30th Annual Group Meet on Rabi Pulses Organised at RLBCAU, Jhansi

19 August 2025, Jhansi

The 30th Annual Group Meet on Rabi Pulses under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Rabi Pulses commenced today at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University (RLBCAU), Jhansi.

The Chief Guest, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, (DARE) and Director General, (ICAR) outlined a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening pulses research and development. He emphasized the need to enhance productivity and expand the cultivation area, while highlighting the vital role of pulses in enriching soil health, providing protein-rich nutrition to humans, and sustaining ecosystem balance. He called for the development of iconic varieties and breakthrough technologies, and stressed the importance of optimizing rice-based systems through intercropping and improved agronomic practices. Bridging the gap in phosphorus use efficiency, along with promoting mechanization, effective weed management, and integration of pulses in cropping systems, was underlined as critical. He further emphasized that efficient data management will be instrumental in better planning and monitoring of pulses development.

The session was chaired by Dr. A. K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, RLBCAU, Jhansi and co-chaired by Dr. D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), Government of India, graced as the Special Guest.

Dr. S. K. Chaturvedi, Director Research, RLBCAU, Jhansi, delivered the welcome address.

An introductory remark was delivered by Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, ADG (Oilseeds & Pulses), ICAR, New Delhi, followed by a presentation on “R&D activities in Rabi Pulses in India” by Dr. G. P. Dixit, Director, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur.

Dr. Shailesh Tripathi, Project Coordinator (AICRP on Rabi Pulses), ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur, highlighted the research achievements of Rabi pulses.

The event also witnessed the release of publications by dignitaries.

The meet brings together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing Rabi pulses research and strengthening farmer-centric innovations.

(Source: Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi)