PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haldwani
Expressing happiness over the vice-chancellor of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Manmohan Singh Chauhan being presented with the ‘Prof M R Srinivasan Memorial Lecture & Oration Award’ at the 52nd Dairy Industry Conference (DIC) in New Delhi recently in recognition of his outstanding contributions to dairy science and agricultural research, the senior university officials said that the institute has recorded remarkable progress in multiple fields like teaching, research extension and infrastructure besides a slew of recognitions under his stewardship from August 2022 till date. They, in particular, mentioned the jump of 152 positions in the QS World University Rankings with the university securing the 209th rank. “The university was also awarded an ‘A’ rating by PRT of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research aside from receiving the Academic Leadership Award 2023 at the 14th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, NABL accreditation of a Lab, majority of AICRP projects recognised by ICAR as the best centre award,” said a university officer.
Academically, 4,809 students were awarded degrees during the 34th, 35th and 36th convocations. In research, 15 new crop varieties were developed while 44 patents were filed, 34 were published and 19 were granted. “The university remained a national leader in breeder seed production by producing 7,000–8,000 quintal breeder seed of different crops annually. For breed improvement of local Badri cow, cloning work has been initiated in the collaboration of NDRI, Karnal,” the university officer further said.
Speaking of the achievement in livestock conservation, another university officer said that priority is being accorded to indigenous breeds such as Badri cow, Pantja, Chaugarkha and Udaipuri goats. “The Udaipuri goat was registered with the ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. In fisheries, a record production of 40 million spawn annually was achieved in the circular carp hatchery,” he added.
They also spoke of the infrastructure development the university has seen during the tenure of the incumbent VC, mentioning the establishment of General Bipin Singh Rawat School of Hill Agriculture, General Bipin Rawat Hostel (capacity 225 students), a women’s gymnasium, wellness centre and Madhu Vatika, recreation centre for the students, training centre for women SHGs and FPOs. A surveillance system with 90 CCTV cameras was installed and old hostels, roads, main gates and Gandhi Auditorium were renovated. Further, the hostel road was doubled to make the students’ movement easy.
For farmer welfare, the 113th to 117th All India Farmers Fair were successfully organised with Prof Chauhan at the helm, attracting 98,500 farmers and generating Rs 3.085 crore through the sale of seeds and plants. Moreover, the university was also honoured with the 9th National Community Radio Award by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Administrative reforms effected included resolving 109 pending faculty promotions.
The university sources said that GBPUAT has reached new heights under the VC’s guidance in academic excellence, research innovation, farmer empowerment and transparent administration, further strengthening its proud legacy.
