SKUAST-Jammu, under the guidance of Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, organized guest lecture on the theme “Application of Radiation Technology in Agriculture” today. The guest lecture was delivered by Prof. Sanjay J. Jambhulkar, Head, Mutation Breeding Section, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division (NA&BTD), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), GoI, Mumbai. Prof. Jambhulkar while delivering the lecture highlighted the importance of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in multidisciplinary research activities. He said that BARC has developed many technologies for benefit of farming community and has become very popular amongst farmers in India. Using radiation induced mutations, 55 crop varieties have been developed and released so far for commercial cultivation in different agro-climatic zones in the country. Some of the varieties are very popular and grown extensively. The improved characters are higher yield, earliness, large seed size, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. He further mentioned that Soil organic carbon is an indicator element of the soil health. Field testing kit has been developed at BARC called Soil Organic Carbon Detection Kit. This is a very quick, accurate and easy to perform test and guides the farmer for organic carbon levels of his soil within shortest time. This technology has been transferred to 7 industries and products are available in the market for benefit of the farmers. He also discussed that biological control of insect and disease has gained significance during recent times due to ill effects of the chemicals. He informed that different technologies for biological control of pests and pathogens in this area includes Trichoderma mass multiplication medium, Trichoderma virens mutant strain for better disease control and Neem based microfine formulation for enhanced insect control. All these technologies have tremendous application in agriculture for increasing productivity of different crops.
Prof. Jambhulkar further mentioned that BARC has developed innovative Nisargruna biogas technology for agricultural and slaughterhouse waste management and recycling. It has also developed molecular markers, transgenics, biosensors, fertilizer formulations with improved nutrient use efficiency. He also informed that BARC has developed technologies/processes for treatment of fruits and vegetables for shelf life extension as well as export.
The lecture was attended by over 50 participants comprising statutory officers, faculty members and students. At the end of the lecture, queries of the participants were also satisfied by Prof. Sanjay J Jambhulkar. Earlier, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Scientist, Plant Breeding and Genetics welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Pardeep Wali, Director Research and proceedings of the programme were conducted by Radhey Shyam Kumawat.
