Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University

Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi 284003

Background

The Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University is an autonomous organization under the aegis of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India with its headquarter at Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). It is the first Agricultural University in the Country, which was established as an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament by Govt. of India on March 5, 2014. As per the provision of the University Act, its head quarter and constituent College of Agriculture and College of Horticulture and Forestry are located at Jhansi. Two colleges, namely College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and College of Fisheries are being established at Datia (Madhya Pradesh). The University has successfully completed six years since its inception. During the academic year 2019-2020, the University made remarkable growth in all the spheres of its mandated activities including infrastructure and faculty recruitments. The faculties, officers and staff of the University worked relentlessly with individual commitment to pursue the collective dream to realize the organizational vision within the shortest timeframe. The University is playing noticeable role in furthering excellence in agricultural education, research and supporting farmers in all possible ways. The University, RLBCAU including College of Agriculture has been accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2021 for a period of 5 years.

Academics

The three undergraduate (UG) programmes viz., B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture and B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry are in operation at the RLBCAU. At the same time post graduate (PG) programmes in eight subjects’ viz., Genetics & Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Entomology, Vegetable Science, Fruit Science and Silviculture & Agro-forestry are at the place. It enrolls students for various PG/UG programmes through ICAR-All India Entrance Examination to maintain multilingual and multicultural environment at the RLBCAU. The reservation policy for students from economically weaker section was also implemented successfully by corresponding increase in the total student intake following statutory norms. Further, the sanctioned regular faculty positions have been filled following new roster prescribed by Government of India. The University Internal Quality Assessment Cell (IQAC) was made fully functional with the defined goals and functions. In the wake of COVID-19 global pandemic, best possible efforts were made to train both the teachers and the students to continue with the planned educational activities on digital platform. The faculty and students are actively participating in all programmes likes Student READY, Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan, National Social Service, National festivals, games and sports, Hindi Pakhwara, besides representing in Inter-College Youth Festival, All India Agricultural University Youth Festival, All India Inter Agricultural University Games and Sports to cultivate a sense of community, fond memories, fun and excitement to the university community. A project under ICAR-World Bank sponsored NAHEP with a budgetary provision of Rs 497.45 lakhs has been implemented to strengthen teaching- learning ambience for excellence in academics, research and extension.

Research

The research programmes are primarily focused towards technology-driven production enhancement in pulses and oilseeds, particularly under moisture stress or rainfed conditions. The inclusion of pulses like chickpea, lentil and oilseeds like rapeseed-mustard and linseed in cropping system is likely to further accelerate productivity and sustainability of major farming systems prevalent in drought-prone Bundelkhand region. Two ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP on chickpea and AICRP on rapeseed-mustard) are operational at the University. The University also focuses on developing production technologies for high-value horticultural/ medicinal/forestry crops to popularize their cultivation to enhance farmers’ income. Research work on voluntary basis is being carried out under various ICAR-AICRPs viz., maize, barley, pearl-millet, MULLaRP and sesame & niger were undertaken towards enhancing productivity and production of these crops through development of high-yielding, multiple disease-resistant varieties for central India. Water absorption capacity of desi and kabuli chickpea cultivars showed wide variations among the respective groups. The mean percent water absorption capacity of desi and kabuli chickpea cultivars was 90.6 and 92.7, respectively. Seedling vigour showed wide variations from 0.46-4.34 cm in desi group and 0.48-2.95 cm in kabuli group, with a mean of 1.64 cm and 1.60 cm, respectively.
A coordinated germplasm nursery of wheat with 91 germplasm lines was evaluated. Out of Fifteen promising wheat genotypes were identified from Elite International Germplasm Nursery with 91 germplasm lines, based on yield and chlorophyll content. The sowing technique for green gram was standardized to promote line sowing for increasing crop productivity and input-use efficiency. Time taken by different sowing machines was the lowest for zero-till ferti-seed drill (4 hrs/ha), whereas it was maximum under farmer’s practice (6.5 hrs/ha). Similarly, seed yield obtained under the conventional method was 22.4-33.3% lower (542 kg /ha) as compared to other techniques.
Potential of intercropping of Aloe vera, Ocimum teuniflorum and Withania somnifera and Canvalia ensiformis with perennial tree species being assesses for promotion in the region. Out of various pomegranate cultivars evaluated, ‘Ruby’ and ‘Super Bhagwa’ were found suitable for cultivation in Bundelkhand region. Similarly, spray type cultivars of chrysanthemum (White Star and Karnal Pink) were found promising for the region based on different growth and flowering parameters.
More than 1270 quintals of quality seeds of recently-released high-yielding varieties of pulse crops (chickpea, lentil, pea, mungbean and urdbean) and oilseeds (mustard and linseed) was produced under Seed-Hub projects to cater quality seed requirement of the farmers belonging to Bundelkhand region. University faculty were sanctioned three extra-mural research projects with a budgetary provision of about Rs 411 lakhs by DBT, Government of India in critical areas primarily focused towards technology-driven production enhancement in pulses and oilseeds. The faculty published many research papers in journals of repute besides publishing books/bulletins and popular articles and also delivered radio/TV talks on various contemporary problems of agriculture.

Extension Education

A series of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted on rapeseed-mustard (45) chickpea (10), groundnut (150), maize (80), rice (17), sesame (21), mungbean (4) and pigeonpea (2) in Jhansi, Datia, Tikamgarh and Niwari districts to promote farmers’ income through scientific interventions for best farming practices. The results of FLDs in rapeseed-mustard convincingly proved that by adopting the improved production practices, farmers could get an average 26.00 per cent increase in productivity (1,467 kg/ha) over indigenous practices (1,166 kg/ha) with an average net monetary benefit of Rs. 12,069 /ha. Likewise, improved technology provided farmers an alternative and better response in getting higher yield in chickpea. There was 20.00 per cent of seed saving, optimum plant population and 27.3 to 40 per cent higher yield advantage over farmer practices by using chick pea RVG-202. The net return (Rs/ha) using improved practices was Rs. 42,978 per ha in comparison to Rs. 28,528 per ha by using farmer practices. Several on-farm/off-farm demonstrations, field diagnostic surveys, field days and training programs were also conducted for farmers to popularize scientific cultivation of various crops including pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. To facilitate reach of the farm advisory at the farmer’s door step, a dedicated Farmer’s Corner was incorporated in the University website (http://www.rlbcau.ac.in/Farmers_corner.php).
A National Workshop on Promotion of pulses for sustainable production system, doubling farmers’ income and nutritional security was organized jointly by DAC&FW, Government of India & RLBCAU, Jhansi. Sri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare & Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India inaugurated the Workshop in the presence of more than 200 delegates and dignitaries.

Infrastructural Development

A significant headway was made to complete the on-going construction of Academic Building for College of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry, Administrative building, Vice Chancellor’s residence and residential complex having Type-VI, Type-V, Type-IV and Type-III quarters, guesthouse and hostels at Jhansi. The Academic and Administrative buildings were inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on 29th August 2020. University library, vermi-composting units for organic production of crops and vegetables, vegetable production and demonstration unit, crops’ cafeteria, fruits cafeteria, flower cafeteria and medicinal and aromatic plants garden were further strengthened to meet the emerging requirement of faculty, farmers and students. University has about 500 acres land at Jhansi, Datia and Niwari which is sufficient to cater current needs of the research and seed production.

1. Introduction

The Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University is the first Agricultural University in the Country, which was established as an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament by Govt. of India in the year 2014. The headquarter of the University is at Jhansi in the State of Uttar Pradesh. However, the jurisdiction and responsibility of the University with respect to teaching, research and programmes of extension education in the field of agriculture extend to whole country with priority on the issues related to Bundelkhand region. The University Act stipulates that all colleges, research and experimental stations or other institutions to be established under the authority of the University shall come in as constituent units under the full management and control of its officers and authorities. Within the provision of Section 4 (2) of the University Act, the University has established its head quarter and constituent College of Agriculture and College of Horticulture and Forestry at Jhansi. Two colleges, namely College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and College of Fisheries are being established at Datia, Madhya Pradesh. The University is funded directly by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi.

2. Goals

The University objectives are clearly defined in the Act as follows to:
a. Impart education in different branches of agriculture and allied sciences as it may deem fit;
b. Further the advancement of learning and conducting of research in agricultural and allied sciences;
c. Undertake programmes of extension education in Bundelkhand in the districts of the States under its jurisdiction;
d. Promote partnership and linkages with national and international educational institutions; and
e. Undertake such other activities as it may, from time to time, determine.

3. University Authorities and Governance

he Vice Chancellor is the principal executive and academic head of the University and ex-officio Chairman of Board of Management, Finance Committee and Academic Council. Board of Management, Finance Committee and Academic Council are the apex bodies, which take decisions on administrative, financial and academic matters. The proposed governance structure of the University is depicted in Fig.

4. Academic Activities

Undergraduate (UG) programme: As per the provisions of academic regulations, the Students to various UG programmes were made through ICAR-AIEEA for UG programs to help maintain multilingual and multicultural environment at the University.

Post Graduate (PG) programme:

PG programme for masters’ degree were initiated in eight subjects viz., Genetics & Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Entomology, Vegetable Science, Fruit Science and Silviculture & Agro-forestry. The total number of seats was increased at Post Graduate level from academic session 2019-20 following norms of reservation for EWS students set by the Government of India. The admission of students to Masters’ degree program was made through AIEEA for PGconducted by ICAR. Students from 10 states are currently pursuing postgraduate programmes in the College.

5. Faculty

In order to further galvanize and strengthen the mandated activities of the University, the recruitment to sanctioned regular faculty positions was completed during the year following new roster prescribed by Government of India. However, the University was constrained to seek support of 66 contract/ guest faculty, scientists and teaching associates to provide quality education as per ICAR norms in the wake of limited number of regular sanctioned faculty positions.

The engaged faculty for students of UG programs in Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestryoffered 177 prescribed courses in different disciplines with a combined load of 519 credit hours during the year, besidesthe faculty also had a workload of 59 PG courses equivalent to 154 credit hours. The faculty published many research papers in reputed journals, besides books/bulletins and popular articles during the year along with many radio/TV talks on various contemporary problems of agriculture. The Internal Quality Assessment Cell was made fully functional with the defined goals and functions. In the aftermath of COVID-19 global pandemic, best possible efforts were made to train both the teachers and the students to continue planned educational activities on digital platform. The faculty and students was also active participant of Student READY, extension education, Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan, National Social Service, National festivals, games and sports, Hindi Pakhwara, and extra-curricular activities.

6. Subjects/Courses Allocated

University has implemented entire recommendations of the V Dean’s Committee of the ICAR at undergraduate level viz., B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture and B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry. Similarly, the prescribed syllabus of the ICAR has been adopted at PG level in all programmes. University has plan to start undergraduate programmes in Animal Sciences and Veterinary and Fisheries soon in Datia campus where construction of the buildings for two colleges is at full swing.
The experiential learning programmes (ELPs) have been established for students’ learning and stakeholders exposure and training in several areas including quality seed production, mushroom production technology, organic farming, bee keeping, multiplication of tree species and medicinal and aromatic plants, etc. Two units of vermicomposting have been created besides efforts are being made to develop integrated farming system (IFS) module for Bundelkhand region.

7. Budget

The University gets funds from Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Govt. of India for carrying out its activities. During the academic year 2021-22, the University was allotted a budget of Rs. 110.95 crores only.

8. Any Other details

8.1 Library

The University Central Library continued to play an important role in disseminating information resources and services to cater the need for quality education, research and extension education activities. It made significant systematic efforts for collection development and dissemination of information resources by implementing ICT for the benefit of the users' community. Salient initiatives, services, and activities during the yearincluded access to anti-plagiarism tool Urkund as a service under SodhSuddhi Programme of UGC, INFLIBNET, organization of book exhibition, Library Automation using Library Automation Software (LMS) Koha (the world's first free and open source library system),development of an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) for the users’ community and constitution of Library Advisory Committee within the provisions of section 29 of the University Act.

8.2 Construction of Buildings

A significant headway was made to complete the on-going construction of Academic Building for College of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry, Administrative building, VC residence, Hostels and few faculty residences at Jhansi. Shri Narendra Modi ji,

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India was inaugurated the newly constructed Academic and Administrative buildings on 29 August, 2020.

8.3 Practical manuals:

The University prepared 100% practical manuals for Undergraduate courses. 46 Practical manual prepared under the college of Agriculture and 95 practical manuals prepared under the College of Horticulture and Forestry. All the practical manuals are available on University website.

8.4 Inauguration of Academic and Administrative Buildings of RLBCAU by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

The virtual inauguration of the Academic and Administrative buildings of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on 29.08.2020. Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Minister of state Shri Kailash Choudhary, Sri Purushottam Rupala, Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. Panjab Singh, Secretary DARE & DG ICAR, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and Additional Secretary DARE Shri S. K. Singh were present and graced the occasion. The Prime Minister also interacted with 5 students of the University. A walk-through of about 2-minutes was also relayed at the occasion. All the MLAs, MP, MLC of Jhansi and many dignitaries including district administration graced the occasion. More than 50 thousand students, farmers and stakeholders through State Agricultural Universities, CAUs, ICAR Institutes, and KVKs across the country got registered to this event. In addition, farmers, beneficiaries of PM Kisan Yojana and representative secretaries of Panchayati Raj were also connected. Live telecast was relayed by DD News. Wide coverage of the programme was given by news and press media.

8.5 Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of construction works of Two Colleges at Noner, Datia

The virtual Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the establishment of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and College of Fisheries at Noner, Datia by Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar on 27.09.2020 (Project cost approx. Rs. 350 crores). Hon’ble Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Narottam Mishra presided over the ceremony at Noner, Datia campus in presence of gathering of dignitaries and farmers. Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. Panjab Singh and Secretary DARE & DG, ICAR, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra also participated in the programme virtually.

8.6 Workshop- “Post-Harvest Utilization of Bundelkhand Specific Bio-resources for Entrepreneurship Development”

RLBCAU played a significant role as knowledge partners in the Brainstorming Workshop entitled “Post-Harvest Utilization of Bundelkhand Specific Bio-resources for Entrepreneurship Development”. The workshop was organized by the District Administration, Jhansi, and Bundelkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, Jhansi, to promote opportunities in the agriculture and food processing sector in Bundelkhand on February 28, 2021.

(a)During Brainstorming sessions several speakers of repute shared their views considering following key objectives:

(b)To provide an interactive learning experience in processing and value addition with the crops grown in the Bundelkhand Region.

(c)To establish a link for capacity buildings of students, local inhabitants /progressive entrepreneurs, and institutional-industrial partnership.

(d)To focus the issues with the quality control, finance and market management of processed and value-added products.

(e)To showcase the potential products, processes, and technology for marketing and commercialization in Bundelkhand and develop entrepreneurial mindsets.

8.7 Fostering collaborations with for improving agriculture and allied sectors

Linkages have been established with several academic institutions including ICAR Institutes, Agricultural Universities, Private sectors, International Organizations and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) etc. A meeting was organized at the RLBCAU on August 31, 2021 in presence of Dr. D.S. Chauhan, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) to explore the possibilities in Bundelkhand to provide possible financial assistance for rural development and capacity building.

8.8 Organization of important days and events

The University organizes all important mandatory days such as Independence Day, Republic Day, 2nd October- birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, Kisan Diwas, World Soil day, World Food Day, 19th November- Birthday of Rani Lakshmi Bai, Agriculture Education Day, 5th March-Foundation Day of the University, Teachers’ Day, Hindi Diwas including Rajbhasha Pakhwara, etc. The university added to its feathers of achievement an event organized to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Day-2020 on October 16, 2020. The day began with the students and faculty joining the virtual program by Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. This was followed by NutriAyur and Food Exhibition. Ayurvedic products, vegetables and fruits from the university farms were displayed, and faculty members exhibited an array of culinary delights. Students also organized a virtual poster presentation on the theme. The event concluded with talks by eminent dignitaries. Students also participate in various cultural and sports events as per requirement of the curriculum. University organizes tour for the students as well to provide them exposure to various academic and research institutions.

8.9 Faculty Attended Training/Seminar/ Workshop/ Symposium

Human resources development remains a focused area for the university. Several faculty members, students and other staff attended various capacity building programmes. More than 30 faculty members attended Training/ Workshop/ online and offline mode during last one year.

• Annual Report 2015-16 (1.8 MB)
• Annual Accounts and Audi Report 2014-15 (364.48 KB)
• Annual Report 2014-15 (1.21 MB)
• Ordinances (104.85 KB)
• The Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University Act, 2014 (256.08 KB)
• Annual Report 2016-17 CAU RLB (15.25 MB)
• RLB CAU Annual Accounts 2015-16 (2.5 MB)
• RLB CAU Annual Accounts 2016-17 (3.59 MB)