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.

DIRECTOR

Dr. Sunita Gupta, Professor (Plant Physiology) is serving as Director, RARI. She was born on 8 th October, 1969 in Jaipur. Dr. Sunita obtained her B.Sc. (Science Biology) in 1989 from University of Rajasthan, M.Sc. (Ag) in 1994 and Ph.D. in 2004 in Plant Physiology from SKRAU, Bikaner. She was awarded with University Gold Medal in M.Sc. (Ag) for securing highest marks. Dr. Sunita Gupta started her service as Assistant Professor from 7 th  May, 1996 at SKRAU, Bikaner. She remained actively involved in teaching and guiding under graduate and post graduate students at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, College of Agriculture, Bikaner and Rajasthan Agriculture Research Institute, Durgapura. She also gained research experience at Australian Centre of Plant Function Genomic, University of Adelaide, Australia. Dr. Gupta also has  administrative experience of serving as Zonal Director Research (ZDR), ARS, Navgaon and Director Prioritization, Monitoring and Evaluation (D-PME) in SKN Agriculure University, Jobner. In addition to University Librarian, she also holded the post of University Head, Department of Plant Physiology and involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and guiding post graduate students for their dissertation. She has guided more than 15 students for their dissertation.Her major research interests are photosynthesis, stress physiology and plant growth regulators.

She has published three books, ten book chapters, five review articles and more than 50 research papers in national and international journals, gaining H index 14 and I 10 index 18.

Details of Former Directors

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

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

  Nucleus and Breeder seed produced during 2021

   Details of Entries tested in coordinated trials during 2021

  Certified seed produced during 2021 by RSSC

(Area covered by our hybrids)

  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)

AICRP ON VEGETABLE CROPS

A total of 102 experimental trails were conducted during the year 2023-24. All the trails were conducted by the scientist team working under AICRP VC,   Dr. Uadal Singh, Dr. R. K. Bagdi, Dr. Y. K. Sharma and Dr. S.K.Bairwa. The total four recommendations cover under the project. The detail given below:

(A) Production aspects: 

1.      Highest yield of tomato (723.20q/ha) and B:C ratio of (4.05) were found in the treatment D3V3 (15January with variety  Bavander ) (At Durgapura, Jaipur) Rajasthan.

2.      The three-year study on organic farming in Coriander-Radish cropping sequence at Durgapurarevealed that the safe production practices consisting of Recommended FYM + Fertilizer + IIHR microbial consortium (12.5 kg/ha) + plant protection with organic methods resulted highest coriander leaves yield of 94.03 q/h and radish root yield of 237.61 q/h with net income of Rs. 2, 55,100 /ha and B.C. ratio of 4.0. Hence, it could be recommended for Coriander-Radish cropping sequence in Rajasthan zone.

(B) Protection aspects:

1.      The recommendation on management of yellow vein mosaic virus of bitter gourd, three spray of Acephate @ 0.15, Neem oil @0.2 % and Pyriproxifen @ 0.1% respectively at 10days interval after initiation of disease.

2.      Another   recommendation on   French bean, treatment (T5) comprising ofseed treatment by consortia formulation of T.asperellum + B. subtillis(CRB-7) @10g/kg seed and Soil drenching @1% at the time of earthing showed highly potential in inhibition of soil borne diseases at Durgapura {collar rot 11.51 (control 27.16%), root rot 13.03 (27.5%), wilt 14.63 (Control24.52%)} and gave highest yield 49.63 q/ha and highest benefit cost ratio of 2.50.

·         Vegetables at different trails were harvested and sold the sale counter at RARI Durgapura, this year a total 1.82 lakhs rupees revenue generated by selling the vegetables.

·         More than 500 farmer visited to thevegetable farm and also solved the problems related to fruits and vegetables cultivation. 

AICRP on Groundnut

 Inchage,  Dr Ashok Kumar Meena, Assistant Professor .

In 2023 RG 638 (Raj Mugfali - 4) has been notified for Zone I (Rajasthan. Haryana, Punjab and UP) which is having high shelling (74 %) and high pod yield 36 q/ha.

In 2024 RG 648 (Raj Mugfali -5) and RG 575-1 (Raj Mugfali -6) have been identified for Zone I (Rajasthan. Haryana, Punjab and UP) in AGM of AICRP on Groundnut at RARI, Durgapura on 10-12 April 2024. RG 648 is having high pod yield 32 q/ha and RG 575-1 is having high protein content (30%) and high oil content (48%) with high pod yield.

 Annual Group Meeting of AICR on Ground 2024 was organized by RARI, Durgapura on 10-12 April 2024 by the team work of scientists of RARI, Durgapura

In kharif 2023, fourteen breeding trials were conducted by Dr. Ashok Kumar Meena under AICRP on Groundnut (Plant Breeding). Trials. Following two entries were contributed in coordinated Trials during Kharif 2023-IVT (V): RG 639 and LSVT (V): RG 651.

Entries advancement: 02 entries e.g. RG 648 and RG 575-1 were advanced in 3rd year as AVT ) and 02 entries e.g. RG 624 and RG 628 were advanced in 2^nd year as AVT –I.

300 q breeder seed of different varieties have been produced during Kharif 2023.

Technologies advancement: Three experiments will be conducted during Kharif 2024 in 3rd year at RARI & ATC.  Nine agronomical trials were conducted by Dr. M.R. Yadav and Dr. Bheem Parik under AIRP on Groundnut (Agronomy)- One recommendations was given.

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 16.10.2023. 

AICRP on Chickpea

Ø  Proposal of variety RSGD 926 (Karan Channa 19) was submitted to SVRC:-

Ø  One agronomical recommendation was given in 2023-24:-

Ø  76 quintals of breeder seed was produced during 2023-24:-

Ø  A total number of 17 breeding trials were conducted under AICRP on Chickpea (Plant Breeding) by Dr. S.K. Jain. It includes 8 coordinated trials and 9 station trials:-

Ø  Ten entries in IVTs and 8 in AVT1 were contributed in coordinated trials:-

Ø  25 entries in IVTs and 31 in AVTs were contributed in station trials:-

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

Ø  39 TSP and 10 general FLD’s were conducted

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

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

Ø  Dr. Vipin Kumar conducted 5 research trials under AICRP on Chickpea (Entomology)

Ø  Three station trials in soil microbiology were conducted by Dr. Prathiba Singh.

Ø  Scientists of AICRP on Chickpea attended 28^th Group meeting of Rabi Pulses held on Aug 16-17, 2021 through virtual mode.

AICRP on Pearl Millet

Ø  An early maturing hybrid, RHB-273, has been promoted for the third year under the A1 Zone.

Ø  In Kharif 2023, fifteen trials (six Coordinated, two Station, and seven ICAR-ICRISAT Cooperative) were conducted successfully at RARI, Durgapura, Jaipur.

Ø  In the Station Initial Hybrid Trial, 127 entries were evaluated, and twenty top entries with high grain yield and early flowering will advance to the next season's trials.

Ø  Seventeen restorer lines of released hybrids and eighty-four established R lines were planted and maintained.

Ø  Fifty-two Bajra local landraces from Jaisalmer and Barmer districts are being preserved.

Ø  As per DAC and RSSC indent, 396 kg of seed from various parental lines of hybrids, including RHB 233, RHB 234, RHB 223, RHB-173, and RHB 177, were produced.

Ø  A total of 212,500 ha in Rajasthan were covered by the center's hybrids, and 10 quintals of hybrid seed of RHB 233 were produced.

Ø  Nucleus seed of parental lines of hybrids RHB-233, RHB-234, RHB-223, RHB-173, and RHB-177 were also produced and maintained.

Ø  A MoU was signed between SKN Agriculture University, Jobner, and New Nandi Seeds Pvt. Company for the RHB 223 hybrid's production, marketing, and commercialization.

Ø  Fifty FLDs of different biofortified hybrids were distributed to farmers.

Ø  The center also conducted seven agronomical, nine pathological, five entomological, and four physiological trials.

Ø  To celebrate the International Year of Millets in 2023, three events were held: a seminar on millet promotion on January 30, the International Agribusiness Conclave on March 21-22, and a Millets Conclave on Sustainable Production. 

AICRP on Seed Technology Research

A total of 15 experiments (Seed Production & Certification - 03 trials, Seed Physiology, Storage & Testing - 03 trials, Seed Pathology - 03 trials, and Seed Entomology - 06 trials) were conducted by Dr. R. C. Meena, Dr. A. K. Meena, Dr. Bhavya Mishra, and HansaKumariJat during Kharif and Rabi 2023-24. An OECD training was organized from February 19 to 23, 2024, by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, and ICAR-IISS, Mau, in collaboration with RARI, Durgapura (SKN Agricultural University, Jobner). All scientists attended the 39th AGM of AICRP on Seed (Crops), which was held on May 02-03, 2024, at UAS, Bengaluru.