By 121 News
Chandigarh, Mar.09, 2026:-A delegation of senior journalists organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chandigarh is on a tour of Rajasthan from March 8 to March 14. During this visit, on March 9 the delegation visited CAZRI and AFRI.
The delegation began its visit from the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI). On this occasion, CAZRI Director Dr. Sureshpal Singh Tanwar informed that CAZRI is working for the development of agriculture in desert regions such as the Thar Desert and cold desert areas like Leh. The institute has carried out research in areas such as sand dune stabilization, management of natural resources, water management, horticulture, animal husbandry etc., and has developed several technologies. These technologies have been taken to villages and hamlets, due to which agricultural production in the region has increased and greenery has expanded.
Different varieties of Kharif and Rabi crops that grow with less water, low cost and minimal expenditure have been developed, which has increased production and enhanced the income of farmers. He said that an integrated farming system model has been developed in which grains, fruits, fodder, trees, medicinal plants etc. provide farmers with income throughout the year.
He said that CAZRI is playing an important role in achieving the Prime Minister's goal of doubling farmers' income. To promote the popularity of coarse grains globally, CAZRI is preparing various products from millets such as bajra biscuits, snacks and chocolates. Along with this, entrepreneurs from different states are also given training in the institute's laboratory to establish their start-ups. This is increasing farmers' income and through skill development positive changes are also coming in their standard of living.
He informed that agricultural scientists of CAZRI are also working on AI-based farming, smart water management and sustainable agricultural practices, with the objective of increasing crop production and addressing the challenges of climate change.
He also provided detailed information about the institute's research achievements and activities such as alternative fodder models, seed production of improved varieties, crop gardens, nutrition and animal feed related work. He informed that through the ATIC centre of the institute, farmers are provided healthy and quality saplings, plants and seeds.
Principal Scientist of CAZRI, P. R. Meghwal provided information about horticulture crops of arid regions such as ber, amla, pomegranate and date palm. He said that improved yields of various crops are being achieved through new technologies developed by CAZRI. Through this, farmers are getting help in increasing their agricultural income and farmers are starting their own start-ups after receiving training from CAZRI, which is promoting self-employment as well as skill development among entrepreneurs.
Principal Scientist of CAZRI Dr. Surendra Punia provided information about various solar energy plants and the agro-voltaic system, through which electricity, water and crop production are possible from the same land. Scientist Dr. Rajshekhar informed about the process of making biscuits and snacks from bajra and other coarse grains.
The delegation also visited the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI). On this occasion, AFRI Director Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Tripathi informed that AFRI is carrying out various works for the conservation and expansion of forests. He said that awareness regarding forest conservation is increasing in rural areas of Rajasthan and people are actively making efforts for it. AFRI is also taking several important initiatives to control desertification.
He said that AFRI is moving ahead with forest conservation and development works through various research activities using new technologies. Under soil conservation, information was also provided about the Forest Soil Health Cards issued by AFRI for the regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Under extension programmes, AFRI is organizing nature awareness programmes, various training programmes and tree producer fairs to promote environmental awareness among farmers, the general public and schools. Tree plantation programmes in different states are also helping environmental conservation.
Senior Scientist 'G' of AFRI, Dr. Tarun Kant, while informing the PIB journalists' delegation about the activities of the institute, said that high quality shisham clones have been developed under AFRI's tree improvement programme. He also informed about the research conducted by AFRI on the mortality of khejri trees and its solutions. He also informed about the programmes being run by AFRI in the areas of rehabilitation of degraded hills, rehabilitation of saline land and sand dune stabilization.
Indian Forest Service officer Ramesh Vishnoi conducted the proceedings and also informed about the various activities of the department.
The journalists' delegation visited various research fields of CAZRI and AFRI and obtained information from scientists about agricultural technologies and innovations. At the end, Media and Communication Officers Ashish Verma and Ahmad Khan expressed their gratitude to the directors of the institutes and the entire staff.
