Marching firmly towards excellence……

Two Years of Reforms and Results

CSK Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University) Palampur H.P. 176062 The University activities in pictures

The Vice-Chancellor presenting mementoes to Hon'ble Acharya Devvrat Jee and Hon'ble Chief Minister Sh. Jee during their visit to the University on 29 January 2018

Hon'ble Governor laying the foundation stone of Model ZBNF Centre in the presence of Hon'ble CM & other dignitaries

Tribal farmers with the Vice-Chancellor during his visit to RRS, Sangla, Kinnaur Marching firmly towards excellence…… Major Reforms and Achievements

« The University ranked among top 20 agricultural universities at all India level: CSKHPKV ranked at 19th position at all India level among all SAUs, CAUs and ICAR deemed Universities as per the National Institution Ranking Framework of ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Govt. of India. « Since its inception, the University attained all time high second position among all SAUs, Central Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes declared as deemed universities in Agricultural Research Services examination 2017 conducted by ASRB, New Delhi. An all time record number, 193 students qualified national level competitive examinations like JRF, SRF, NET,UGC, etc. « In Entrance Test Based Admissions for the Academic Year 2018-19, a record 17276 candidates registered online for admissions to B.V.Sc. & A.H. and B.Sc.(Hons.) Agri. programmes. « Around 390 staff members were benefitted with fresh appointments, promotions, absorption of services of Co- terminus appointees, etc. « Rs. 80.00 crore received as additionality besides regular grant-in-aid from the Govt of H.P. to clear pending liabilities of employees and retirees. Cleared all pending liabilities such as DA/CAS arrears of employees, and gratuity & leave encashment of retirees. « The University developed and recommended 11 varieties of various crops and a poultry variety. « Twenty farm based models formulated and shared with the stakeholders to Double the Farmers' Income. « KVK, Mandi received 'Zonal Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Protsahan Puruskar' in Zone-1. « The construction works worth Rs.2.42 crore completed and works worth Rs.8.45 crore are in progress. « Establishment of Zero Budget Natural Farming(ZBNF) Centre. Establishment of PPVFRA Northern region Branch Office at CSKHPKV, Palampur. « To accelerate production of high quality planting material through grafting, a Grafting Machine/Robot has been installed. « Statutes of the University (earlier updated upto 30 August 2006) have been updated upto 1 July 2018. « Paperless working has been introduced for better communication and save resources. « The University implemented 5th Deans' Committee's recommendations of ICAR. « Research projects worth Rs.16.64 crore sanctioned and research projects worth Rs.184 crore submitted to the funding agencies. A Breeder/Foundation seed production project worth Rs 10 crore awaiting approval from JICA (phase II) launch after its approval from the Govt of H.P. « The University introduced the sale of milk through coupons- a step towards cashless transactions. « 16 Hand Books and Technical Manuals, including Package of Practices of Rabi Crops, Package of Practices of Kharif Crops and Package of Practices of Vegetable Crops were published after a long interval. « MoUs were signed between SJVN/ Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project JICA-ODA/ Agricultural Skill Council of India for providing trainings to farmers and trainers. « A Golden Letter Day for the University: It was a historical and momentous occasion on 29 January 2018 when Hon'ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh and Chancellor of the University Acharya Devvrat Jee, Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur Jee, five Ministers Dr Ram Lal Markanda, Sh Vipin Singh Parmar, Sh Kishan Kapoor, Smt Sarveen Chaudhry and Sh Vikram Singh Thakur were in the University. Ho'ble Governor laid the foundation stone of ZBNF centre and also inaugurated Animal Disease Investigation & Research Laboratory in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister, Ministers, Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, MLAs Shri Ravinder Ravi Dhiman, Shri Mulkhraj Premi, Sh Vikram Jarial and Sh Ashish Butail, Add Chief Secretary(Finance & Agri) Dr. Shrikant Baldi, other senior officers of the State Govt., University staff and students. Later, Hon'ble Governor, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Hon'ble Agriculture Minister and Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial addressed the University community, State Govt. Officers and others.

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Administration After taking over as Vice-Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University in August 2016, Prof A.K.Sarial was quick to assess the prevailing atmosphere in the University and took measures to make it congenial by taking requisite steps to create goodwill among all staff members. In his maiden address to the employees, he had assured them to “Provide an encouraging environment where all staff members work in cohesion to their optimum capacity for the benefit of university, students and farming community…”. To achieve this, he repeatedly gave a mantra: “Respect Work, Work Hard and Create Work Culture.” The following major decisions were taken to smoothen the path of progress: v Decision Making Streamlined: All important meetings of the Statutory bodies like Senate, Board of Management, Academic Council, Research Council, Extension Council, etc were held regularly to streamline decision making and taking appropriate actions on the issues concerning the University. Four meeting of the Board of Management were held on the regular intervals (18.03.2017,13.07.2017,09.02.2018 and 07.07.2018). v Eight meetings of the Academic Council were held to discuss the academic policy and other important matters. v Annual Reports: Compilation and publishing of all pending Annual Reports was also done. Annual Report for the year 2013-2014 has been published while for the year 2014- 2015, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, the Annual Reports were edited, compiled, got printed and approved from the BOM and now will be placed in the ensuing meeting of the Senate. v Statutes of the University which were earlier updated upto 30.09.2006 have now been updated upto 01.07.2018 and sent for printing. v Paperless Office Working: Paperless working has been introduced. To keep pace with the Govt. of India and Govt. of H.P. digital programme and for judicious use of scarce University resources, all important notifications office orders, circulars etc. are uploaded on University website and the system has been working well. v Implemented 5th Deans' Committee's recommendations: The University implemented 5th Deans' Committee's recommendations of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in the B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture and B.Tech. (Food Technology) and B.Sc. (Hons.) Community Science in the College of Agriculture and College of Home Science from the academic year 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively. v The University is on board with National Academic Depository being operated under University Grants Commission, New Delhi. v Successful organization of Convocation: The University organized 14th Convocation successfully on 8 September 2017 and conferred the Graduate, Master and Doctorate level degrees, Honours Certificate and Gold Medals, etc. to the passed out graduates and

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postgraduates of CSKHPKV upto 31 August 2016. In this Convocation, 343 degrees (227 graduation, 97 Masters' and 19 Doctoral degrees) were conferred besides conferring Gold Medals and Certificates of Honour. Hon'ble Governor, H.P. and Chancellor of the University conferred the degrees on the students. v The Information Brochure and Prospectus for the Academic year 2017-18 and 2018-19 uploaded on the University website well in time for admissions to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes of the University. v During the Academic year 2018-19, admissions to six Undergraduate, 23 disciplines in Masters' programmes and 15 disciplines in Doctoral programme were offered. v Record number of candidates apply for UG programmes: For admission to Entrance Test Based programmes for the Academic Year 2018-19, 17276 candidates registered online for 152 seats of B.V.Sc. & A.H. and B.Sc. (Hons.)Agriculture. v A significant increase in number of applicants compared to previous years was observed. During 2016-17 academic sessions, 12500 candidates had registered while in 2017-18, the number rose to 13664 and in 2018-19 the number of applicants increased to 17278. Similarly, 1257 candidates registered online for admission to Masters' programmes. v On the request of Eternal University (EU), Baru Sahib and Baddi University of Emerging Science & Technology(BUEST), Baddi, for enrolment of meritorious students in their B.Sc.(Hons) Agriculture degree programme, the University made available the list of candidates appeared in the Entrance Test-2018 with a facilitation fee @ Rs.5000/- per seat from EU and @ Rs.8000/- per seat from BUEST. v Ragging Free & Smoke Free Campus: This University took all the measures to prohibit, prevent and eliminate the scourge of ragging during the Academic Sessions 2016-17 and 2017-18. No incident of ragging was reported and the campus continued the glorious tradition of 'Ragging Free and Smoke Free Campus.'. v Fresh Recruitments and Staff Welfare: In harnessing the full potential of staff, Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial believes that the employees be provided with their dues and their personal concerns should be addressed first, hence the staff welfare has been a priority of the Vice-Chancellor. Around 390 staff members were benefitted with fresh appointments (including 19 Assistant Professors), promotions (including 16 Section Officers), Absorption of services of Co-terminus appointees (33), Appointments of Clerks from existing Class-IV employees (10) Promotion of Technical, Field, Engineering, Library and Miscellaneous staff (41). v 200 posts to be filled up: Process has been initiated to fill up around 200 teaching and non- teaching positions to overcome the shortage due to retirements and non-availability of experts.

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Finances Being a State University, CSK H.P.Krishi Vishvavidyalaya depends heavily on the State Government for its financial needs. There was huge deficit in August 2016 to the extent that an uncertainty of regular salary prevailed in respect of employees working under KVKs and ICAR schemes. Arrears on account of dearness allowance and CAS, medical reimbursement, travelling allowances and such other benefits had been pending to the staff since years' altogether. Employees, pensioners and representatives of their associations in large number started approaching the newly joined Vice- Chancellor Prof.A.K.Sarial right from the day one in August 2016 requesting him to release their salary and pension pending since months. The Vice-Chancellor's pledge not to draw his salary till all employees are paid was able to boost the morale of employees. To ensure regular payment of all dues including salary and pension, the matter was taken up by the Vice-Chancellor in its right earnest with the Government and senior bureaucrats. Besides making serious efforts to increase the domestic income, the Govt. was requested to help the University to enable it to discharge the mandated obligations towards farming community in a befitting manner. He was able to persuade the Govt. to release additional grant of Rs 80 crore, in addition to the regular grant-in-aid, which enabled the University to disburse salary, pension and clear long pending liabilities on account of arrears of DA and CAS, medical reimbursement of pensioners, Death-cum-retirement gratuity(DCRG) and leave encashment etc. The salient accomplishments achieved in the financial matters are given below: v Rs 80 crore additonality: Rs. 35.00 crore and Rs. 45.00 crore received (during 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively) as additionality from H.P. State Govt. to clear pending liabilities of employees and retirees. v Pending liabilities cleared: Cleared all pending liabilities such as DA/CAS arrears of employees and leave encashment of retirees. Some as old as over decades long pending cases were settled with the personal intervention of the Vice-Chancellor. Many such retirees have sent letters of gratitude to him for this gesture. v Relief to Pensioners Rs. 2.87 crore released to the Pensioners/Family Pensioners on account of Dearness Relief. Rs. 78.70 lakh released to

the Pensioners/Family Pensioners on account Many pensioners sent letters of gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor of medical reimbursement. Rs. 7.32 lakh for solving their cases as old as pertaining to the year 2004

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released to the Pensioners/Family Pensioners on account of fixed medical allowance arrear for April 2013 to November 2014. Rs. 83.29 lakh released to the Pensioners/Family Pensioners on account of pension arrears. Rs. 13. 92 crore released to the Pensioners on account of Retirement Gratuity upto June, 2018. v Settled old cases: Settled 543 cases of Pension Allowance (5%, 10% & 15%). v Rs. 711.30 lakh and Rs. 843.92 lakh received (during 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively) under CDA/TSP/NTS/Ready Programme/Library strengthening including experiential learning. v Prepared balance sheet of the CSKHPKV for the year 2015-16 lying unattended since long time. v Settled 6 main audit paras, 16 sub audit paras and 27 audit requisitions from the Statutory Audit. v Adjusted temporary advances amounting to Rs. 12.63 crore from the Statutory Audit. v Effected recoveries amounting to Rs. 12.93 lakh from concerned employees due to wrong fixation of pay/ACP etc. v Earned 113.61 lakh as 10 % CPDU handling charges during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. v IR/DA to staff: The University disbursed Interim Reliefs and Dearness Allowances at par with the Govt. of H.P. Education The University since its inception has done well to produce quality human resources for the development departments and other spheres. Yet, the number of students bringing name and fame to the University on the basis of their academic performance at national level has not been significant. A recipient of “Best Teacher Award”, the Vice-Chancellor introduced some innovations in teaching practices by himself shouldering the responsibility of teaching and guiding Post Graduates students in his favourite subject Plant Breeding & Biometrical Genetics. He motivated teachers to take extra classes voluntarily to prepare the students for national level competitive examinations and the results were spectacular in this maiden effort. The University attained all time high second position among all SAUs, Central Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes declared as deemed universities in Agricultural Research Services examination 2017 conducted by ASRB, New Delhi. v Ever highest 193 students qualified national level competitive examinations like JRF, SRF, NET, ASRB, etc. The JRF qualifying percentage was highest 92.7%.

5 Marching firmly towards excellence…… v Nineteen students got admissions in various universities and institutes of national repute.

v One hundred fifteen students got employment in different SAUs/ICAR Institutes, State Deptt. of Agriculture, Nationalized Banks, State Deptt. of Animal Husbandry etc. v Several steps were taken to improve the quality of education, including assuring honorarium of experts commensurate to their stature. Significant achievements in the UG education in the four constituent colleges and Post Graduate education are given below: College of Agriculture v Coaching classes: Faculty members of all the departments in COA imparted coaching to the students preparing for JRF/SRF/ARS examinations resulting in Sixty eight PG students (Agriculture) qualified ARS-NET and Pre-ARS. v Students selected as Scientists: Ms Nidhi Kumari, Department of Plant Pathology, Ms Anima Mahato and Mr Devender Sharma, Department of Crop Improvement qualified ARS examination and were selected as Scientists in the ICAR-Institutes. v ADOs:Thirty-six students of COA were selected as Agriculture Development Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. v Ms Tamana, Rahul Sharma and Anuj Sharma, M. Sc. students, Department of Agronomy qualified examination for Agricultural Officer (Bank). v SRF: Fifteen students qualified ICAR Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for doing Ph.D in different universities while twenty graduate students qualified Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for doing M. Sc. in different universities/Institutes and eight students qualified MBA examination. Ms Megha Katoch, Ph.D student (Biotech) qualified CSIR-UGC NET examination. v Ms Shiwali Dhiman, Ph D student (Plant Pathology) has been awarded with Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship. v Ms Megha Katoch Verma, Ph.D. student, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology was awarded DST WOS-(A) Fellowship.

6 Marching firmly towards excellence…… v Mr Vinay Singh, Ph D student, Department of Entomology got the Best Paper Award for research paper presented in the National Seminar held at Navsari Agricultural University. Two PG students, Department of Agricultural Economics got published research papers in the reputed Journal on Agricultural Economics Research Review (AERR) having NAAS rating of 5.90. v Dr. Manisha Gautum, Department of Agriculture Biotechnology, joined as National-Post Doctorate Fellow (N-PDF) in a DST sponsored programme. v Ms Bharati , Ms Damini Sharma , Ms Nitika Kapoor and Ms Shivali Masand, M. Sc. students (first year) of the discipline of Agricultural Economics have been nominated for NABARD Students Internship Scheme 2018-19. Mr. Nitin Kumar,outgoing student of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri. cleared CMAT Examination and got admission in NIAM, Jaipur in MBA. v Awards/Honors/Recognition: Around thirty scientists and students got various awards. v AICRP on Forage Crops & Utilization, Department of Agronomy, Forage Production & Grassland Management, CSKHPKV, Palampur Centre was awarded the Best Centre Award for significant contribution of the team in Forage Resources Development. v AICRP on Weed Management, Department of Agronomy, Forage Production & Grassland Management, CSKHPKV, Palampur Centre was awarded the Best Centre Award for significant contribution of the team in the field of weed management in different agro ecological situations. Dr G.C. Negi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences The college imparted quality professional undergraduate education in an excellent academic arena for students. Students were guided and trained to succeed in various competitive examinations like JRF, SRF, NET and ARS by conducting mock tests, group discussions and special lectures. Facilitation for campus selection was done by inviting various business concerns involved in animal husbandry and dairying .Some of the salient academic achievements of the college are: v JRF: Seven students of 28th Batch of B.V.Sc. & AH Programme qualified and selected for JRF. Following Students qualified the JRF-2017-18

v Selection of students in National Institutes: Dr Shambhvi and Dr Prince Chauhan, Deptt. of Animal Nutrition selected for Ph. D in NDRI Karnal. Dr. Stephanie S. Pardhan, Deptt.of Veterinary Pathology selected in IVRI for Ph.D. One student is admitted to MBA at MANAGE, Hyderabad.

7 Marching firmly towards excellence…… v National eligibility test: Total 14 students qualified ICAR Net during 2016-18 and 4 cleared SRF. v Placement as faculty: Dr Parul Shukla, Deptt of Vet. Anatomy, Dr, Krishneneder Dinesh, Deptt of AGB and Dr Aman Dev Moudgil, Deptt of Veterinary Parasitology got selected as Assistant Professors in DGCN COVAS. Three students of the Deptt of Vet. Surgery viz. Jobanjit Singh, Jasmeen Kaur and Ashish Gupta selected as Assistant Professor in Khalsa College, Amritsar and Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur, respectively. Dr. Pratiksha Srivastva and Dr. Shailja Katoch of the Deptt. of Vet. Microbiology selected as Assistant Professors in Veterinary College Jaipur and Veterinary College ,Meerut, respectively. v Placements in Armed forces: Two graduates of the college were selected in Remount Veterinary Corp (RVC) and another two students of the college got commissioned in ITBPF as Assistant Commandant (Veterinary). v Placements as Veterinary Officers: 73 graduates of the college were selected as Veterinary Officer in the Department of Animal Husbandry, H.P. v Other placements: Five students of the college got placement in various Veterinary Pharmacist Colleges of the state as instructors. Dr Shilpa Thakur, Deptt of of Animal Nutrition placed as a research officer in ILRI, Dehradun. v Awards and Honours: Around thirty scientists bagged International and National Awards and professional recognitions. v Research Collaboration with COVAS made mandatory: In a State level executive meeting of National Livestock Mission held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary ,Govt of H.P., issue of formulation and implementation of research projects in isolation in the Deptt of Animal Husbandry was taken up vigorously. For the first time, it has been made mandatory to the Deptt. of Animal Husbandry, H.P. to formulate and implement research proposals in future in collaboration with COVAS.

B.V.Sc & AH graduates with the Vice-Chancellor & DDG, ICAR after Oath Taking Ceremony

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College of Home Science v Six scientists and students begged awards and professional recognitions. Ms Gurpreet Kaur, a Ph. D. student and Dr.Anupama Sandal got 1stprize for poster presentation during Indian Convention of Food Scientists and Technologists held from 10-12, Nov. 2016 at GNDU, Amritsar. v Guidance was imparted to the students to prepare for JRF, SRF and NET. Nine students of the college qualified JRF/SRF /UGC NET (Four students UGC NET, four students JRF and one student SRF). v The college students got admission in Masters programme at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Govt. Home Science College, Chandigarh to pursue their M.Sc. degrees. Two students got admitted in Masters in Social Work Programme at CAU, Dharamshala. v Approximately sixty percent passed our students of B.Tech. (Food Technology) and B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration were placed in Food Processing Industries and Hotels . v Maiden Alumni Meet of College of Home Science was organised on 28 May, 2018. v The faculty of Department of Family Research Management published two papers in International Journal of Academic Research with NAAS rating of 8.5. v The Food Technology students viz. Divya, Gurpreet, Neha, Palakand Shivani cleared CAT and are pursuing M.Tech. at PU, Chandigarh; Disha, Abhishek, Arun Thakur pursuing M.Tech in Food Technology at PTU, Jalandhar; Samridhi pursuing M.Sc Food Technology at PTU, Jhalandhar, Pritam, Ashish and Sandeep pursuing M.Tech in Food Engineering at SLIET, Longowal, Punjab and Akshay, Deepak pursuing M. Tech in Food Technology at NIFTEM in Sonipat.

College of Basic Sciences v Total 190 UG students admitted in college and 143 passed (94.4 %) passed in first division. v Four teaching manuals and two standalone software for (attendance) were developed v 35 UG and 16 PG students awarded Merit Fellowships. Six students were awarded Saurabh Kalia UG Scholarship v The college students Dr. Ritu was appointed scientist in ARS-2017, Dr. Keshani and Dr. Sunita Devi appointed as Assistant Professors in Dr YSP UHF, Solan and PAU, Ludhiana, respectively. v Drs. Sakshi Sharma, Ritika Walia and Sohini Walia appointed as Research Associate / Scientific staff in CIPHT, Ludhiana, IARI RRRS, Shimla and IGMC, Shimla, respectively. v Ms Vipasha and Surbhi got Inspire fellowships, Ms Reetranjan, and Shivanshi and Akansha Bhardwaj qualified SRF, Ms. Shipra (2016-17), Ankur and Shipra (2017-18) qualified ICAR NET, Ms. Reetranjan Kaur qualified CSIR NET and Ms Reetranjan Kaur also got ICAR JRF. v COBS signed MoUs for collaboration with IVRI, Palampur, IHBT-CSIR, Palampur and HIMCOSTE, DEST Shimla for teaching and research projects.

9 Marching firmly towards excellence…… The University activities as reported by the Press

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Office of the Dean, Postgraduate Studies v Ph.D admissions rescheduled. To improve the quality of research at masters' level, admissions of Doctoral programme have been shifted from Ist semester to 2nd semester from the Academic Year 2017-18. It has helped students to get an extra semester to improve the quality of research work at masters' level and provide sufficient time to write theses and prepare for viva- voce. v To resolve the problems of the students with regard to their admission in Doctoral Programme in other Institutes and job opportunities having Biology degree in Master of Science, already awarded by the University in previous years, the University has taken the decision to equate their degree with Botany or Zoology after scrutinizing their cases. It has helped a large number of students to get suitable placements and admissions. v To select the good students in Masters programme and discourage the inappropriate high merit, the ratio for determine the weighted score for admission to Master programme has been changed from 40% weightage of qualifying examination and 60 % weightage of Entrance Examination to 25% weightage of qualifying examination to 75% weightage of Entrance Examination from the Academic Session 2018-19. v Threefold increase in applicants: The number of applicants for admission to Master's Programme has increased threefold during the last two years as per detail given below:

It shows the increasing interest and preference of students for the University, its administration and faculty. v P o s t g r a d u a t e s t u d e n t s w e r e e n c o u r a g e d t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n d i ff e r e n t symposia/seminars/convention/summit at National level. Three students attended 'Student Research Convention-2018' held on 26-27 February 2018 at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, . One undergraduate and four postgraduate students were nominated to attend National Star-up Summit held at CCS, HAU, Hisar in June 2018. One student was awarded Best Start-up idea. Students were also encouraged for appearing in ARS/NET /JRF and SRF examinations. Hon'ble Governor, H.P. & Chancellor of the University awarding degrees during the Convocation

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Research The University has been mandated to carry out “need based location specific research” and conducts its research at main campus and thirteen research stations spread across the State. It was observed that the number of research projects sanctioned by the different organisations and agencies was fast declining. After ascertaining the reasons, a research projects screen committee at the University level and such committees at the department level were formed to assess the quality and submit all those projects which pass parameters so that success rate increases. It has desired effect as Research projects worth Rs.16.64 crore have been sanctioned and research projects worth Rs.184 crore have been submitted to the funding agencies. The following is the details of major achievements and reforms undertaken since August 2016: v Crop Varieties released: The University has developed and recommended 11 varieties/hybrids of various crops during the last two years for general cultivation in the state of Himachal Pradesh and other hilly areas of similar agro-climatic situations:

v Release proposals of above mentioned varieties pending with the State Variety Release Committee for the last 2-3 years was got materialized by making special efforts with the Deptt. of Agriculture. v Demand for Breeder Seed was got revised from the State Department of Agriculture for the reason of phasing out of YR susceptible varieties of wheat. v Location specific poultry variety named “Himsamridhi” developed by Palampur centre of AICRP on Poultry Breeding was released on 24 May 2017. v A dozen scientists' team from Bhaba Atomic Research Center, Mumbai conducted two days workshop at CSKHPKV to explore collaboration and MoU. In all 19 concept notes were finalized. v Establishment of Semi-Automatic Grafting Machine: To accelerate production of high quality planting material for tomato and capsicum through grafting a Grafting Machine/Robot has been installed to produce quality planting material of grafted seedlings. v Laparoscopic diagnosis of reproductive problems in cows: This work has been started by Deptt. of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics and is providing advanced information of

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abnormalities of reproductive system of cows. Work has been done successfully for the first time in country to diagnose potency of fallopian tubes of cows with laparoscope, which was otherwise difficult to be diagnosed. v Cryopreservation of Gaddi Goat semen: Gaddi goats of pure genetic merit have been fast dwindling in H.P.Inadvertent breeding has deteriorated the germplasm and also resulted in inbreeding depression. Cryopreservation of semen, therefore, is a viable alternative to prevent a further degradation. The scientists attempted to develop the technology to cryopreserve the semen of Gaddi goats. It holds a promise for conservation of breed, breeding of animals out of season and also a distinct possibility to get two crops of kids per year. v Surgical Techniques: Designed, fabricated and standardized a Large Animal Support System for Downers' cows in field situations which has become popular. Also designed and developed an End threaded intra-medullar positive profile screw ended self-tapping pin - a cost effective novel field compatible innovation for management of long bone fractures in small animals and birds under field conditions. Standardized Ultrasonographic imaging in cattle and equines for the diagnosis of acute abdominal disorders. v Project Formulation and Screening Committees: Such Committees were constituted at Directorate of Research and Department level to guide the scientists/ teachers to write winning research project proposal. It has resulted in quality improvement as well as increase in number of projects submitted to different funding agencies during the last two year. The projects submitted during the last two years as well as projects sanctioned during the period have been detailed in Annexure-I. v Establishment of Zero Budget Natural Farming Centre: A mega project worth Rs. 3.00 crore on ZBNF was launched and ZBNF Centre was inaugurated by Acharya Devvrat, Hon'ble Governor of H.P. on 29 January 2018 in the benign presence of Sh. Jai Ram Thakur, Hon'ble Chief Minister of H.P. This Centre is aimed at initiating the Research and Development activities on ZBNF to develop technology and popularize it among the farmers of the State. v Emphasis of Ph.D. Research in ZBNF: PG research on ZBNF has been emphasised in view of the State prioritizing it. Of the 32 Ph.D. synopsis finalized during 2017-18 academic session, 13 students preferred to conduct research on ZBNF and remaining involved in research components of it. v New Initiatives in Post Graduate Research: The topics of PG research are being finalized after detailed discussion at the department and University level committee meetings to undertake need based quality research and avoid duplication in research. At the University level, the Vice- Chancellor him self Chairs the Committee. Publishing and submission of at least one research paper with 4.0 NAAS rating before submission of Ph.D. thesis has been made mandatory. v Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research: Special efforts were made to enhance NAAS

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rating of HJAR which was 2.41 and now has improved to 3.91.It has been made online having its own website www.hjar.in. v Agri-business incubation centre: Under the START UP INDIA PROGRAMME, an Agri- Business Incubator has been established in the University w.e.f. August 2017 for which the Department of Industries, Govt. of H.P. has sanctioned financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 1.00 crore. Till date seven Incubatees have been registered under this Incubator. v Establishment of PPVFRA Northern region Branch Office at the University: Northern Himalayan Region Branch office (third in India) of Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers' Right Authority was inaugurated on 30 May 2017. The University has provided 20 acre land to establish the office. The jurisdiction of this office is the States of H.P., J & K, Punjab, Uttrakhand and Chandigarh Union Territory.

Annexure-I: Adhoc Research Projects Submitted (August, 2016 to July 31, 2018)

Adhoc Research Projects Sanctioned (August, 2016 to July 31, 2018)

Extension Education When around sixty percent technology remains confined in the research farms or laboratories, it is a mammoth task to reach remote and less accessible areas of hilly and mountainous Himachal Pradesh.

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Yet, the University tried to organise maximum number of trainings and animal treatment camps at farmers' door steps and its headquarters at Palampur. The Vice-Chancellor made it a point to visit all Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research stations to understand the needs of staff and re-framed strategy to help maximum number of farmers. He also motivated some corporate houses to help the University in training farmers under Corporate Social Responsibility. It resulted in undertaking training component in consultancy mode along with collaborations with organizations like Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam(SJVN), Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) etc. This has also resulted in increased revenue generation in the University through trainings. The University outreach has further improved with more number of publications available on different farm activities for the benefit of farming community. Honorarium for extension specialists for delivering lectures to the trainees sponsored by various organisations was also enhanced from Rs.500 to Rs.1250 per lecture commensurate to their status and expertise. The following table gives details of trainings, Kisan Goshties, Front line demonstrations, etc. Table: Achievement indicators of Directorate of Extension Education including KVKs

(-)*: Number of Farmers benefitted.

Some other achievements are : v 16 Hand Books and Technical Manuals, including Package of Practices of Rabi Crops, Package of Practices of Kharif Crops and Package of Practices of Vegetable Crops were published after quite some time. v MoUs: Memorandum of Understanding was signed between SJVN and the University in September 2016 for providing 20 trainings to 500 participants with financial budget of Rs. 35 lakh. Another MoU was signed with SJVN in June 2017 for providing 20 trainings to 500 participants with financial budget of Rs. 55 lakh. Service Agreement was signed between Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project (HPCDP) JICA-ODA and the University amounting to Rs, 3.42 crore. MOU was signed between the University and Agricultural Skill Council of India, Gurugram in July 2017. v Projects: o FFP: Under Farmer First Programme project entitled “Transfer of improved farm production technologies for enhancement for rural livelihood security amongst the farmers of Kangra district

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of Himachal Pradesh. The Budget of Rs.15.04 lakh for the year 2016-17, Rs.39.81 lakh for the year 2017-18, was sanctioned and Rs.14.55 lakh has been allocated for the year 2018-19. o CODER: The project entitled Networking of Multi Institutional Cold Desert Program Project- Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation was also initiated with budget of Rs.43.61 lakh. o ATMA: Project on M&E of extension activities of Deptt. of Agriculture under ATMA project is being undertaken by the University. v KVKs: Krishi Vigyan Kendras worked in vibrancy mode and KVK, Mandi received 'Zonal Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Protsahan Puruskar' in Zone-1 comprising 70 KVKs in March, 2018. Zero Budget Natural Farming work has been initiated in Internationally renowned scientist three KVKs. Dr. G.S. Khush interacting with students

Students' Welfare The Vice-Chancellor is of the firm belief that besides academics, sports and cultural activities are equally important for the balanced development of students' personality. During the two years, emphasis has been on regularly organizing all sports, athletics and cultural events and also encouraging the students to take part in such events outside the university at National level. Besides, strengthening and streamlining the working of Students' Placement Cell and hostels, the University took initiative to start girls' wing of NCC. Renovation of indoor stadium was done for interruption free organization of games in inclement weather. Some of the major activities of this organization are given below: v Sports, Cultural and Co-curricular Activities: The University teams (men and women) participated in XVII All India Inter Agricultural Universities Sports & Games Meet held at CCS HAU, Hisar from 25-29 March 2017 where Basket Ball (women) team was declared runners- up. A contingent of 44 students participated in Inter Agri-University Meet at UAS, Bengaluru from 30 January to 4 Annual Athletic Meet: The winning team of COVAS with the Chief Guest & the Vice-Chancellor

17 Marching firmly towards excellence……

February 2018 and Table Tennis (women) team was declared runners-up. The Cultural Programmes were regularly organized during important events besides celebration of Independence Day, Republic Day, International Yoga Day, Constitutional Day, Agricultural Education Day, University Foundation Day, etc. v Annual Athletic Meet: The Annual Athletic Cultural programme by the students Meet was organized after a prolonged gap of almost four years on 5-6 May 2018. Around 155 students participated enthusiastically in it. Dr. G.C.Negi COVAS and COA were declared winners and runner-up, respectively for Overall Championship Trophy. Mr.Ankit Gupta, COVAS & Mr.Kshitij Sharma, COA jointly and Ms Anjali, COA were declared best athletes among boys and girls, respectively. v Hostel Development: To enhance efficiency and efficacy, accommodation for wardens was earmarked in the campus and regular meetings of wardens and junior wardens were convened from time to time regarding anti ragging, discipline in mess, cleanliness, proper electrical lighting, regular water supply, common room maintenance and sincere watch and ward in the hostel premises. v Extended Hospital Timings: University health centre timings have been extended by two hours; it opens one hour early at 9.00 AM and closes one hour late at 6.00 PM and has proved helpful to the students and staff. v Introduction of campus bus service: For the safety, time saving and convenience of students and staff, the University bus service was introduced. It has facilitated the students to attend classes, visit library and has minimized the plying of vehicles by them. v National Cadet Corps and NSS activities: Two NCC cadets attended Himachal Trek 2017 from 18-25 June 2017. NCC cadets attended Annual Training Camp at Nagrota Bagwan from 26 July to 4 August 2017. 68 NCC cadets attended 10 days Annual Training Camps at Nagrota Bagwan from 6 -15 July 2018 and 18-27 July 2018. Annual Special Camps were organized for NSS volunteers of the constituent colleges. Dr. A n k u r S h a r m a ( A s s t t . P r o f . ) w a s commissioned in Senior Division of National Cadet Corps (Army Wing) in the rank of Lieutenant. Cadet Mridula Sharma got Gold

Medal in Drill of Combined Annual Training The Vice-Chancellor inspecting NCC parade during Camp held at Nagrota Bagwan. the Independence Day celebrations

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Library with modern gadgets The University Library became very first in the region to install and operationalize Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) in 2018. The members were issued Digital Library Cards. This facility is proving very effective and user friendly to the user. Library security system has also been strengthened with RFID. A grant of over Rs. One crore was received in the form of CDA from the ICAR during the last two years. The Library provides online services i.e. on line Journal Portal, Consortium for e-Resources in Agriculture, Krishikosh, E-books, Agricat@egranth, WebOPAC(Koha) & Hill agric repository (Digitized Theses). Special service is being provided to off-campus users i.e. at KVKs and Regional Research Stations and Sub-Stations through EZ Proxy. Library is providing ICT facilities and computers with internet connectivity to the users through computer lab ERC. As many as 1747 printed books and 219 e-books were added to the library during 2016-18. During the period, 75099 users visited and used the library. Two portals of e-journals (other than CeRA) containing journals on Agriculture, Animal Sciences and allied sciences have been subscribed to facilitate research. Estate Development The Vice-Chancellor has taken initiatives to augment infrastructural facilities for academic, research and extension education besides providing accommodation to the staff at main campus and out-stations. His focus has also been on construction of new girls' hostels as the number of girl students in UG and PG academic programmes is increasing every year. Recently, he allocated Rs 78 lakh for renovation of roads and major buildings. A new girls' hostel under construction The construction works worth Rs.2.42 crore have been completed and works worth Rs.8.45 crore are in progress. Three major works include construction work award for Rukmani Girls Hostel worth Rs. 3.27 crore , new U.G. (Kalindi) Girls Hostel worth Rs.1.74 crore and a new Boys Hostel worth Rs. 1.92 crore. The Vice-Chancellor was able to generate funds for these hostels from the ICAR and State Govt. The work of these three hostels is in progress and is likely to be completed within few months. A new boys' hostel under construction

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The Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the following buildings during the last two years: 1. Farmers Training Facility Centre, KVK, Mandi at Sundernagar 2. Community Centre & Farmer Hostel, RSS, Sangla 3. Lecture Theatre complex COA, CSKHPKV, Palampur 4. Brooder-cum-Grower House, Dr G.C.Negi COVAS and some other works.

In addition to above, a large number of renovation works at main campus Palampur and out stations have been completed which include Scientist Residences, Farm development and building renovation at RRS, Kukumseri and Rain Harvesting Water Storage Tanks at Salooni

The representatives of teaching and non-teaching unions honoured the Vice-Chancellor for his fruitful efforts to solve over a decade long issue of 46 co-terminus staff in a thanks giving ceremony, "Aabhar Samaroh" on 25 August 2018

The Vice-Chancellor makes it a point to regularly interact and motivate the students of all constituent colleges. Here, he is seen with the outgoing students of COA.

20 Responses

Feedback from some of the statutory officers, representatives of teachers & non-teaching staff and retirees “During the last two years, the College of Agriculture has made tremendous progress in all spheres. There is perceptible improvement in the number of students qualifying competitive examinations at the national level. Morale of the faculty has been boosted and they have shown unprecedented dedication towards their contributions in uplifting the academic activities. The confidence level of the students is also very high with very good placements in Govt .and Pvt. sectors”.: Dr Pawan Kumar Mehta, Dean, COA “Significant achievements in the field of research have been possible with the strenuous efforts, directions, continuous support and able guidance of the worthy Vice Chancellor. I expect many more achievements in future because a working culture and atmosphere is prevailing in the University and everyone is enthusiastic to take new initiative in their respective fields.”:Dr R. S. Jamwal, Director of Research “There is overall improvement in working environment of the University. Despite decline in the number of teaching and non teaching staff in the University due to their retirement and movement to other institutes to avail better opportunities ; the pace of improvement has continued due to continuous encouragement by the Hon'ble Vice- Chancellor. The ranking of the University has improved to 19th position amongst all SAUs/CAUs/ICAR-deemed universities. It portray a better image in the stake holders resulting in increasing numbers of applicants for U.G. and P.G. programmes”: Dr. R.K.Agnihotri, Dean Post Graduate Studies

“ो. अशोक कु मार सरयाल का दो वष का कायकाल सराहनीय रहा है. काफी समय से लटक रहे 'को -टिमनस' कमचारयो ं के मुे को सुलझाना उनकी बत बड़ी सफलता है, िजस कारण 34 वैािनको ं के िनयिमतीकरण की राह आसान यी है। इसके अितर 'िवंटर िशंग' को बहाल करना , नए पद सृिजत करवाना व िविवालय के कमचारयो ं को ले समय से लंिबत पड़े ऐरयर का भुगतान करवाना और िविवालय की आिथकी को मजबूत करना उनके कायकाल के मुख िबंदु ह.”: डॉ दीप कु मार, सीनेट सद, किन ाापक वग

“िह. . कृ िष िविवालय को देश के 75 िविवालयो ं की रैिकं ग म 19वां थान ा करने पर िविवालय के कु लपित ो० अशोक कु मार सरयाल जी को,सभी ाफ एवं िवािथयो ंको बत- बत बधाई । िविवाल िदन-ितिदन नई बुलंिदयो ंको छू रहा है और ऐसा हो भी ो ंनही िजस िविवालय के वैािनक और कमचारी मेहनती हो ं और कु लपित ंय िवािथयो ं की ास लेते हो.ं मैने पहले िकसी कु लपित को िवािथयो ं की ास को पढ़ाते नही देखा। िविवालय म होने वाली सभी गितिविधयो ं पर कु लपित यं नज़र रखते ह . उोनं े िविवालय को आिथक मंदी से उबारा और िवत िनयक को िलखत ओदश दे रखा है िक उनका वेतन तब तक न िदया जाए जब तक ेक कमचारी को उसकी सैलरी ना िमल जाए। उोनं े कमचारयो ंम िवास पैदा िकया। िकसी भी कमचारी को तंग नही िकया ऐसे माहौल मे िविवालय तरी कै से ना करे !": राजीव शमा , सीनेट सद, गैर-िशक वग “Prof Sarial has been able to revive a dying case of co-terminus teachers which was lingering in 'ICU' for the last several years. My sincere gratitude to him. I also thank him for his earnest work for the welfare of all pensioners of the University”: Prof H.L.Sharma, Professor (Retd) and father of one of the Co- terminus teachers.

Acknowledgments: The idea and motivation to compile and guidance during publishing this information was given by Prof A.K.Sarial, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, which is gratefully acknowledged. Gratitude to all the Statutory Officers for providing precise and timely information : Dr. Hirday Paul Singh, Jt. Director (Info & PR) Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial: A visionary at the helm of affairs Having spent his childhood and adolescent years in a rural set-up devoid of all major facilities, Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial (born 8 April 1959 at IMA, Dehradun & brought up in village Suan, Teh. Palampur, H.P. ) is very well conversant about the needs of farmers and rural people. Teaching has been his first preference but he has also left his mark as an excellent researcher. He has seven first time research findings to his credit like transferring genes for grain length and developing World's longest grain Basmati variety Pusa 1121 released in 2003, world's first aromatic hybrid Basmati Pusa RH 10 parental lines, etc. His research work earned to his alma mater IARI two IPRs including one for Pusa Basmati 1121 which contributes annually more than Rs. 18000 crore forex earnings according to Union Ministry of Agri. & Farmers' Welfare. A multi-billion Dollar forex earner PUSA 1121 sold in 80 brand names like India Gate Basmati,Patanjali 1121 etc. has earned cumulative value of Rs.1.50 lakh crore during 2008 to 2017 leading India to attain number one position in the world in Basmati export and livelihood security and prosperity to millions of farmers in Basmati growing regions of the country according to ICAR. His love for his alma mater and the farming community of Himachal Pradesh brought him back to his home State after 32 years. He has more than three decades rich and varied experience in teaching and research and prior to his new assignment, Prof. Sarial was working as Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding at CCS Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar. He is an alumnus of CSKHPKV and did his B.Sc. (Agriculture) in 1980 and M.Sc. (Plant Breeding) in January 1983. Prof. Sarial obtained Ph.D. degree in Genetics from the premier Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi in 1995. Being topper of the institute, he was awarded IARI Gold Medal. He has also bagged national and international fellowships of ICAR- JRF, SRF, CSIR-SRF and Commonwealth Scholarship. He started his career as Assistant Seed Officer in 1983 and served at HAU from 1986 to 1997, Fellow of Rockefeller Foundation at Texas University, USA from 1997 to 1999 and Regional Research Station, National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack in the year 2001. Prof. Sarial also worked as Expatriate Expert in World Bank/ UNDP sponsored programme of Ministry of Education, FDR Ethiopia from 2004-2006. He became Professor in 2008 at HAU, Hisar at its COA,Kaul(Kaithal). Prof. Sarial has been a dedicated teacher and feels proud that he served in a farm college located in the remote rural area of Haryana. He trained a large number of students and motivated them to excel in studies and their professional career. He guided over a dozen students in M.Sc. and Ph.D. A number of his student advisees bagged national and international fellowships for higher studies. He is a decorated scientist with various awards, honours and recognitions like ICAR Jawahar Lal Nehru Award, ICAR recognition award and he was honoured with a citation and Rs.One lakh for developing Pusa 1121 by the farmers, Deptt. of Agriculture, Punjab and COA, Amritsar. HAU, Hissar honoured him with Best Teacher Award besides a Certificate of Honour and VC Appreciation Certificate. He is recipient of NCC Commandant Medal,Ministry of Defence. Prof Sarial is member of several professional societies like Fellow of Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding and had wide exposure. He visited foreign countries like USA, Africa, Thailand etc and worked abroad for four years He is soft spoken personality and is known for his commitment, discipline, hard work, simplicity and compassion for the poor and downtrodden. “Respect work, work hard and create work culture”; Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice-Chancellor gave this mantra to the university community after taking up the responsibility of Vice-Chancellor in August 2016. He has been able to motivate the staff and students with his personal involvement and a positive approach towards all issues. An independent feedback from the staff, students, farmers and others speaks volumes about his style of working which has brought a perceptible change in the University galvanizing its stature at the national level. Besides the University community, he has equally endeared himself among the farming community of Himachal Pradesh.

Conceptualized, compiled, printed and published by Dr. Hirday Paul Singh, Joint Director (Information & Public Relations) for and on behalf of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur www.hillagric.ac.in 500/ Aug, 2018 Sai Preet Printer & Stationers PLP