Mandate

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) has a mandate for the three agro climatic zones II, III A and III B of Bihar for improvement of crops, horticulture and livestock production and management and policy research. Research institutes under BAU have contributed several cultivars of Staple Crops - Rice(Rajendramahsuri, RajendraKasturi,RajendraSuwasini); Wheat (RW 346,RW 3413 and RW 3016); Fruits - Mango(Prabhashankar, Mahmood- bahar, SunderLangra, Alfazil, Jawahar Sabri, Subhash and Menaka) and Vegetables – Bottle Gourd(RajendraChamatkar), Pointed Gourd (Rajendra Parwal-1, Rajendra Parwal-2), Sponge Gourd (RajendraNenua), Brinjal (Rajendra Annapurna 1, Rajendra baigan-2 andMuktakeshi)and associated farming systems. Recently, rice variety Sabour Surbhit, Sabour Agrim (early cauliflower) and maize hybrid DHM-117 have been identified for release for commercial cultivation in the state of Bihar. Scientists are also working in improvement of natural and genetic resource management, diversification of production systems and value-added crop and livestock products. Social, economic and policy research is an integral component of BAU’s research to better target sustainable development and to enhance the uptake and impact of the research outputs. Wheat advance lines RW 3688(Rainfed), RW 3708, RW 3710 and RW 3711 (Irrigated Timely Sown) and BRW 3733(Late Sown Irrigated) and Azolla BAUS-1 are under advance stage of testing. Several promising genotypes of rice, abiotic stress tolerant maize, urdbean and cauliflower is also in advance testing stages.

Fig. 1: Area Jurisdiction of Bihar Agricultural University 
The research programs are characterized in six sub-groups viz. crop improvement, natural resource management, crop protection, social sciences, product development and marketing. These research programs are run by different unit e.g. Colleges of agriculture in Sabour, Buxar, Saharsa and Purnea; Bihar Veterinary College, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology in Patna and College of Horticulture in Nalanda and various regional research stations in form of students project, plan and non-plan projects.

University has developed collaboration with number national and international institutes of repute. It has strong linkages with the ICAR institutes including Directorate of Rice Research, Directorate of Wheat Research, Indian Institute of Pulse Research, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Project Directorate of Cropping Systems, Directorate of Maize Research, Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, National Dairy Research Institute, Indian Veterinary Research Institute and several others.

Similarly, University research is also dovetailed with various international organizations e.g. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for stress tolerant rice; Stress-Tolerant Rice for Poor Farmers in Africa and South Asia (STRASA);Improved Rice-based Rain fed Agricultural Systems (IRRAS) Aerobic Rice Breeding and dry direct seeded rice; International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT) for abiotic stress tolerant and climate resilient maize hybrids, cropping system agronomy and wheat breeding; International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) for improving chickpeas, groundnuts and pigeonpea breeding. BAU and ICRISAT are also exploring possibility of developing pigeonpea hybrids using indigenous materials. The university is also collaborating with International Plant Nutrient Institute for developing site specific nutrient management in rice, wheat and maize. The University is developing technologies for offsetting terminal water stress in rainfed winter legumes in collaboration with EvonikIndustries, Germany.

New research development facility has been created for micro propagation of banana; protected cultivation; bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides production. Key research themes in the university includes improving resource use, natural resource management including climate change adaptation and mitigation; farming system research; genetic enhancement of crops including horticulture and livestock resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses; product development and value addition, technology transfer and out-scaling; capacity enhancement and social sciences and policy research. Material transfer agreement have been signed with Directorate of Rice Research and VivekanandaParvatiyaKrishiAnusandhanShala for fast tract hybrid rice and hybrid maize development in the state.