Buxar: In a major boost to agricultural research and crop protection in Bihar, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has approved the establishment of a voluntary centre under the All India Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management at Veer Kunwar Singh Agricultural College, Dumraon. The approval was granted to Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), making it the first centre of its kind in the state.The proposal was prepared under the leadership of BAU vice-chancellor Dunia Ram Singh and the guidance of director of research A K Singh. Under the patronage of college principal Paras Nath, it was submitted to ICAR by assistant professor-cum-junior scientist Suday Prasad and his research team.According to Suday, vertebrate pest management involves the scientific control of animals such as rodents, monkeys, birds, wild boars and Nilgai that damage crops, stored grains and agricultural fields. These animals often cause significant losses to farmers by destroying standing crops and contaminating storage areas.He said the objective of the programme was not to harm wildlife unnecessarily but to adopt safe, scientific and eco-friendly methods to minimise crop damage and protect agricultural produce. The initiative includes research on pest behaviour, preventive measures, awareness campaigns and modern crop protection techniques.The newly approved centre will focus on research, training and technology development for effective management of rodents and other vertebrate pests. Special attention will be given to the growing Nilgai menace, a major cause of crop losses in several districts, including Buxar.The centre is expected to help farmers protect standing crops, reduce post-harvest losses and improve storage management. Researchers will also conduct awareness and training programmes on modern pest management and sustainable farming practices.Public relations officer Abhinav Kumar Singh described the approval as a historic achievement for agricultural education and research in Bihar. The university administration and faculty members said the centre would strengthen scientific farming practices and provide long-term support to farmers across the state.
