M.Sc student in vegetable science at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University - Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, is an autonomous nonprofit, research and educational organization working for the up-liftment of farmer's livelihood of Chhattisgarh. Education, Research and Extension are the major activities coordinated through agriculture, veterinary, dairy and agricultural engineering faculties and Directorates of instruction, research and extension. Grant in aid is received from ICAR, State Government and international agencies.Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, has a long historical background. IGKV was established on 20th January 1987 after bifurcating from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur . From that time to this date, the University has been expanded several fold. In the British regime one Agricultural Research Station was established in 1903 known as "Labhandi Farm" at Raipur . This Labhandi Farm had grown slowly and today it has become the campus of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur . In Between, Rice Research Station (RRS) was established in mid sixties. Later in 1974 Madhya Pradesh Rice Research Institute (MPRRI) was established under the able leadership of great rice scientist Dr. R.H. Richharia. The College of Agriculture was established in 1961 under the government of Madhya Pradesh and it was shifted to the present campus in 1964. After the establishment of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur in 1964 as a State Agricultural University (SAU) under the land-grant pattern of USA , the College of Agriculture became a constituent college of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya , Jabalpur , Madhya Pradesh. In 1979 National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) came into existence with the financial support of World Bank. The jurisdiction area of IGKV is the entire Chhattisgarh State situated in Eastern India consisting of 18 districts having 3 different Agro climatic Zones. The state is larger than Punjab , Haryana and Kerala states when put together. Rice is the main crop grown during the monsoon season (June-September). In fact, the role and responsibility of IGKV is vital, because it has to cater the needs of socio-economically resource poor, relatively illiterate and tribal farmers with tradition bound agriculture.MandatesThe major objectives of the university are;Undertake basic, applied and adaptive research to evolve appropriate solution and technology.Diversification of crops and farming systems.Collaboration with the state, national and international research institutionImparting knowledge and education to the people engaged in agriculture and allied fields.Developing educational and research networks in agriculture and allied field for the state agriculture and allied sectors.