Basketball court, football ground, cricket pitch, throw ball and handball courts are available. Students are also encouraged to join morning yoga sessions. Every year a sports week is celebrated where students from other institutes are also invited to compete with University students. All indoor facilities are provided on Babu Vijendra Indoor Stadium Block. T R

Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra is the Co-founder and Chancellor of Shobhit University. A prominent social entrepreneur Kumar Vijendra is a persistent advocate of the initiatives for education for the poor, secular values, crisis management through diplomatic and peaceful ways, and globalized systems of learning and peaceful co-existence.

Acknowledging his contribution to society in the areas of education and other concerns he has been copiously honored and awarded. Recently ASSOCHAM endorsed him with "Lifetime Achievement Award 2018".

Kunwar Vijendra is a passionate Gandhian, an avid reader, keen learner, social speaker, occasional poet and a dreamer.

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