website: http://raridurgapura.org/

INTRODUCTION

Rajasthan  Agricultural  Research  Institute (RARI)  is  constituent  research  and  teaching  institute  of  Sri  Karan Narendra Agriculture University,Jobner.This institute is located 15 km from the Jaipur railway station and central bus stand on the Jaipur-Tonk Highway. It is adjacent to Jaipur international airport and is surrounded by serene location. The longitude and latitude of the institute are 26.50N and 75.47E ,respectively at an altitude of 390 m above MSL. This institute has been in the forefront of agriculture since its inception and is the main research institute of the University.

THE BEGINNING

The institute came into existence in the year 1943 as a testing and verification centre of Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan. Over the time, its functions have been broadened to include research to address the problems of agriculture of the state. The centre was named as Agricultural Research Station, which continued till Feb., 2013. The year 1977 was the landmark year, as the station and its staff were transferred to University of Udaipur. The University of Udaipur itself had changed in character and went through bifurcations resulting in a separate agricultural university, as Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University with headquarter at Bikaner. The Agricultural Research station on the other hand   saw itself being transformed from a simple verification research station to a full fledged research   and teaching institute named as Rajasthan Agricultural Research  Institute. After the trifurcation  of the  parent  university (SKRAU)  in  the  year 2013, the Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute is now the constituent research and teaching campus of Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner. All along since its inception, the institute carved for itself an important place in the state’s agricultural development.

VISION

The institute has set for itself the following as its vision statement-

To be a research institute of national and international importance in enhancing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production systems.

To improve the quality of rural livelihood in the state of Rajasthan .

To be an institute for higher learning and conduct research in frontier area of agriculture.

MISSION
To conduct research and extension activities for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production systems and to improve the quality of rural livelihood in the state of Rajasthan.

Dr. Baloda is serving as Network Coordinator, ICAR-All India Network Project on Soil Arthropod Pests, RARI, Durgapura under which eight centers are running throughout the country. He served as Dean, College of Agriculture, Kotputli, Jaipur. He also served as Head, Division of Entomology, RARI, Durgapura. Prof. Baloda started his research carrier from Agriculture Research Station, Bhilwara, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, as Assistant Professor since May 1996 and worked there in various capacities after he joined Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura in 2001under the project ICAR-AINP on Soil Arthropod Pests (SKNAU-Jobner) and worked there as Associate Professor, Professor, Network Coordinator and Incharge of various administrative committees.
He has developed 42 plant protection technologies for management of insect pests in various cropping systems of Rajasthan and India and published 92 research articles in scientific journal of national and international reputes. Prof. Baloda is also member of various reputed journals as well as Member of various Steering Committees of NBAIR, Bengaluru, IIHR, Bengaluru, SBI-Coimbatore, IARI, Regional Station, Pune etc to develop the joint work plans and research strategies. He was also involved to develop various policy documents of the university.
Dr. Baloda and his team begged the best stall award two times in kisan mela organized by SKNAU, Jobner during 22-26 Feb, 2021 and 28-30 March 2022. respectively. He is duly recognized for contributions, with awards and honors by the various other organizations. Dr. Baloda and his team also awarded as the `best research centre in the XXth  Group Meeting of the project AINP on Soil Arthropod Pests organized during 2019 at University of Agriculture Science, GKVK, and Bengaluru. He guided many MSc. and Ph.D students and also serving as external examiner for MSc. and Ph.D thesis at various institute of India.

Details of Former Directors

S.N.	Name of Director	From	To
1	Dr. Swaroop Singh	05.07.2013	06.01.2015
2	Dr. Ashok Sharma	01.01.2015	31.08.2015
3	Dr. B.K. Sharma*	02.09.2015	06.10.2015
4	Dr. S.J. Singh	07.10.2015	31.08.2018
5	Dr. V. S. Yadav	01.09.2018	03.06.2019
6	Dr. Sudesh Kumar	04.06.2019	31.08.2020
7	Dr. A.S. Baloda	01.09.2020	Till date

Ongoing Major Projects with Details
AICRP on Wheat & Barley

  A total number of 3 recommendations (2 national and 1 state) were given under Wheat Agronomy in 2021.

  Available Germplasm lines (Indigenous & exotic) in 2020-21: 150 in wheat & 350 in Barley.

  Breeding material developed in Wheat during 2020-21

Name of Filial Generation               2020-21

New crosses                              201

F1                                                  358

F2                                                  397

F3                                                  1140

F4                                                  722

F5                                                  646

F6                                                  393

F7                                                  252

F8                                                  113

Note:  Specific crossing programme for bio-fortified varieties of wheat, varieties for Nematodes, limited moisture condition and for late sown conditions by using the parents:- Raj- 4083, CCNRV-1, 4120, 3765 and Raj-4079 etc.

  Breeding material developed in Barley during 2020-21

Name of Filial Generation	2020-21
New crosses	175
F1	186
F2	224
F3	201
F4	219
F5	334
F6,F7 &Bulks	268

Note:  Specific crossing programme for malt purpose varieties of Barley, HL Varieties,  varieties for Nematodes,  Salinity tolerant,  Dual purpose, limited moisture condition and for late sown conditions by using the parents:- RD-2849(Malt), 2668, 25052, 2035, 2794 Raj-Kiran, BL-2 etc.

  In wheat, 9 genotypes in IVTs and 1 genotype (Raj.- 4548) in AVT1 were included in coordinated trials in

2020-21

  In barley, 16 genotypes in IVTs were included in coordinated trials in 2020-21

  Four  station/Multilocation trials in wheat and 4 in barley were conducted :

  Under AICRP- Wheat and Barley (Agronomy), 9 research trials in wheat agronomy were conducted by Dr.

Shweta Gupta and 7 research trials in barley agronomy by Dr. M.R. Yadav on various agronomical aspects like weed management, nano fertilizer, irrigation management, integrated nutrient management, date of sowing, etc.

  Dr. S.P. Bishnoi conducted 10 research trials under AICRP on Wheat & Barley (Nematology) for nematode

management.

  A total of 26 pathological trials were conducted by Dr. P.S. Shekhawat under AICRP on Wheat & Barley

(Pathology) on different diseases including yellow rust, brown rust, loose smut and flag smut.

  Dr. B.N. Sharma conducted 4 entomological trials under Wheat & Barley (Entomology).

  All scientists working under the project, attended online annual workshop on 23-24Aug 2021 for the review of the annual progress report and finalization of technical programme for rabi 21-22.

  All the scientists participated in the 59th Annual Group Meet of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Wheat & Barley on 6-7 September, 2021 through virtual mode.

AICRP on Pearlmillet

  Hybrid RHB 228, dual purpose variety of pearlmillet was notified in the 87th meeting of Central Sub

Committee  on  Crop  Standards,  Notification  and  Release  of  Varieties  for  Agricultural  Crops  held  on

18thOctober, 2021.

  Station trials conducted  during 2021

Trial Name	Entries
RBHT-I	100
RBHT-II	100

  Nucleus and Breeder seed produced during 2021

Hybrids	Parental Line	Nucleus  Seed(kg)	Breeder Seed (kg)
RHB-233	ICMA 99444	6.4	165
	RIB 15176	4.9	46
RHB-234	ICMA 02333	5.2	550
	RIB-15177	4.0	35

   Details of Entries tested in coordinated trials during 2021

Coordinated Trials	Entries Contributed
Initial Hybrid Trial- (E)	*RHB-271(ICMA 843-22 X RIB-20103)
Initial Hybrid Trial- (M)	* RHB-272(ICMA 04999 XRIB 20101)
Released Hybrid and Varietal trial	RHB 173, RHB 177 & Raj 171
Elite Inbred Joint Bio fortification Trial	RIB-19721,  RIB-19745,  RIB–19765,  RIB- 19769, RIB- 19799, RIB-19815, RIB-19841, RIB- 19859, RIB-  19867, RIB-19881

  Certified seed produced during 2021 by RSSC

(Area covered by our hybrids)

Hybrids	Agency/ Institute	Certified Seed Produced (q)	Area (ha)	Total Area Covered (ha)
RHB 223	RSSC	600	15000	15000

  Seven trials were conducted under AICRP on Pearlmillet (Agronomy) by Dr. Seema Sharma on different agronomical aspects.

  Dr. A.C. Mathur and Dr. R.S. Sharma conducted 10 research trials under AICRP on Pearlmillet (Pathology) for various disease management.

  Under AICRP on Pearlmillet (Entomology), 7 research trials were conducted by Dr. R.S. Bajia.

  Two recommendations (1 of plant breeding & 1 of Agronomy) were given.

  All the scientists participated in the Online Group Meet of AICRP on Pearlmillet held on 22-23 March,

2021.
AICRP on Groundnut

  Sixteen breeding trials were conducted by Mr. Joginder Singh under AICRP on Groundnut (Plant Breeding).

It includes 11 coordinated trials, 2 station trials and 3 ICRISAT Coll. Trials.

  Following five entries were contributed in coordinated Trials during KH-2021

      IVT-I (V)           : RG 648, RG 575-1, RG 650

      LSVT-I (V) : RG 622-5

      HOVT_I (V): ICGV-181004 (With Collaboration of ICRISAT)

  Entries advancement: 01 (RG 638 in 3rd year as AVT)

  Technologies advancement : 03 in 3rd year at RARI & ATC

  Conducted 30 field trials

  Six agronomical trials were conducted by Dr. M.R. Yadav under AICRP on Groundnut (Agronomy)

  Two   recommendations   were   given   which   includes   one   national   recommendations   and   one   state recommendation.

  Scientists showed their virtual participation in the Annual Workshop of AICRP on Groundnut held on 11-12

May, 2021

  Monitoring of breeding & agronomical trials, breeding materials, germplasms, segregating populations etc. by team constituted by the Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh (Guj.) was done on 18.09.2021.

  Scientists  of  AICRP  on  Groundnut  attended  online  review  meeting  held  on  08.09.2021  related  to

implementation of action points approved in last AICRP-G meeting.

AICRP on Chickpea

  Kabuli chickpea variety CSJK 174 (Karan Kabuli 4) was released.

  Two agronomical recommendations were given in 2021.

  200 quintals of breeder seed was produced during 2020-21

   A total number of 18 breeding trials were conducted under AICRP on Chickpea (Plant Breeding) by Dr. L.D. Sharma and Dr. S.K. Jain. It includes 8 coordinated trials and 10 station trials.

  Fifteen entries in IVTs and 15 in AVT1 were contributed in coordinated trials

  Two entries are in the third year at RARI & ATC for technology advancement

  Sixty TSP and 50 general FLD’s were conducted.

  Three agronomical trials were conducted by Dr. K.C. Gupta under AICRP on Chickpea (Agronomy).

  Ten trials were conducted by Dr. R.S. Sharma under AICRP on Chickpea (Pathology).

  Dr. Vipin Kumar conducted 6 research trials under AICRP on Chickpea (Entomology)

  Three station trials in soil microbiology were conducted by Dr. Nitin Chawla and Mr. P.C. Bairwa.

  Scientists of AICRP on Chickpea attended 26th  Group meeting of Rabi Pulses held on Aug16-17, 2021 through virtual mode.
AICRP on MULLaRP

  In 2021, 6 station/multilocation trials were conducted which includes 2 of mungbean, 1 of urdbean, 2 of lentil and 1 of fieldpea.

  Number of entries of mungbean contributed in coordinated trials were:

(i)      IVT – 2 (RMG-1132, 11666) (ii)     AVT1 – 1 (RMG-1139)

  A total  number of 6 agronomical trials were conducted by Dr. Shweta Gupta during Kharif, Rabi & Zaid

seasons of 2021

  Under AICRP- MULLaRP (Soil Microbiology), Dr. Pratibha Singh conducted 5 research trials during Kharif

& Rabi seasons of 2021.

  Dr. Tarun Kumar Jatwa conducted 2 pathological research trials.

  One entomological trial was conducted by Dr. Vipin Kumar.

AICRP on Arid Legumes

  One agronomical recommendation was given in 2021.

  140 quintals of breeders seed of clusterbean and 14 quintals of cowpea breeder seed were produced.

  In cowpea, 2 coordinated and 3 station trials and in clusterbean 2 coordinated and 3 station trials were conducted by Dr. S.K. Jain under AICRP on Arid Legumes (Plant Breeding)

  Number of entries of contributed in coordinated trials were: IVT – 5 (2 in cowpea & 3 in clusterbean);

AVT1 – 3 and in AVT 2 – 1  in clusterbean

  Sixty TSP in clusterbean and 20 general FLD’s in cowpea and clusterbean were conducted.

  Maintained different generations of cowpea and clusterbean.

  A total number of 5 agronomical trials were conducted by Dr. O.P. Meena.

  Dr. Nitin Chawla conducted 5 pathological trials.

  Four entomological trials were conducted by Dr. Vipin Kumar.
AICRP on IFS
  One  recommendation  was  given  based  on  three  crop  cycles  Groundnut  (immature  pods)-Rabi  Onion cropping system for income enhancement of farmers.

  The IFS model generated employment of 893 man days. Among the different enterprises of IFS model ,

cropping contributed the highest proportion( Rs.86097/-, 37.08 %) in the net returns of the model followed by horticulture (Rs. 66348/-, 28.57%) , dairy(Rs.55146/-, 23.75 %), goatry (Rs.22741/-, 9.79 %) and vermicompost  and  azolla  (Rs.4710/-,  2.03  %).  Among  the  five  cropping  systems,  groundnut  wheat contributed around 35.38 net returns of entire cropping systems followed by green gram -mustard with a net contribution of 22.31 %. Remaining three cropping systems namely pearl millet -gram, clusterbean-barley and  sorghum-  lucerne  contributed  about  15.91,  15.22  and  11.18%,  respectively.  Further  the  three components  of  the  horticulture  in  the  IFS  model  namely  vegetable  unit,  mixed  orchard  and  organic nutritional garden collectively could produce the gross returns of Rs.108030.

AICRP on Vegetables

  Out of total 80 trials allotted to the Durgapura Centre, 57 experimental trials were conducted during Kharif and Rabi season. Remaining 23 will be conducted during Zaid (summer) by Dr. Udal Singh, Dr. R.K. Bagri and Dr. Yogesh Sharma.
   In vegetable production technology, the recommendation on Integrated Disease Management of Alternaria,Cercospora,  downy mildew and mosaic disease in bottle gourd is given during the Annual workshop on AICRP vegetables held at IIVR Varanasi from 7-9 September, 2021.

    Another recommendation on organic production of coriander – radish sequence is under consideration after submission of B:C ratio.
  About 150 farmers visited to the vegetable farm for different problems related to fruits and vegetables cultivation & their problems were resolved.

  Approximately 100 quintal of different vegetable was produced till date and send to the Institute’s sale counter to generate about 2.5 lakh of revenue.

AICRP on Seed Technology Research

  A total number of 13 research trials were conducted by Dr. A.C. Mathur, Mr. Joginder Singh, Dr. Birbal Bairwa and Dr. Tarun Kumar Jatwa during Kharif and Rabi seasons.

  One national recommendation was given for Kabuli Chickpea in the Annual Group Meet of 2021.

  All the scientists participated virtually in the Annual Group Meet of AICRP on STR held on 21-22 April, 2021

AICRP on Weed Management (Volunteer Centre)

  A  new  volunteer  centre  of  AICRP  on  Weed  Management  is  given  to  SKNAU,  Jobner  at  RARI, Durgapura in 2021

   Dr. Shweta Gupta has been given the responsibility of this project. She is working on 5 crops under the

project on Groundnut, Clusterbean, Sorghum, Mustard and Barley.

  Padam Bhushan Dr. R.S. Paroda visited the experiments of the project.

  Dr.  Shweta  Gupta  attended  the  Annual  Group  Meet  of  AICRP  on  Weed  Management  and  gave presentation on the work done in weed management by SKNAU at TNAU, Coimbatore.

  Quarterly Review Progress of Kharif, 2022 was presented through virtual mode in the Quarterly Review

Meetings.

AICRP on Nematology

  Dr. S.P. Bishnoi and Dr. Hemraj Gurjar conducted 7 research trials under the project on various aspects like: identification & population estimation of economically important plant parasitic nematodes infecting major crops in Tonk, Dausa, Jaipur & Swai Madhopur Districts of Rajasthan; Screening, confirmation & field evaluation of promising germplasm of brinjal & chickpea genotypes against M. javanica.; Management of root-knot nematode M. javanica in pulses by crop rotation; Evaluation of new chemical molecules against Meloidogyne spp.;Documentation of nematode infested horticultural nurseries in the state and Demonstration on integrated nematode management on cucumber in poly houses.

AINP on Soil Arthropod Pests
  A total number of 4 recommendations were given for the management of white grub beetle through nanogel based pheromone traps and for the management of termites in chickpea and groundnut crops.
  Dr. A.S. Baloda; Dr.B.L. Jakhar and Dr. Kamal Kishore Saini conducted 12 research trials in Kharif season and 2 research trials in Rabi seasons under AINP on Soil Arthropod Pests.
  A total of 20,000 pheromone trap and nanogel lure of pheromone, methoxy benzene were distributed to the farmers.

AINP on Pesticide Residue

  Three recommendations were given about the waiting period of different doses of Imidachlorpid 17.8 SL in Pea and Tetraniliprole in Red Gram and Maize.
   A total number of 3 trials were conducted by Dr. B.L. Jakhar and Dr. B.N. Sharma on the dissipation of Imidachlorpid and residue and persistence studies of Tetraniliprole in soil and in different crops.

GKMS

  Prepared and disseminated weather forecast based agro advisory bulletin to the farmers of agro climatic zone (III a) through Mass media, Web portal, extension agencies, KVKs, NGOs, ATMA Project and by personal contacts on every Tuesday and Friday.
  Supplied the detailed feedback of Agro Advisory Bulletin and weather data to funding agency. Disseminated the agromet advisory through Farmers Web portal to about 4 Lac farmers through SMS on their mobiles.

  Disseminated the agromet advisory through 25 Whatsapp groups of Farmers.
FASAL
  Two trials on mustard and wheat were conducted by Dr. Rani Saxena to develop genetic coefficient for crop models.
Important Highlights of RARI, Durgapura

Inauguration of Agriculture Technology Knowledge Centre

Agriculture  Technology  Knowledge  Centre  has  been  established  at  RARI,  Durgapura,  Jaipur  under  RKVY scheme with the budget of Rs. 464.00 Lakhs. In this museum latest technologies and innovations in the field of Agriculture and allied sector are demonstrated in very precise manner. Agriculture Technology  Knowledge Centre  was  inaugurated  on  23.12.20  by  Sh.  Lal  Chand  Kataria,  Hon’ble  Minister  of  Agriculture,  animal Husbandry and Fishries, GOR.

IFS Module components  at Governor’s House

SKNAU, Jobner has established a vermicompost unit, azolla unit and fully automized drip irrigation system in Nutritional Garden at University Park established at Rajbhawan, Jaipur. These units were inaugurated on 22 Sep., 2021 by Sh. Kalraj Mishra, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan in the presence of Prof. J. S. Sandhu., Hon’ble Vice Chancellor,  SKNAU,  Jobner  and  Dr.  R.  Paliwal,  Registrar,  SKNAU,  Jobner. Prof.  Sandhubriefed  about  the importance, benefits and uses of vermicompost, azolla and fully automized drip irrigation system. These units were developed under the supervision of Dr. A.S. Baloda, Director, RARI, Durgapura with the active involvement of Dr.Pratibha Singh, and Dr.Udal Singh Meena.

Inauguration of “Weed Museum”

Weed Museum established in the Division of Agronomy at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur was inaugurated by Dr. R.S. Paroda, Former Director General, ICAR and Prof. J.S. Sandhu, Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor, SKNAU, Jobner on 30 Aug., 2021. The other dignitaries present during the inaugural ceremony were Dr. L.S. Rathod, Former Director, IMD, Pune; Dr. M.L. Jakhar, Director Research, SKNAU, Jobner; Dr. A.S. Baloda, Director, RARI. and Dr. Surendra Singh, Former P.I. of the project and Dean, College of Agriculture, Kotputli. In the museum100 preserved weed samples, weed posters showing the photographs of different parts of the weeds and their basic informationalong with the weed seed samples and related literature are displayed. Dr.

Shweta Gupta, In-charge of the Weed Museum has done a remarkable work in developing this “Weed Museum”, which is the first of its kind in the Rajasthan state.

Inauguration of Farm Pond

On  the  concept  of “Catch the  Rain”, a  farm pond  was  made  at  Rajasthan  Agricultural  Research  Institute, Durgapuraunder the supervision of Director, RARI, Dr. A.S. Baloda, Hon’ble Vice Chancellorof SKNAU, Jobner, inaugurated this farm pond on the occasion of Independence Day. 42 litres of water can be collected & stored in this pond during the monsoon season, which can be used for irrigation & research purpose at the campus during the Rabi.Efforts done by Dr. R.S. Bajia, Overall Incharge (Farm), RARI, Durgapura in the making of this farm pond is highly appreciated.

Developed Demonstration unit of Mushroom Cultivation

Under the supervision of Dr A. S. Baloda, Director, RARI, ademonstration unit on oyster& buttonmushroom was developed at RARI, Durgapura, Jaipur. Main objective of this unit is to impart proper practical knowledge on spawn production, production techniques of different mushrooms, compost making, value addition through organizing  hand-on  trainings.  Dr  P.S.  Shekhawat,  Incharge,  Mushroom  Unit,  RARI,  Durgapura  has  done appreciable work in developing this Mushroom Unit at RARI.

Molecular Lab Established

Under ICAR-All India Network Project on Soil Arthropod Pests a molecular laboratory has been setup in the Division of Entomology, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura. In which the study on diversity in species of whitegrub, termite, cutworm etc. and other soil arthropod pests is going on which will be helpful in the management of soil arthropod pests in future.

Electricity Production from Solar Energy at RARI Campus

– A step towards “Go Green”

"Solar power is the last energy resource that isn't owned yet - nobody taxes the sun yet."

The Sun has been worshiped as a life-giver to our planet since ancient times. As the world looks at ways to increase the use  of renewable  energy sources, solar is an attainable  way for everyday Indians to  positively contribute and live more sustainably. Solar panels are a great way to offset energy costs, reduce the environmental impact and provide a host of other benefits, such as supporting local businesses and contributing to energy independence. India is endowed with vast solar energy potential. About 5,000 trillion kWh per year energy is incident over India's land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m per day. National Solar Mission (NSM) was launched by Government of India on 11th January, 2010 with the objective to establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating the policy conditions for solar technology diffusion across the country. In support of the government’s agenda of sustainable growth, Director, RARI, Dr. A.S. Baloda decided to install solar panel of 122

KW power at RARI campus. It is generating 12000- 15000 units per months. By the installation of solar panel, RARI is saving Rs. 50,000 per month in the electricity bill.  Not only money saving, RARI is contributing to the global effort to meet the challenges of climate change.

Developed Orchard of Mango and Berry (Ber)

“The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.”

- Frank Lloyd Wright

In 2021, On the occasion of “Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsava”, orchards of Mango with 100 plants of Amrapali variety and Ber with 90 plants of Gola variety were established at RARI campus. Plantation of these plants was initiated by Hon'ble VC of SKNAU, Jobner, Prof. J.S. Sandhu on 15 August 2021. Dr. A.S. Baloda, Director, RARI,

reiterated the significance of these orchards in income generation alongwith environment sustainability in the future. Dr. Udal Singh, Incharge, Division  of Horticulture and Dr. Yogesh  Kumar Sharma, Asstt. Professor (Horticulture) were given the responsibility of developing and maintaining these orchards.

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