Agriculture

Shimla: Emphasising a shift towards sustainable agriculture, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said natural farming is the future of Himachal Pradesh, underlining the crucial role of academic institutions in driving this transformation.

Addressing an event at Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹34.31 crore. He stressed that the university must actively guide and support farmers in adopting natural farming techniques.

Sukhu noted that over two lakh farmers in the state have registered under natural farming initiatives, with nearly 1.98 lakh already receiving certification. He described this as a strong indicator of growing acceptance of eco-friendly agricultural practices among farmers.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 107-bed hostel at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri, Hamirpur, built at a cost of ₹3.63 crore. He also inaugurated the administrative building of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti, constructed for ₹1.48 crore.

Further, foundation stones were laid for multiple working women’s hostels to support students and professionals. These include two 50-capacity hostels at Neri and Khaggal in Hamirpur district, costing ₹8.57 crore and ₹8.68 crore respectively, and a 100-capacity hostel at the university’s main campus in Nauni, Solan, estimated at ₹11.95 crore.

Reinforcing the importance of agriculture, Sukhu said nearly 90% of the state’s population lives in rural areas, with around 53.95% directly dependent on farming for their livelihoods. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy through progressive, farmer-centric policies and expanding the adoption of natural farming practices.

In a major boost to agricultural education in southern India, SR University has become the first private university in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to secure accreditation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for both its School of Agriculture and B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture programme.

The recognition was granted by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board during its 42nd meeting, with accreditation valid for five years from March 16, 2026. The milestone places SR University among a select group of institutions nationwide whose agricultural programmes meet ICAR’s stringent academic and infrastructure standards.

A Milestone for Private Agricultural Education

ICAR accreditation is considered a gold standard in agricultural education, ensuring that curricula, faculty, infrastructure, and research output align with national benchmarks. For students, this translates into degrees that carry strong national and global recognition, improving prospects in:

• Government agricultural services
• Research institutions
• Agribusiness and agri-tech industries
• Higher education in India and abroad

Industry-Aligned Curriculum and Hands-On Learning

SR University’s agriculture programme follows the Fifth and Sixth Deans’ Committee guidelines prescribed by ICAR. The curriculum has been designed with inputs from academic experts and industry stakeholders, ensuring relevance to modern agricultural challenges.

The university has also emphasised experiential learning through:

• A 24-hectare campus equipped with rainwater harvesting and wastewater management systems
• Field visits and direct farmer engagement
• Research-driven projects and practical training modules

Students are trained in emerging areas such as climate-resilient farming, smart agriculture technologies, agribusiness management, and entrepreneurship, aligning with India’s push toward sustainable and tech-enabled agriculture.

Strategic Advantages for Students

This accreditation gives SR University a competitive edge among over 100 agricultural colleges in the region. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced credibility and employability of graduates
• Access to government schemes and agri-startup ecosystems
• Eligibility advantages in competitive examinations and research opportunities
• Exposure to industry-linked training and innovation pipelines

Leadership Perspective

Chancellor A. Varada Reddy described the achievement as a defining moment for the institution, stating that ICAR accreditation validates the university’s academic quality and opens global pathways for students.

Strengthening Warangal’s Education Hub

Launched in the 2020–21 academic session, the School of Agriculture at SR University has rapidly positioned itself as a centre for innovation and skill-based learning. With this recognition, Warangal further strengthens its reputation as an emerging hub for agricultural education and research.

As India continues to modernise its farming sector, institutions like SR University are expected to play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of agri-professionals—equipped not just with theoretical knowledge, but with the practical skills needed to transform the future of agriculture.

In an era where erratic weather patterns and shrinking farm margins are redefining agriculture, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation. Fresh off securing the top spot in the Agriculture and Allied Sector in the state’s latest Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF), the institution is now sharpening its focus on climate-smart and precision agriculture—two pillars expected to shape the future of farming.

A constituent college of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), the Vellayani campus has long been a cornerstone of agricultural education in southern India. Its latest recognition, officials say, is not just a badge of honour but a mandate to scale up research that directly responds to climate challenges faced by farmers.

“Climate variability is no longer a distant concern—it is a lived reality for farmers. Our research must evolve accordingly,” said Dean of Faculty Jacob John. He emphasised that the KIRF recognition reflects years of consistent work by faculty, students, and alumni in combining academic rigour with grassroots impact.

From Legacy to Leadership

Established as Kerala’s first agricultural college, the institution is currently celebrating its Platinum Jubilee year—a milestone that underscores its legacy while also marking a turning point. The college now aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, data-driven crop management, and AI-enabled advisory systems into its research framework.

Precision agriculture, which relies on data analytics to optimise inputs like water, fertilisers, and pesticides, is expected to be a major thrust area. By promoting site-specific farming practices, the college hopes to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact—a balance that has become increasingly crucial in the context of climate change.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

Another key priority is strengthening international collaborations. Officials indicate that partnerships with global research institutions will enable knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and access to advanced technologies. These collaborations are expected to accelerate innovation while ensuring that solutions are adapted to local conditions.

The institution also plans to expand its technology incubation ecosystem, providing a platform for agri-startups to develop and scale solutions. From farm mechanisation tools to climate-resilient crop varieties, the focus will be on translating research into real-world applications.

Driving Farmer-Centric Innovation

What sets the College of Agriculture, Vellayani apart is its emphasis on farmer-centric innovation. Rather than confining research to laboratories, the institution actively engages with farming communities to test and refine its solutions. This approach ensures that innovations are both practical and scalable.

The KIRF top ranking, officials believe, validates this model. It recognises not just academic excellence but also the institution’s contribution to sustainable agricultural development in the state.

As climate uncertainties continue to challenge traditional farming systems, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani appears ready to lead from the front—blending legacy with innovation, and local wisdom with global expertise.

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board has released the Agriculture Supervisor Admit Card 2026 on April 13, paving the way for candidates to appear in the upcoming recruitment examination scheduled for April 18. Applicants who registered for the drive can now download their hall tickets from the official website using their SSO ID and login credentials.

The recruitment examination will be conducted in offline mode using an OMR sheet to fill a total of 1,100 Agriculture Supervisor vacancies across the state. Candidates are required to carefully check the details mentioned on their admit card and strictly adhere to the reporting time and instructions specified. Entry into the examination hall will not be permitted without a valid printed copy of the admit card, making it a mandatory document for all examinees.

The admit card carries essential information, including the candidate’s name, roll number, registration details, photograph, and signature. It also mentions the exam date, reporting time, test centre address, and important instructions related to the examination. Candidates are advised to verify all details immediately after downloading the hall ticket and report any discrepancies to the authorities without delay. The board has clarified that the admit card will be available only in online mode, and no physical copies will be sent to candidates.

To download the admit card, candidates need to visit the official RSSB website and navigate to the “Hall Ticket” or “Candidate’s Corner” section. After clicking on the “Agriculture Supervisor Admit Card 2026” link, they must enter their SSO ID, application number, and date of birth to access the document. Once displayed, the hall ticket should be downloaded and printed, with candidates advised to carry multiple copies on the day of the examination for convenience.

The recruitment notification for these posts was initially released on January 6, 2026, with the application process conducted between January 13 and February 11. This examination forms a crucial part of the state’s efforts to strengthen its agriculture department by filling key supervisory roles.

With the exam date approaching, candidates are encouraged to stay updated through the official website for any last-minute announcements or changes. Proper preparation, timely download of admit cards, and adherence to guidelines will be essential for a smooth examination experience.

People might think that lunar hummus is something from a movie, but it is indeed doable. The soil that was used by Texas A&M scientists for growing chickpeas was largely composed of simulated lunar regolith; this was their way of demonstrating how crops could be raised on the moon. It is a very good basis for keeping humans in space for a long time.

To grow chickpeas, the researchers relied on "Myles", a variety of chickpea which was put in soil that combined lunar simulant and vermicompost, i.e. worm's excrement which provides the necessary nutrients. Seeds were dusted with fungi that help plants grab key minerals. Plus, it blocks toxic metals like aluminum. The soil mix came from Space Resource Technologies and matches Apollo-era regolith NASA collected decades ago.

"Chickpeas are high in protein and must-have nutrients. Making them strong candidates for space crop production," said Jessica Atkin, a doctoral candidate and NASA fellow at Texas A&M's Department of soil and crop Sciences, who led the study published on March 5, 2026, in Scientific Reports. Sara Oliveira Santos, a postdoctoral researcher at the university of texas Institute for geophysics, added, "We need to grow food locally on the moon or mars - transporting everything from Earth isn't workable."

And plants grown in lunar soil could generate oxygen and help sustain microbial life that supports human habitats, based on jyothi Basapathi Raghavendra of northumbria University, lead author of a related study on martian soil simulants.

Lunar regolith is crushed rock and dust, often sharp, glass-like. It forms over billions of years from meteorite hits. Though it has some nutrients, it's inorganic and doesn't support plants. Previous work showed compost helps, but this study looked at microbes working with plants. The fungi colonized chickpea roots even in 100% regolith simulant, holding particles together so the soil acts more like Earth soil. Probably, that helps reduce stress on plants. A single seed germinating in a sealed chamber would be a good sign.

They haven't tasted the moon-grown chickpeas yet. Testing for metal buildup is underway because lunar soil holds high levels of iron - helpful - and aluminum, possibly harmful. Safety and nutrition results are expected later this year. More or less, researchers expect these findings to inform future farming efforts on the moon.

The team kept spirits high in the lab with a lighthearted touch: lunar-themed songs like Bad Moon Rising played while the chickpeas grew, and a picture of chickpeas on the moon was hung on the wall. “Kind of silly, but something to aim for,” Ms. Atkin said.

“This is a small but crucial first step toward lunar agriculture,” Oliveira Santos concluded. “We have demonstrated it is feasible, and we are moving in the right direction.

Urea and phosphatic fertilizer supplies 'remain adequate' for the kharif season, says Fertilizer Association of India. The sector needs imported Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to make urea, and much of the LNG comes from West Asia. Now, it seems hard to ignore how geopolitical tensions there could still affect supply chains.

FAI stated on Monday, March 10, 2026, that current inventories and supply plans should cover demand. Global issues might cause disruptions - but right now, stock levels appear enough.

Why would anyone think shortages will hit? The system has been stable so far. Still, with trade routes unstable in parts of west Asia, the risk isn't fully gone.

The FAI said they are working closely with the Central Government, State Governments and other stakeholders to “ensure smooth distribution of fertilizers across regions”. “Production planning, imports and logistics are being actively coordinated to maintain adequate availability during the upcoming cropping season,” it said.

Kharif season in India is expected to begin in June, and India is currently entering the agricultural lean season. “During this phase, fertilizer consumption typically remains moderate, allowing the industry to replenish inventories and undertake routine maintenance operations at production facilities,” the statement said.

In the first ten months of the year, India has reported higher fertilizer production and imports of Urea, DAP, Complex, SSP and MOP — moving from 57 million tons last year to 65 million tons in FY25-26, the spokesperson added.

“With consistent production of Urea, DAP and NPKs and timely imports, India currently holds adequate inventory of key nutrients to ensure that farm-level demand can be met without disruption. DAP & NPK inventories have gone up by 70-80% over last year corresponding period, giving adequate comfort to manage the temporary disruption in any supplies from Middle East,” it said.

The fertilizer sector requires imported Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for the production of urea, with significant supplies of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) coming from West Asia. “The current disruption has impacted gas supplies, and the industry is working closely with the Government for prioritising gas allocation for Urea production. With some plants under annual maintenance, industry is optimizing gas allocation to ensure sufficient supply of Urea for the ensuing season,” the statement read.

“In case of phosphatics fertilizers, India has diversified supplies and long-term arrangements, and is sourcing from nations such as Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Belarus, which partially offsets supply disruption risks from one region.

“Indian fertilizer companies viz IPL, Coromandel, PPL have long term supply arrangements with global producers. These companies often secure annual or multi-year contracts for phosphoric acid, ammonia, and rock phosphate, which can help stabilise supplies in the short term. However, the current geopolitical disturbances can impact prices of these key raw materials like Sulphur and Ammonia and industry will be working closely with the Government for ensuring that Nutrient based Subsidy rates for the kharif season adequately factors spurt in raw material prices and exchange rate,” the spokesperson said in the statement.