ICAR DG Receives Prestigious V. S. Mathur Memorial Award
Rajasthan, 21 August 2026: Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, inaugurated the 65th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Meet, jointly organised by Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, and ICAR–Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, Jaipur, from 18–20 August 2026.
During the inaugural session, Dr M. L. Jat was conferred the prestigious Shri V. S. Mathur Memorial Award in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contributions to wheat research, agricultural science and innovation in India. The award honours eminent scientists for their distinguished and lifetime contributions to the advancement of wheat research and agricultural development.
The event was attended by Dr D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR; Prof. (Dr) Pushpendra Singh Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor, SKNAU, Jobner; Dr Poonam Jasrotia, Assistant Director General (Plant Protection), ICAR; Dr Ratan Tiwari, Director, ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal; and Dr Ummed Singh, Director Research, SKNAU, Jobner, among other distinguished dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Jat emphasised the need to further strengthen research on wheat and barley to address emerging challenges in Indian agriculture. He announced the establishment of new All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) centres for various crops in Rajasthan, along with the strengthening of existing centres. He stressed the importance of developing science-based, sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural systems to enhance productivity while conserving natural resources.
As part of this initiative, Dr Jat announced the establishment of a Zonal Coordinating Unit on Barley (NWPZ) at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura. The unit is expected to provide greater impetus to barley research, coordination and technical activities in the region.
Dr D. K. Yadava highlighted key research priorities for wheat and barley, including addressing the impacts of climate change, increasing soil alkalinity, development of dual-purpose barley varieties, promotion of organic production systems and development of biofortified varieties. He underscored the need for research programmes to remain aligned with emerging agricultural challenges and farmers’ requirements.
Prof. (Dr) Pushpendra Singh Chauhan presented the research achievements of SKNAU, Jobner, and highlighted the advanced crop varieties developed by the university. Dr Poonam Jasrotia emphasised the need to further strengthen the AICRP on wheat and barley for accelerating research and technology development.
During the event, teams from various research centres were felicitated for their contributions to the development of improved wheat and barley varieties. Technical and experimental manuals were also released. The Best Centre Awards under the All India Coordinated Wheat and Barley Research Project were conferred on the Junagadh and Akola Centres for their outstanding contributions.
The three-day meet brought together scientists, agricultural experts and representatives from wheat and barley research centres across the country to deliberate on strategies for enhancing crop productivity and quality, developing climate-resilient varieties, conserving soil and water resources, and strengthening food and nutritional security towards Viksit Bharat 2047. International experts from CIMMYT, Mexico, and JIRCAS, Japan, also participated in the deliberations.
A major outcome of the meeting was the identification of 26 improved varieties 15 wheat and 11 barley for further consideration for release at the national level. These varieties offer promising traits such as higher productivity, improved quality, disease resistance and enhanced adaptability to changing climatic conditions.
The event was also attended by Dr Vimla Dudwal, Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University, Kota; Dr Tribhuvan Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner; Dr Surendra Singh, Director, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura; along with Deans, Directors, scientists and representatives of wheat and barley research centres from across the country.
As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign, the dignitaries participated in a tree plantation programme on the institute campus under the leadership of Dr Surendra Singh.
Dr Ummed Singh, Director Research, SKNAU, Jobner, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished dignitaries, scientists and participants for their valuable contributions to the successful conduct of the meet.
(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research, Karnal)
