17th Foundation Day of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour Concludes; Several Innovative Materials Released, Governor-cum-Chancellor
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: The 17th Foundation Day of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour was celebrated on Wednesday in an exceptionally grand, enthusiastic, and dignified atmosphere. On this occasion, several important materials and products related to agricultural research, innovation, and technological development were unveiled. Joining via video conferencing from the Bihar Lok Bhavan, the Chancellor of the university and Governor of Bihar, Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), inaugurated the program online as the chief guest and guided everyone with his inspiring address.
Special Emphasis on Food Security and Agricultural Research
Addressing the ceremony, the Chancellor emphasized that food security in the country serves as the primary foundation of national security. In today's times, climate change and erratic weather cycles have emerged as major challenges before the nation's farmers. Research and investigations conducted at the university level are proving immensely helpful in tackling these challenges. He stressed that rapid technology-driven changes are taking place in agriculture, making it imperative that research and technologies developed in laboratories reach farmers' fields directly. Youths need to focus heavily on innovation in the agricultural sector, contributing concretely toward building a 'Developed Bihar' and a 'Developed India' through entrepreneurship.
Unveiling of Several Innovative Materials and Technologies
On this special occasion of the Foundation Day, several new materials, products, and digital tools destined to become milestones in the fields of agriculture and food processing were launched:
'Agri Granth' (AI-Based RAG Chatbot): A modern artificial intelligence-based chatbot designed to assist farmers and students in instantly retrieving agricultural information.
Instant Low-Cost Blue Tea: A unique beverage packed with health benefits was introduced.
Raw Jackfruit Flour: Flour made from raw jackfruit, useful for health-conscious individuals and diabetic patients, was unveiled.
Honey Spoon: A novel product designed to make the consumption of honey easy and convenient.
Flour Made from Jackfruit Seeds: A special flour prepared to utilize jackfruit seeds effectively and enhance their nutritional value.
Short Film: A short film depicting the university's glorious journey, achievements, and progress to date was also showcased and released.
Presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Duniya Ram Singh and Excellence Awards
Presiding over the program, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Duniya Ram Singh presented the university's annual progress report and reiterated the resolve to steer the institution toward newer heights. On this occasion, scientists, researchers, and progressive farmers who performed exceptionally in the fields of agricultural science, distinguished research, and innovation were honored:
Best Research Publications: University DSW Dr. Shweta Shambhavi alongside Dr. Manibhushan, Dr. Satish Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Sahay, Dr. Shashank Shekhar Solanki, Dr. Shajida Bano, Aditya Sinha, Dr. Ashok Kumar, and Dr. Prem Prakash were honored for best research publications.
Distinguished Farmer Awards: Progressive farmers from various districts were honored for their outstanding work, including Abdul Rahman from Araria for horticulture, Suraj Kumar from Jehanabad for integrated farming systems, Sheela Kumari from Kahalgaon for value addition, Neelam Kumari from Banka for animal science and fisheries, Ravindra Krishna Singh from Bhojpur for millets (Shri Anna), and Amit Kumar from Supaul for makhana (fox nut) production.
Startups and Competitions: Buddhisen Bittu and Rashmi Kumari were rewarded for exceptional startups. Additionally, winners of the 'Research Findings in Four Minutes' competition were awarded medals and certificates of appreciation.
This 17th Foundation Day celebration of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour stood as a testament to the institution's continuous strides toward combining traditional education with modern technology, scientific research, and boosting farmers' incomes. The newly unveiled materials and products will add a new chapter to the development of agriculture and the rural economy in the days to come.
