The XXXII Research Advisory Committee Meeting (RAC) of ICAR-CRIDA was held on 29th -30th April 2024 in a physical mode at ICAR-CRIDA under the chairmanship of Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of PPV& FRA, Former Secretary (DARE) & Former Director General, ICAR. Dr V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA welcomed the chair, and members of RAC and mentioned the key importance of RAC for the overall improvement of the institute's research programme. All the scientists of the institute and non-official member participated in the session. The RAC deliberations commenced with remarks by chairman of RAC.
Dr M Srinivasa Rao, Member secretary presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the recommendations of the previous meeting of RAC (XXX) and the same was accepted by the Research Advisory Committee.
Dr V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA presented the contributions of CRIDA in Dryland agriculture and explained about recent national outputs of the institute and overview of CRIDA.
Dr J.P. Sharma, Ex-Vice-chancellor, SKUAST opined that identification of critical areas in climate change and to address the concerns of present and future in a long-term project would be the key in setting the research priorities. Out scaling and upscaling the technologies with the support of state departments and KVKs should be the focus to reach the farmers nationwide.
Dr H.N. Verma, Ex-Director, IIWM, Bhubaneswar, suggested that assessment of viable and appropriate technologies is the prioritized area. Usage of harvested water in ponds for irrigating the early stages of crops helps in minimising loss of water. Renovation of community ponds for the small and marginal farmers would offer pragmatic approach for the water cycling.
Dr A.M. Shekh, Ex-vice chancellor, AAU mentioned that diversification of cropping systems with climatic analogues approach and assessment and quantification of microclimate for the pest and disease forewarning should be addressed.
Dr D.K. Sharma, former director of, CSSRI reiterated that proactive and reactive approaches of drought monitoring and management which can align with the methodology suggested by FAO. Refinement of technologies based on the prevailing situations of the area and their impact assessment is required. Understanding and refining the technologies from farmers’ perspective can make them more viable.
Dr S.S. Tomar, Dean Faculty & Director of Research, JNKVV could not join the meeting.
Dr Rajbir Singh, ADG (Agron., AF & CC) emphasised the importance of comprehensive analysis of BBF and other dryland technologies. He suggested the documentation of success stories of reaping positive gains in times of crisis by taking the example of Punjab and Haryana through distribution of seed/ seedlings through community nurseries at the time of severe floods.
Dr T. Mohapatra advised that the research programme of the institute should be in tune with global development focussing on digital tools to deal with climate change. Formulation of action plan to carry forward some of the technologies (drones) and identification of the technologies that result in larger impact at nation level should be the priority.
At the outset, the Chairman of RAC appreciated the contributions of ICAR-CRIDA, AICRPDA and AICRPAM and emphasised the focussed Dryland research in view of changing climate and emerging problems in Dryland agriculture. The progress of Divisions, Sections, AICRPDA, AICRPAM and KVK was presented. During the second day morning, i.e., on 30-04-2024, RAC along with the Director, Project Coordinators, Heads and Scientists of CRIDA visited field experiments, Climate Change Research Complex, KVK and Farm Mechanization workshop at Hayathnagar Research Farms.
After a thorough discussion, various observations and recommendations emanated
