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Director’s Message / निदेशक का संदेश

The first quarter of the year 2019-20 has been very impressive in view of

different activities taken place in the Academy. The Academy conducted 20

scientific events during April-June 2019 which includes 17 training

programmes and 4 project related workshops. It is worthy to mention that

more than half of the training programmes were sponsored by different

organizations. Besides this, we had meetings of regional chapters of two of the

highest scientific bodies, NAAS and NASI, at the Academy.

At the research front, the Academy witnessed fruitful deliberations during

Institute Research Council (IRC) meeting. Three new research projects in the

line of NAARM as a Think Tank of ICAR and Indian agriculture were initiated

during the quarter. On the academic front, the Academy welcomed 48 students

of 11th Batch of AICTE-approved 2-year fulltime PGDMA. Continuing the past success, all the students of 9th batch got

well placed with different agribusiness companies in India, and the students of 10th Batch successfully completed their

Summer internship. The Academy also admitted students to the two distance courses- PGDTMA and PGDETM. Apart

from that, a-IDEA, the agri-business incubator of the Academy was recognized as a BIRAC-BIG Partner. The Academy

also represented India as a delegation member, in the UNFCCC Global Climate Change Negotiations at UN Secretariat

in Bonn, Germany and in the 49th Session of Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at Kyoto, Japan.

*****

वर्ष 2019-20 की पहली तिमाही अकादमी में हुई ववभिन्न गतिववधियों के मद्देनजर बहुि ही प्रिावशाली रहi है। अकादमी में अप्रलै-जनू 2019 के दौरान 20 वैज्ञातनक कायषक्रम आयोजजि ककए गए जजसमें 17 प्रभशक्षण कायषक्रम और 4 पररयोजना संबिंी कायषशालाए ंशाभमल हैं। यह उल्लेख करने योग्य है कक आिे से अधिक प्रभशक्षण कायषक्रम ववभिन्न संगठनों द्वारा प्रायोजजि ककए गए थे। इसके अलावा, अकादमी में दो सवोच्च वैज्ञातनक तनकायों, NAAS और NASI के के्षत्रीय अध्यायों की बठैकें की गईं।

अकादमी ने संस्थान अनुसिंान पररर्द (IRC) की वावर्षक बठैक के दौरान फलदायी ववचार-ववमशष देखा। इस तिमाही के दौरान, ICAR और िारिीय कृवर् के धथकं टैंक के रूप में NAARM में िीन नए अनुसिंान पररयोजनाएं शरुू की गईं। शैक्षणणक मोचे पर अकादमी ने AICTE द्वारा अनमुोददि 2-वर्ीय पूणषकाभलक PGDMA के 11वें बचै में 48 छात्रों का स्वागि ककया। वपछली सफलिा को जारी रखिे हुए, 9वें बैच के सिी छात्रों को िारि में ववभिन्न कृवर् व्यवसाय कंपतनयों में कैं पस प्लेसमेंट द्वारा तनयुजति की गयी, और 10वें बचै के छात्रों न ेअपनी ग्रीष्मकालीन प्रभशक्षण को पूरा ककया। दो दरूस्थ भशक्षा पाठ्यक्रमों- PGDTMA और PGDETM में िी छात्रों ने दाणखला भलया। इसके अलावा अकादमी के कृवर् व्यवसाय इनतयबूेटर ए-आइडिया को BIRAC-BIG िागीदार के रूप में मान्यिा भमली। अकादमी ने िारि के प्रतितनधिमंिल के सदस्य के रूप में जमषनी में संयतुि राष्र सधचवालय में UNFCCC ग्लोबल तलाइमेट चेंज नगेोभशएशन में और जापान के तयोटो में जलवायु पररविषन (IPCC) के 49वें अंिर-सरकारी पनैलसत्र में प्रतितनधित्व ककया।

(Ch. Srinivasa Rao)

Volume 8 | Issue 2 | April-June 2019 ISSN No. 2320–0472

ICAR-NAARM

NEWSLETTER

ICAR-NAARM Newsletter

https://naarm.org.in Vol 8 | Issue 2| Apr-Jun 2019 2

Scientific Meetings

Meeting of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), Hyderabad Regional Chapter

A meeting of Fellows and Associates of NAAS based at

Hyderabad was held on April 4, 2019 to discuss emerging

issues related to Agricultural Research, review the

ongoing activities and to plan future activities of Regional

Chapter of NAAS, Hyderabad. The meeting was attended

by 22 Fellows and 4 Associates of NAAS belonging to the

States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Panjab

Singh, President, NAAS and Dr. AK Singh, Secretary,

NAAS graced the occasion.

During the meeting, Dr. Panjab Singh felicitated Dr. P

Appa Rao, Vice Chancellor, Central University of

Hyderabad and Fellow, NAAS for bagging the prestigious

BN Mehta Award of NAAS. He gave an overview of the

activities undertaken by NAAS at the national level. He

also congratulated Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Secretary of the

Regional Chapter for focused activities carried out in the

last year and suggested to create awareness about the

activities of NAAS Regional Chapter among the young

agricultural scientists of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Two eminent NAAS Fellows gave their perspective on

contemporary issues concerning agricultural sector.

Padmashri Prof. EA Siddiq, Honorary Professor, PJTSAU

and former, DDG (Crop Sciences), ICAR gave a talk on

“Way Forward for Genomics in Agriculture: Policy Needs”.

Dr. AK Singh, Secretary, NAAS gave a talk on “Drought

proofing policy in India”. The talks were followed by a

panel discussion by the Fellows and Associates, who

contributed in consolidating the actionable points and in

identifying future activities to be taken up by the Regional

Chapter.

NASI Hyderabad Chapter Meeting

NASI Preparatory Meeting for organizing 89th Annual

Session was held at the Academy on April 5, 2019. The

meeting was chaired by Dr. Ch Mohan Rao, Chairman,

Hyderabad Chapter of NASI. Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao,

Director, ICAR-NAARM made a presentation on the

Academy’s activities and infrastructure facilities available

at the Academy for holding the NASI Annual Session. The

Annual Session would be organized jointly by NASI and

NAARM during December 21-23, 2019.

Workshop under NASF Project

The first workshop under the NASF (National

Agricultural Science Fund) funded project on

“Entrepreneurship Development through Farmer-Led

Innovations (FLIs) – A Case Study in Plantation Sector”

was organized on April 27, 2019 at the Academy. The

workshop was held to sensitize on first project objective

i.e., to study economically/commercially potential farmer-

led innovations in plantation crops for entrepreneurship

development activities; and expected outputs and

outcomes for a period of three years and also to prepare


Vol 8 | Issue 2 | Apr-Jun 2019 https://naarm.org.in 3

the action plan for the first year of the project. The Co-PIs

from IIPM, Bangalore and CPCRI, Kasaragod attended the

workshop. The action plan for the year has been prepared

based on the objectives and role of each Co-operating

center was discussed.

(Workshop Director: Dr. S Senthil Vinayagam)

National Workshop on Academic Excellence through Building Partnerships and Resources

Generation of NAHE Project

The National Workshop under NAHE Project

‘Investments in Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Leadership in Agricultural Higher Education’ was held

during April 30-May 1, 2019. Dr. NS Rathore, DDG

(Education), ICAR was the Chief Guest for the inaugural

function. The other dignitaries include Prof. Vishnu

Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, RAJUVAS, Bikaner; Dr. Prabhat

Kumar, National Coordinator, NAHEP, New Delhi; Dr.

Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, NAARM, Hyderabad; Dr. G

Venkateswarlu, ADG (EQR), ICAR; Dr. SK Soam, Joint

Director and CCPI of the project from NAARM; Dr.

Sudeep Marwaha, PI from Lead Institute (IASRI), Project

team members, delegates from various universities. The

objectives of the workshop were to sensitize the

participants about the activities of the project; and to build

partnerships among Higher Education Institutions in

strengthening National Agricultural Higher Education,

Research and Extension Systems.

The main focus of the workshop was to develop resources

and mechanism for supporting infrastructure, faculty and

student advancement, and providing means for better

governance and management of Agricultural Universities

(AUs) in India. It was also focused to establish a

partnership with different institutions globally in order to

improve the quality of education and resource generation

at AUs.

(Workshop Directors: Drs. SK Soam, D Thammi Raju,

N Srinivasa Rao & Alok Kumar)

22nd Institute Research Council Meeting

The 22nd IRC (Institute Research Council) meeting of the

Academy was organized during May 28-29, 2019 under

the Chairmanship of Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director,

NAARM. The meeting witnessed 36 presentations on

ongoing and completed projects by the scientists of the

Academy. Three new projects were also proposed in the

meeting. The list of projects is presented below:

In-House Projects:

1. Farmer producer companies in India: A study on their management practices and business potential

2. Mainstreaming the small ruminant farmers into efficient value chains in India

3. Structural changes in agricultural marketing in India: Effect on inclusiveness, efficiency and profitability

4. Financial inclusion of smallholders and landless households in Madhya Pradesh state

5. Developing a framework for enhancing agricultural research management efficiency

6. Competency management system for agricultural research and extension

7. Decision support database of maize inbred germplasm

8. Text analytics of the queries raised at Kisan Call Centre in South India

9. HR interventions and their influence on institutional innovation

10. Team work and its effect on organizational performance in NARES

11. Emotional intelligence and organizational effectiveness



12. Students’ learning approaches (SLAs) for enhanced learning outcomes in agriculture education: A critical analysis

13. Geo-spatial knowledge system for monitoring climate changes in agro-climatic zone x: southern plateau and hill region

14. Gender based ICT led knowledge management in agriculture

15. Research role analysis of extension scientists in ICAR

16. Assessment of technological interventions in teaching, learning process

17. Digital teaching evaluation in agricultural education using TPACK model

18. Ag-academy: A framework for scaling up e-learning platform

Sponsored Projects:

1. Economic analysis of eucalyptus and subabul based agroforestry ecosystem in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (ITC

ltd.)

2. Adoption of insect resistance management practices in Bt cotton cultivation in India (MMB-India)

3. Development of digital content for PGD in agri-warehousing management (MANAGE, Hyderabad)

4. Entrepreneurship development through farmer led innovations- a case study in plantation sector (NASF)

5. Development of digital content for plant biosecurity through MOOC platform (NIPHM, Hyderabad)

6. Adoption of natural farming and its effect on crop yield and farmers’ livelihood in India (NITI Aayog)

7. Agricultural research and development infrastructure in select Indian states (NSMIS, DST, GoI)

8. Strengthening and integrating agricultural science & technology indicators (ASTI) in Indian NARES (IFPRI-ASTI)

9. Establishment of skill development bioinformatics infrastructure facility (Skill-BIF) for agricultural biotechnology

(DBT, GoI)

10. International market signals for Indian agricultural trade during WTO regime: R & D strategies and policies (DST, GoI)

11. Profiling the resources devoted to agricultural R&D and development of national framework for evidence -based S&T

governance in India (DST, GoI)

12. KRISHI: ICAR research data repository for knowledge management (ICAR)

13. Management & impact assessment of Farmers’ FIRST project (ICAR)

14. Technology enhanced learning in agricultural education (TELAgE) (ICAR)

15. Establishment of agri-business incubation (ABI) centers under XII plan scheme for NAIF (ICAR)

16. IP management and transfer/ commercialization of agricultural technologies scheme (ICAR)

17. Investments in Indian council of agricultural research leadership in agricultural higher education (ICAR-NAHEP)

18. Environmental impact assessment of tobacco curing (Tobacco Board)

Investments in ICAR Leadership in Agricultural Higher Education: NAHEP Review Meeting

The first review meeting of the World Bank and ICAR

sponsored NAHEP being implemented at ICAR-NAARM

was organized on June 29, 2019. The objectives of project

include establishing partnerships with globally

recognized agricultural higher education institutions

(HEIs); promoting establishment of Career Development

Centres (CDC) at agricultural universities; improving

curricula review processes and methods to consolidate

and disseminate global best practices in agricultural

education; assisting agricultural universities in

strengthening their linkages with industry; structuring

dialogue with state government to catalyze their

participation in raising the quality and relevance of

agricultural higher education. Dr. RC Agrawal, National

Director, NAHEP and Dr. Prabhat Kumar, National

Coordinator, NAHEP Component-2 graced the occasion.

The meeting was attended by all the Project team and

staffs at the Academy. The project targets, achievements,

outputs, outcomes, and the indicators were discussed in

length and decisions were taken for further execution of

the project.



Research Projects

Adoption of Natural Farming and its Effect on Crop Yield and Farmers' Livelihood in India

The project has been sponsored by NITI Aayog to

understand the farmers’ perception about Natural

Farming (NF) for different crops and its implication on

crop yield and farmers’ income. The project is being

carried out in collaboration with ICAR-CRIDA. Primary

survey along with soil sample collection in 2-3 districts of

Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra states have

been carried out during April to June 2019, covering 295

NF practicing and 170 non-practicing farmers.

Preliminary finding reveals that only few farmers are

practicing NF in Karnataka state, most of them are also

using FYM due to its availability in the farm. Adopter-

farmers are cultivating several crops including paddy,

sugarcane, finger millet, vegetables, pulses, etc. Whereas

in Andhra Pradesh, situation is opposite with almost all

farmers in the selected villages are practicing NF. Besides

using Jeevamrita in irrigation water, adopter-farmers also

use solid jeevamrita (Ghana Jeevamrita) at the time of

sowing. This is mainly because of intensive efforts by the

state government through ‘Andhra Pradesh Zero-Budget

Natural Farming’ (APZBNF) Programme and Rythu

Sadhikara Samstha (RySS). In Maharashtra, farmers

reported similar crop yield, however quality of produce

were a bit inferior. Small farmers are growing chickpea

and jowar in rainfed condition using NF. The quick

observations from survey indicates that there is mixed

effect on crop yield, depending upon the crop, however,

farmers are able to sell the produce at premium price, due

to no use of chemicals. Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Head, ABM

Division is the Principal Investigator of the Project.

Farmer Producer Companies in India: A Study on their Management Practices and Business

Potential

Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), registered under the

Indian Companies Act of 1956, enacted in 2003, has been

projected as an institutional arrangement to solve the

problems of the small producers through collective

actions. This study was taken up with the objective of

assessing the performance of selected FPCs in India across

different states and to suggest suitable policies. During

June 2019, three FPCs based in Tamil Nadu were sampled

for detailed study. They are M/s Kazhani Farmer Producer

Company Ltd., M/s Perundurai Farmer Producer

Company Ltd. Gopichettipalayam (Erode district) and

M/s Vinayaga Coconut Farmer Producer Company Ltd.,

Pollachi. The FPCs are facing financial constraints in

expansion and has limited ways of improving their

financials. Even though only a few farmers were actively

participating in the company activities, they are eager to

continue to do business with the FPCs. Dr. N. Sivaramane,

Pr. Scientist, ABM Division is the Principal Investigator of

the Project.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Tobacco Curing in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

The Tobacco Board of India sponsored research project

‘Environmental Impact Assessment of Tobacco Curing in

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka’ was conducted at the

Academy. During the project completion workshop held

on May 27, 2019, the research findings of the project was

presented. The workshop was attended by 15 officials

from the Tobacco Board, besides the project team

members from the Academy. Smt. K Sunitha, IAS,

Executive Director & Chairperson, Tobacco Board was the

Chief Guest while Shri. Addanki Sridhar Babu, IAS,

Secretary, Tobacco Board and Shri. TV Ravi, Director

(Auctions), Tobacco Board were the guests of honour.



Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM presided

over the workshop. The Project was led by Dr. K

Kareemulla, Principal Scientist. Following observations

emerged from the deliberations during the Workshop:

Recycling ash from the barns into farms/ FYM pits

needs to be ensured by motivating the growers, since

ash is rich in Potash and other nutrients.

Straw/ trash, tobacco, cotton and pigeon pea stalks may

be used for tobacco curing wherever possible

considering the transportation cost.

Failure of briquettes as a source of energy due to high

prices even though the calorific values are high needs

to be relooked.

The concept of community barns could be tried. But,

due to lack of ownership, its success is skeptical in

Indian conditions.

There is a need to develop techniques that require less

manpower for running barns.

The concept of solar powered barn needs to be further

researched.

Reduction of cost incurred in curing needs to be aimed

at with emphasis on environment.

Economic Analysis of Eucalyptus and Subabul based Agroforestry Ecosystem in Telangana and

Andhra Pradesh

Cultivation of tree crops provided livelihood security to a

majority of farmers situated closer to paper mills and in

the vicinity of cities where there is huge demand for

construction activities. In the last decade, owing to high

income realization from tree crops coupled with non-

availability of cheaper labour for agriculture, many

farmers even far from the demand source had taken a

plunge in this venture. In this backdrop, this study was

taken up to analyze the economics of tree cultivation in

selected districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and to

suggest suitable strategies that ensures profitability for the

farmers and continuous flow of woods to the companies

sourcing them. A survey of farmholds was conducted at

various villages near Ongole. It was found that a majority

of the tree farmers were growing Eucalyptus and Subabul

while some grow Casuarina. Presently, the profitability of

these crops has drastically reduced in comparison with

field crops. Many farmers were keeping the crop

unharvested due to low price and lack of buyers. Dr. SK

Soam, Joint Director (I/C) is the Principal Investigator of

the Project.

Contract Research Project of NDRI

A contract research project on development of digital

content for MOOC on “Commercial Dairy Farming” and

“Mil Processing and Value Addition” was received from

NDRI, Karnal with the total sanctioned budget of Rs. 23

lakhs to develop digital content modules by utilizing the

facilities created at TELAgE lab. Dr. S Senthil Vinayagam,

Principal Scientist, ESM Division is the Principal

Investigator of the Project.

Training Programme

Science Communication & Scientific Presentation

A Training Program on ‘Science Communication &

Scientific Presentation’ was held at the Academy during

May 16-18, 2019 exclusively for the freshly joined

Assistant Professors of PJTSAU, Hyderabad. The

participants were sensitized on the elements of scientific

communication and various metrics used for measuring

science performance. They were provided hand-on

exercises on various tools used for research review,



plagiarism check, preparing illustrations, digital

communication platforms, etc. The program provided a

systematic overview of the elements of writing research

papers, reports and poster presentation. Twenty-eight

participants from various colleges under PJTSAU

participated in the program, of which, 5 were women. The

programme consisted of a blend of lectures, case analysis,

discussions and hands-on exercises.

(Programme coordinators: Drs. SK Soam, P Krishnan &

Ch Srinivasa Rao)

Entrepreneurial Skill Development Programme for ANGRAU Agri-graduates

The second batch of training on ‘Entrepreneurial Skill

Development for Agri-Graduates’ of 45 students (70%

girls) from 5 different campuses- Mahanandi, Naira,

Bapatla (both campuses) and Tirupati of ANGRAU was

conducted under Institutional Development Plan (IDP) of

ICAR-NAHEP during March 20 - April 09, 2019. The main

objectives of the programme were: to give them exposure

about entrepreneurship as an alternative career option,

and to equip them with management tools and soft skills

needed for entrepreneurial journey. In this training, mix

of pedagogies like, Classroom teaching & interaction with

subject matter experts, exposure visit to some of the agri-

startups, interaction with several entrepreneurs, hands-on

practical exercise on computer handling as well as soft

skill development were adopted. Yoga Sessions were also

included in the morning. In brief, the training covered

topics from Idea Scouting through Design Thinking to

complete Business Plan development. The broad topics

covered were: Agribusiness environment & FPO, Business

law and regulations, understanding market & consumers;

Business plan development; Soft skills like

Communication skill & Team building, Time

management; Positive thinking & attitude,

Self-motivation; Analytics Skill- Marketing research; Use

of ICT; GIS for Agribusiness. The trainee-students also

visited fruits & vegetables mandi, interacted with 100+

farmers in 5-6 villages near Chevella, some of them were

commercial farmers with large set up of protected

horticulture, AIP & i-hub of ICRISAT, Integrated fish &

hydroponic farm, and A-Idea- the business incubator of

NAARM. During the training, several agripreneurs

interacted with the students, those were: UrbanKisaan,

Kalgudi, Fishy Farm, Sahaj Aharam, NCDEX E-Market

Ltd, Bharat Rohan- Drone based entrepreneur, Goat

Trust- Social entrepreneur.

(Programme Directors: Drs. Ranjit Kumar, K Srinivas &

Sanjiv Kumar)

Developing Winning Research Proposals (DWRP)

The Academy organized the training on DWRP for the

freshly recruited faculty members of Professor

Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University

(PJTSAU), Hyderabad and for Bihar Animal Sciences

University (BASU), Patna. The training for PJTSAU was

held at NAARM in two spells (April 05-07 and April 26-

28, 2019). A total of 60 faculty members representing

different colleges and research stations of the university

participated, of which 24 were women. For the faculty

members of BASU, the program was held during May 31

- June 02, 2019 at Bihar Veterinary College, Patna. Twenty-

five Assistant Professors belonging to different disciplines

attended the program, of which, 3 were women. The core

content of the program included elements of research

concept writing and preparation of project logframes.

Most exercises were through hands-on mode and

participants were exposed to the research management

software developed by NAARM viz., AHP Analyser,

Research Concept Writer and Project Logframe Writer.

(Programme Coordinators: Drs. SK Soam, P Krishnan &

Ch Srinivasa Rao)



ICT Applications for Livestock development

The training programme on ‘ICT Applications for

Livestock development’ was conducted for the faculty of

Sri Venkateshwara Veterinary University (SVVU),

Tirupati during May 16-22, 2019. The programme aimed

at sensitizing 28 faculty of SVVU on the latest trends in

ICTs and their applications with special relevance to

livestock, with case studies in real time from the sectors

like meat processing, IoT applications in livestock sector

etc., Besides these, the participants were also exposed to

latest educational technology trends to suit their teaching

methods. A visit to e-learning applications in medical

education was organized for the benefit of the participants

on cutting edge technologies like augmented reality and

virtual reality.

(Programme Directors: Drs. GRK Murthy, VV Sumanth

Kumar & S Senthil Vinayagam)

MDP on Leadership Development

An MDP on ‘Leadership Development’ (a pre-RMP

programme) was conducted during June 11-22, 2019 for 25

participants from ICAR (including 3 women scientists).

The objectives of the programme were to help participants

in understanding their own personality dimensions, to

explore leadership challenges and core competencies

needed in present day context, to develop understanding

and skills in research and technology management, and

administration and finance management and to adapt

ideas of diverse skills for sharpening capacities effectively.

Most of the participants were the Principal Scientists

and/or HODs of different ICAR Institutes. The sessions on

Leadership and personality development, Research and

technology management, Knowledge management,

Administration, Finance, and Vigilance management

were covered. Different practical ways and means of

developing leadership characteristics in order to enhance

one’s own personal and organizational effectiveness were

discussed. Regular early morning yoga sessions were

conducted for the participants and was appreciated very

much by the participants. Dr. JC Katyal, Ex-DDG

(Education), ICAR, also interacted with the participants

on leadership skills and given his presidential remarks

during the valedictory session.

(Program Directors: Drs. K H Rao & P. Ramesh)

MDP on Business Plan Development and Accelerating FPOs/FPCs

The training programme on ‘Business Plan Development

and Accelerating FPOs/FPCs’ was conducted during June

13-18, 2019. Total 22 participants from 10 states

representing SFAC-Haryana, ICAR institutes, SAU, FPOs

and NGOs involved in working with FPO/FPC (Farmers

Producers Organization/ Companies) attended the

programme. The objective of the programme was to

provide an overview of the key concepts of business

proposals with respect to agricultural technologies

focusing FPOs and FPCs, to have hands-on experience on

Business Model Canvass development and other business

tools, and to strengthen skills to understand the

application of management principles for accelerating the

existing small business by the farmers’ groups. The

programme consisted of a blend of classroom interactive

sessions, self-exploratory tools and exercises, case

analysis, experiential learning, field visits and group

discussion. It broadly covered topics like understanding

innovation in knowledge economy, business proposal

development, writing a winning business plan,

quantitative methods for analysing the financial viability

of businesses, Marketing Mix- 4Ps, risk management in

small business, funding sources for scale up, etc.

(Programme Directors: Drs. K Srinivas & Ranjit Kumar)



Stress Management

A training programme on ‘Stress Management’ was

conducted during June 26-29, 2019 for a total of 21

participants. The objectives of the programme were to

develop in-depth understanding of personal and

psychological causes of stress/anxiety and its effects –

physical, social and organizational behavior, to

understand the mechanism of occurrence of various stress

related disorders, to develop constructive means for

coping up with distress and achieve productive and

enriched life-style. The programme included practicing

yoga, medical examination, psychological and medical

aspects of stress and its management, and the role of

emotional and spiritual intelligence in understanding and

managing stress on a holistic manner. Dr. RC Agrawal,

National Director, NAHEP interacted with the

participants and gave his presidential remarks during the

valedictory session.

(Program Directors: Drs. P Ramesh & A Debnath)

Off-Campus Training and other Programmes

Off-Campus Trainings

Training on ‘Motivation and Positive Thinking’ for Technical Officers of ICAR at IISWC, Dehradun during

May 02-07, 2019.

Training on ‘Enhancing Efficiency and Behavioral Skills’ for Stenographers Grade-III, PA, PS, PPS and Sr. PPS of

ICAR at CPRI, Shimla during June 20-25, 2019.

Sponsored Training for Administrative and Financial Staff at Agriculture University, Jodhpur during

June 29- July 05, 2019.

At ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad

Training on ‘Enhancing Workplace Efficiency’ for Junior Group-B and Group-A Officials of ICAR-NAARM

during April 25-28, 2019.

Induction training on ‘Forestry Research & Education Management’ for the faculty of Forest College and

Research Institute, Hyderabad during May 8-17, 2019.

Workshop on ‘Spotting Agricultural Research Innovations - Cases from NARES’ during June 03-04, 2019.

Training on ‘Hospitality Management’ in collaboration with Institute of Hospitality Management, Catering

Technology & Applied Nutrition (IHMCT & AN) during June 26 – July 02, 2019.

Events

Monthly Meeting with Pensioners

In pursuance of ICAR instructions, the 4th Monthly

Meeting with Pensioners/Family Pensioners to resolve

their grievances related to pension, was organized on

April 27, 2019 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ch.

Srinivasa Rao, Director, NAARM. The Director

informed that the medical facilities will be extended to

all the pensioners on par with the employees. He also

told that a fully furnished air-conditioned rest room is

being developed for the benefit and comfort of all the

pensioners who are visiting NAARM health centre.



International Yoga Day

The Academy celebrated 5th edition of the ‘International

Day of Yoga’ on June 21, 2019. About 250 participants

including students from local high school, PGDMA

students and trainees of Academy, employees of ICAR

institutes in Hyderabad and campus residents took part in

the celebration. The yoga practice session was performed

from 6:00 to 7:00 AM at the lake view lawn in front of the

Auditorium as per revised Common Yoga Protocol (CYP)

circulated by Govt of India. Dr. SK Soam, Director (I/C)

addressed the audience on the theme “Usage of Eco-

friendly Products in the Practice of Yoga” being promoted

for this year. Dr. A Debnath, Academy’s Medical

Consultant & Yoga Instructor conducted the session.

(Event coordinator: Dr. P. Vijender Reddy)

Campus Beautification

Beautification of NAARM campus is undergoing in a big

way. Many infrastructure devevelopment and renovation

works were undertaken in the recent past. Children park

was renovated along with lawn and garden development.

Drip irrigation system has been installed for the orchard

crops. A naturally ventilated poly house is established for

development of indoor potted plants, vegetables & flower

species.

Student Visitors

Total 585 graduating students from various agriculture colleges under 5 different State Agriculture Universities namely,

PDKV, Akola; VNMKV, Parbhani; MPKV, Rahuri; UAS, Bengaluru; and ANGRAU, Guntur visited the Academy during

April-June 2019. They were given orientation about different activities of the Academy.

Academic News

Commencement of 11th Batch of PGDMA

The 11th batch of Post Graduate Diploma in Management

- Agriculture (PGDMA) commenced at the Academy with

49 students including 21 girls taking admission. For the

admission, the applicants were screened on the basis of

CAT/CMAT scores and short-listed candidates were

called for Precis writing, Group discussion and Personal

interview at the Academy. The newly admitted students

were warmly welcomed by Dr. BS Sontakki, Director (I/C)

and Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Head, ABM division during the

inaugural session on June 17, 2019. The orientation



programme was organized on June 18, 2019, while the

new academic session started from next day. The batch

comprises of students from 13 states representing 25

different universities and 12 disciplines (mainly

agriculture and allied sciences) at undergraduate level.

Further, the students of 10th batch completed their 8-week

long Summer Internship and joined back the Academy on

June 19, 2019. Drs. Sanjiv Kumar and MB Dastagiri are the

Academic Coordinators of the 10th Batch, while Drs. PC

Meena and N. Sivaramane are for the 11th Batch.

Joint Advisory Committee Meeting for PGDETM

The 6th Joint Advisory Committee meeting of NAARM &

UoH for distance education course on PGDETM was held

on April 24, 2019 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ch

Srinivasa Rao, Director, NAARM. Dr. S Senthil

Vinayagam, Course Coordinator of PGDETM presented

the details of 48 candidates enrolled for the course. Prof.

Jeelani, Director, CDVL, UoH appreciated the e-content

development and digital modules developed under the

course to reach larger students. It was also decided to

organize Internal Assessment during the last week of July

2019 and contact classes followed by examination for the

first semester of PGDETM 2019 batch between

Aug 10-14, 2019.

a-IDEA (Agri-business Incubator at NAARM) News

Sensitization workshop on Entrepreneurship Development for Students of BAU, Sabour, Bihar

Two days sensitization workshop on entrepreneurship for

agriculture and allied students of Bihar Agricultural

University was conducted on May 15-16, 2019 at Dr Kalam

College of Agriculture, BAU, Kishanganj. More than 150

students and faculty from all the five campuses (Sabour,

Kishanganj, Noorsarai, Dumraon, Saharasa) under the

university participated in the workshop. The workshop

was inaugurated by Dr. AK Singh, Hon’ble Vice

Chancellor of the University in presence of Dr. RK Sohane,

Director (Extension). These students were exposed to

exciting opportunities emerging under startup ecosystem.

Sessions included- scouting business ideas, business plan

preparation, exploring funding sources, startup

management, personal effectiveness through goal

orientation, etc. Two young entrepreneurs from Bihar-

Ms. Himani Mishra and Mr. Santosh Kumar shared their

personal experiences and motivated the students to think

entrepreneurship as an alternate career option. Eight

student teams presented their business ideas, out of which

two were selected for future hand-holding by a-IDEA.

Startup 360

a-IDEA conducted a Startup 360 event on May 20, 2019.

It was a one-day quarterly gathering of the startups

incubated at a-IDEA and Agri Bio-NEST to explore a

peer to peer synergies, mentoring, capacity building

and one on one mentor-mentee interactions.

Boot Camp

Climate Launchpad, in collaboration with a-IDEA as a

Telangana regional partner, hosted a two-day boot

camp event in a-IDEA premises during May 21-22,

2019. Climate Launchpad is the world’s largest green

business ideas competition and it was a great

opportunity for the budding cleantech, entrepreneurs

to come together and showcase their amazing ideas and

innovations.



BIRAC-BIG Partner Agri-BioNEST, bio incubator of a-IDEA, has been recognized

as a BIRAC-BIG Partner on June 26, 2019 for its Biotechnology

Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme to call startups in agri and allied

sector. BIG is flagship programme of BIRAC. It is the largest

early stage biotech funding programme in India.

Faculty Achievements

Honors, Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM participated in the 49th Session of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate

Change (IPCC) as Indian Delegation Member at Kyoto, Japan during May 8-12, 2019.

Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM participated as a Government of India Delegation Member in UNFCCC

Global Climate Change Negotiations at UN Secretariat at Bonn, Germany during June 17-27, 2019.

At Kyoto, Japan At Bonn, Germany

Dr. P Krishnan served as a session chair for the technical sessions on Biodiversity; and Marketing, Trade and Policy

during the International Conference on Asia Pacific Aquaculture (APA-2019) organized by World Aquaculture Society

at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai during June 19-21, 2019

Dr. P Krishnan served as Co-Convener in the Stakeholders’ Meeting on Entrepreneurship Development under the

Chairmanship of Dr. Panjab Singh, President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi held at

National Research Centre on Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim on June 07, 2019.

Publications

Research Articles

Hussain S, Sharma V, Arya V M, Sharma, K R and Srinivasarao Ch. (2019)

Total organic and inorganic carbon in soils under different land

use/land cover systems in the foothill Himalayas. Catena, 182.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2019.104104.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2019.104104



Mantri VA, Ganesan M, Gupta V, Krishnan P and Siddhanta AK. (2019) An overview on agarophyte trade in India and

need for policy interventions. Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-019-01791-z.

Ramesh P, Thammi Raju D, Reddy KM, Krishnan P, Amit Biswas & Umamaheshwari T. (2019) Perception of teaching

competencies by administrators, faculty and students of Indian agricultural universities: an assessment of

faculty training needs, The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2019.1609997

Srinivasarao Ch, Kundu S, Subha Lakshmi C, Sudha Rani Y, Nataraj KC, Gangaiah B, Jaya Laxmi M, Vijay Sankar M,

Usha Rani, Nagalakshmi S and Manasa R. (2019). Soil Health Issues for Sustainability of South Asian

Agriculture. EC Agriculture, 5.6.

Vanitha V, Krishnan P and Elakkiya R. (2019) Collaborative optimization algorithm for learning path construction in E-

learning. Computers and Electrical Engineering, 77: 325 – 338.

Policy Brief

Murthy GRK, Senthil Vinayagam S, Thammi Raju D, Krishnan M, Pandey PS, Srinivasarao Ch. (2019, April). Digital

Learning for Vocational and Informal Education in Agriculture. Issue 4. ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural

Research Management, Hyderabad.

Technical Report

Ranjit-Kumar, Sanjiv-Kumar, Sivaramane N, Dhandapani A and Meena PC. (2019). Adoption of Insect Resistance

Management Practices in Bt- Cotton Cultivation in India. ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research

Management, Hyderabad, India.

Conference Proceedings / Book Chapters

Anandkumar N, Alka R, Roy D, Kundu S, Srinivasarao N, Sreekanth PD, Alok Kumar, Manjaiah KM and Srinivasarao

Ch. (2019). Frontier Soil Technologies for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. In: Challenges and

Emerging Opportunities in Indian Agriculture, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research

Management, Pp. 113-152.

Kumari A, Truptimayee S, Kumar M, Murthy GRK, Krishnan P and Srinivasarao Ch. (2019). Research and Technology

Status: Emerging Opportunities in Land and Water Management. In: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

in Indian Agriculture, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Pp. 153-176.

Bhar LM, Ambast SK, Soam SK and Srinivasarao Ch. (2019) Status and Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture.

Proceedings and Recommendations of National workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture held during

July 30-31, 2018 at NASC Complex, New Delhi, pp 1-92. ISBN 978-81-933781-4-4.

Krishnan P, Anand A, Senthil Kumar S, Rabikumar T, Soam SK. (2019). Framework for harnessing emerging

technologies for biodiversity conservation. Paper presented in Asia Pacific Aquaculture Conference (APA 2019)

organized by World Aquaculture Society (WAS) at Chennai, during June 19-21, 2019.

Ram N Singh, Bhal, SK, Malleswari, S, Ranjit Kumar and Srinivasarao Ch. (2019). Challenges and Opportunities in

Weather based Crop Insurance in India. In: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in Indian Agriculture,

ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Pp. 289-302.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-019-01791-z



Umamaheswari T, Sugumar G, Krishnan P, Ananthan PS (2019). An empirical analysis of socio-economic vulnerability

of coastal households and decision making for climate change adaptation in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu,

India. Paper presented in Asia Pacific Aquaculture Conference (APA 2019) organized by World Aquaculture

Society (WAS) at Chennai, during June 19-21, 2019.

Books/ Edited Books

Dubey RK, Tripathi V, Prabha R, Chaurasia R, Singh DP, Srinivasarao Ch, El-Keblawy A and Abhilash PC. (2019).

Unraveling the Soil Microbes: Perspectives for Environmental Sustainability. Springer Nature Publication in

Environmental Science. ISBN 978-3-030-15515-5. Pp 101.

Giri SP, Mahesh Chandra Jerai, Dhirendra Kumar Roy, Sinha NK, Mahendra Kumar Verma, Sivabalan KC, Laxman M

Ahire, Varsha Rani and Brajendra. (2019). Farmers Orientation Towards Climate Smart Agriculture, First Edition,

Weser Books, No.79737, Aussere, Weberstr. 5702736, Zittau, Germeny Pp-194.

Srinivasarao Ch, Senthil V and Meena PC. (2019). Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in Indian Agriculture, ICAR –

National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, Pp-321.

Popular article

Meena PC, Ranjit-Kumar & Sanjiv-Kumar. (2019, June 08-14). Career Opportunities in Agribusiness Management in

India. Employment News. 10.

e-Publications

Rathore S. (2019). ICT Models for Agricultural Development. www.slideshare.net/suryarathore35/ict-models-for-

agricultural-development (Published on May 2, 2019).

Rathore S. (2019). Making Indian Agricultural Universities World Class. www.slideshare.net/suryarathore35/making-

indian-agricultural-universities-world-class (Published on May 2, 2019).

Faculty / Staff Participation in Scientific Events

Programme Name Venue & Date Scientist Name

Experts Meet on Soil and Land Use Policy under the

Chairmanship of President, NAAS to discuss in detail, and

finalize the Policy document for submission to MoAFW

NAAS, New Delhi

April 13, 2019

Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao

Brain-storming Session on Agrobiodiversity Indices and

Ecosystem Services Organized by Bioversity International in

collaboration with ICAR

NASC, New Delhi.

April 15-16, 2019

Meeting of the Programme Committee of NAAS NAAS, New Delhi

May 30, 2019

26th General Body Meeting and Foundation Day Programme of

National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)

NAAS, New Delhi

June 04-05, 2019

ICAR Committee for screening of proposals for new

Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centres in ICAR Institutes.

KAB-I, ICAR, New Delhi

June 14, 2019

http://www.slideshare.net/suryarathore35/ict-models-for-agricultural-development

http://www.slideshare.net/suryarathore35/ict-models-for-agricultural-development

http://www.slideshare.net/suryarathore35/making-indian-agricultural-universities-world-class

http://www.slideshare.net/suryarathore35/making-indian-agricultural-universities-world-class



Programme Name Venue & Date Scientist Name

Meeting of Trainer Development Programme KAB II, Pusa, New Delhi

May 30, 2019

Dr. SK Soam

ICAR – Senior Officers Committee Meeting KB, New Delhi

June 05 & June 12, 2019

Meeting of ABI Screening Committee KAB I, Pusa, New Delhi

June 14, 2019

Meeting of Training Board of ICAR KB, New Delhi

June 18, 2019

Role of Science & Technology (S&T) Institutions in Promoting

Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods in Rural Areas

NIRD&PR, Hyderabad

Apr 22-23, 2019

Dr. S Senthil

Vinayagam

CIRDAP Technical Committee meeting and Symposium on

Climate Change Mitigation in CIRDAP Member Countries

NIRD&PR, Hyderabad

June 26, 2019

One-day M & E sensitization workshop under NAHEP NASC, New Delhi

June 28, 2019 Dr. Alok Kumar

14th Core Project Advisory Committee Meeting TERI, New Delhi

April 15, 2019 Dr. P Krishnan

Institute Management Committee (IMC) Meeting of ICAR-

Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry, A.P.

ICAR-CTRI, Rajahmundry

June 18, 2019 Dr. Ranjit Kumar

Invited as Key Speaker in Scientific Meetings

Faculty Topic Event Venue Date

Dr. SK Soam Project Logical Framework Project Management Skills for

Officers of Agriculture and

Allied Sector

MANAGE,

Hyderabad

June 26, 2019

Dr. Ranjit

Kumar

Keynote address on

‘Conversion of Research

Output to Business Outcome’

AICRP Workshop on Women

in Agriculture

PJTSAU,

Hyderabad

April 29, 2019

Dr. S Senthil

Vinayagam

Technology Blended Learning

& OER

Workshop on "MOOCs, e-

Content Development and

Open Educational Resources"

MANUU,

Hyderabad

June 18, 2019

Dr. GRK

Murthy

Technology Enabled Learning

in Agriculture – NAARM

Experience’

e-Learning prospects in Local

Government for National

Institute of Local Government

(NILG)

NIRD&PR,

Hyderabad

May 08, 2019

Training Attended by the Faculty/Staff

Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao attended training program on “Developing Internal Talent and Leadership” at IIM,

Ahmedabad during April 08-10, 2019.



Staff News

Appointments/Joining

Shri C Muralidharan joined the Academy as Joint Director (Admn.) & Registrar w.e.f. 13.05.2019 (FN)

Promotions

Shri P Namdev, T (7-8) Assistant Chief Technical Officer has been promoted to the Grade of T-9 Chief Technical

Officer w.e.f. 27.07.2017

Shri P Mohan Singh, T-6 Senior Technical Officer has been promoted to the Grade of T (7-8) Assistant Chief

Technical Officer w.e.f. 01.01.2016

Retirement/Superannuation

Dr. V Murali, T-9 Chief Technical Officer retired on superannuation w.e.f. 30.06.2019 (AN)

Smt. C Narsu Bai, Skilled Support Staff retired on superannuation w.e.f. 30.06.2019 (AN)

Upcoming Events

Event Date

Training on Advances in Educational Technology (Off-campus at College of Veterinary Science,

Guwahati)

Jul 04-06, 2019

Training on Science Communication and Scientific Presentation for Faculty of PJTSAU Jul 11-13, 2019

Training on “Digital Teaching Techniques” for PJTSAU Faculty Jul 16-20, 2019

MDP on Priority setting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) of Agricultural Research Projects Jul 18-23, 2019

Collaborative Capability Building program for Coromandel Sales Personnel Jul 22-26, 2019

National Workshop on Bioinformatics in Agriculture Jul 26-27, 2019

PGDETM Contact Classes and Examination Aug 10-14, 2019

Training on Analysis of Experimental Data Aug 22-27, 2019

Panel Discussion on ICAR-NAARM as a Think Tank of ICAR Aug 31, 2019

Agri Udan-3 Launch Aug 31, 2019

44th Foundation Day of ICAR-NAARM Sep 01, 2019

National workshop on Agricultural Education Research Needs Sep 04-06, 2019

Hindi Workshop Sep 11-13, 2019

Training on Recent Bioinformatics Tools for Genome and Proteome Analysis Sep 17-21, 2019

Innovative practices in extension research and evaluation Sep 18-24, 2019

MDP on Education Management and Academic Leadership Sep 20-25, 2019

MDP on Administrative and Financial Management for ICAR officials (Off-campus at NDRI,

Karnal)

Sep 24-27, 2019

Developments in Global and National Agricultural Research Trends and Preparedness of NARES Sep 25-28, 2019

Published by: Director ICAR - National Academy of Agricultural Research Management Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500 030

Phone: 040-24015070; Fax: 040-24015912

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Editors: Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Dr. Sanjiv Kumar, Dr. BS Yashavanth, Smt. G Aneeja

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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