AAU - Assam Agricultural University

28/09/2026

ISDA NE Chapter Holds 1st Dr Subal Maibangsa Memorial Lecture

BISWANATH CHARIALI, Sept 24 — The Indian Society of Dryland Agriculture (ISDA) North-East Chapter, based at the Biswanath College of Agriculture under Assam Agricultural University (AAU), organized the 1st Dr Subal Maibangsa Memorial Lecture in a virtual mode today. The event was held to honor the life, academic achievements, and rich socio-cultural legacy of the late Dr Subal Maibangsa (1966–2026), an eminent crop physiologist, educator, and community leader who passed away on May 12 this year.
The formal proceedings commenced with an inaugural address delivered by Dr Jayanta Bhuyan, in-charge Associate Dean of Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU. Dr Pallab Kumar Sarma, Chairman of the ISDA North-East Chapter, delivered the welcome address, which was followed by an address on behalf of the family by Dr Marcydi Maibangsa, wife of the late scientist. Official obituaries and personal remembrances celebrating Dr Maibangsa’s distinguished 36-year career in agricultural research and extension were presented during the session. Dr Bikram Borkotoki, Convenor of ISDA North-East Chapter, offered the official obituary on behalf of the society, followed by tributes from Dr Kishore Kumar Sarma, Professor and Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, AAU, and Dr Prabal Saikia, Chief Scientist at AAU-ZRS, North Lakhimpur.
The highlight of the event was the memorial lecture delivered by Dr Debashis Chakraborty, Senior Scientist (Agrometeorology) at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya, who was introduced by Dr Nikhilesh Baruah, Vice Chairman of the ISDA North-East Chapter. Speaking on the topic "Climate Diagnostics for Sustainable Agriculture in Northeastern Region of India," Dr Chakraborty outlined key diagnostic climate strategies, adaptive agronomic measures, and sustainable practices tailored specifically for rainfed farming systems across the region.
Highlighting Dr Maibangsa's extensive contributions, speakers recalled his two decades of research at the Regional Agricultural Research Station in North Lakhimpur and his subsequent leadership as Principal Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Diphu, Karbi Anglong, where he popularised biofertilizers, micronutrient management, and climate-smart agricultural practices for resource-constrained tribal households. His pivotal role as President of the Dimasa Sahitya Sabha’s Karbi Anglong District Committee in helping secure the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Judima, the traditional rice w**e of the Dimasa community, was also highlighted as a cornerstone of his dedicated service to Assam.
The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr Binod Kalita, Joint Convenor of the ISDA North-East Chapter. A total of 45 participants attended the program.

27/09/2026

Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Sagar Hazarika, a 3rd-year student of the College of Agriculture, Jorhat, for representing his district at the Senior Men’s Inter-District Handball Championship 2026–27, held from September 24–27, 2026, and for being selected for the Senior Men’s National Handball Team. This is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for the College. Wishing him continued success and excellence at the national level.

26/09/2026

We cordially invite you to participate in the National Seminar on “Emerging Trends in Plant Health Management for Agricultural & Environmental Sustainability,” organized by the Department of Plant Pathology, Assam Agricultural University, in association with the Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS), to be held on 20–21 November 2026 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam. The last date for Early Bird Registration and Abstract Submission is 30 September 2026.

22/09/2026

NATIONAL SUMMIT on Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Plant Biotechnology: A Roadmap for the Future, from September 28 to October 1, 2026, celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the BioE3 Policy.

20/09/2026

CSB–AAU MoU for NGSIN Incubation Centre

On 20 September 2026 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, for establishing a Next Generation Silk Innovation Network (NGSIN) Incubation Centre at the College of Sericulture, AAU,Jorhat.

The MoU exchange was held during the 77th Foundation Day celebration of the Central Silk Board. The programme was graced by Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble Minister of State, MSME, and Shri P. Shivakumar, Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, among other dignitaries.

AAU was represented by Dr. Utpal Kotoky, OSD, College of Sericulture, and Dr. Manasee Hazarika Ahmed, Assistant Professor and Nodal Officer, NGSIN Programme.
The initiative aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and technology development in sericulture, strengthening the silk sector in Assam.

17/09/2026

A two-day field visit to project sites in Nagaon and Darrang districts of Assam, followed by a Stakeholder’s Meet in Guwahati, was organised from 14–16 September 2026 under the UPSCALE-INDIA Project, funded by the Government of Norway.
The visit was held in the presence of Mr. Arvinn Gadgil, Deputy Ambassador, and Ms. Gauri Bandekar, Advisor, Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi, along with Dr. Uday Shekhar Nagothu, Director, CID-NIBIO, Norway, and Dr. R. Rajkumar, Principal Scientist, MSSRF.
The UPSCALE-INDIA project by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Director of Research (Agri), AAU, the project brings together NIBIO Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Norway, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), India, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), India and ICAR- National Rice Research Institute (ICAR-NRRI) and Assam Agricultural University, reflecting a strong India–Norway collaboration since 2018 towards food security and climate-resilient agriculture.
The field visits showcased some key interventions including Smart seed production of climate-resilient rice varieties, Integrated Farming Systems, Integrated Pest and Disease Management for judicious pesticide use, dissemination of timely and need based agro-climatic advisories through various ICT based tools, and strengthened agricultural value chains from production to marketing of purple rice Labanya and so on.
The Stakeholder’s Meet on 16 September 2026 was graced by Mr. Madhu Sudan Nath, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Assam, highlighting the strong support of the Government of Assam towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

16/09/2026

67 no. ZREAC (Rabi) meeting was organised jointly by ZRS AAU Gossaigaon and KVK Kokrajhar on 16th September 2026 under the guidance of Dr Kameswar Das, Chief scientist, ZRS-AAU Gossaigaon.

16/09/2026

ZREAC Meeting for Rabi 2026–27 of Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone Held at Shillongani

Nagaon, Sept. 16: The Zonal Research and Extension Advisory Committee (ZREAC) Meeting for Rabi 2026–27 of the Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone was held on September 16 at AAU-Zonal Research Station (AAU-ZRS), Shillongani, Nagaon, under Assam Agricultural University. The day-long meeting brought together scientists, farmers, officials of the Department of Agriculture and allied departments, extension personnel, representatives of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agricultural agencies to deliberate on farmers’ field-level problems, research priorities, extension needs and strategies for enhancing Rabi crop production and productivity in the zone. The programme formally commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and felicitation of the dignitaries. Dr. Hironya Kumar Borah, Chief Scientist, AAU-ZRS, Shillongani, delivered the welcome address. The inaugural session was chaired by Mr. Dilip Bora, District Agricultural Officer, Morigaon. During the inaugural session, Dr. Rudra Narayan Borkakati, AAU-ZRS, Shillongani, presented the proceedings of the previous ZREAC meeting for confirmation. This was followed by the presentation of the meteorological report by Dr. Nabajyoti Deka, who highlighted important weather- and climate-related aspects relevant to agricultural planning and crop production in the region. A major highlight of the programme was the release of four technical publications prepared for the benefit of farmers, extension personnel and other stakeholders. The publications covered Rupahi (AAU SGC 16), a high-yielding, short-duration, disease-resistant and insect-pest-tolerant greengram variety for Assam; Sewati (AAU SPC 101), a high-yielding, medium-duration and disease-resistant field pea variety; intercropping-based management of mustard aphid in rapeseed–mustard; and bio-intensive integrated pest management for major insect pests of greengram. Two progressive farmers, Sjt. Padmeswar Borah and Smt. Nalini Hazarika Kalita, were also felicitated during the programme in recognition of their association with agricultural development activities.
The first technical session was chaired by Dr. Ranjit Kumar Saud, Associate Director of Extension Education, AAU, Jorhat, with Dr. Aradhana Barua, Director of Research, AAU, Jorhat, as Co-Chairperson. Farmers from the zone shared their experiences, field-level constraints and technological requirements. Officials and extension personnel from the Departments of Agriculture of Nagaon, Morigaon and Hojai districts presented feedback from the previous cropping season and outlined various programmes proposed for the ensuing Rabi season. The concerned Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officers also highlighted programmes planned for their respective subdivisions and discussed major problems encountered by farmers. Representatives of allied departments and agricultural input agencies presented their ongoing schemes and activities. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagaon and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morigaon also highlighted their extension activities, technology demonstrations and experiences from farmers’ fields.
The second technical session was chaired by Dr. Ranjit Kumar Saud, with Dr. Ramendra N. Sarma, Professor, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, AAU, Jorhat, as Co-Chairman. Scientists of AAU-ZRS, Shillongani presented experimental results, significant research achievements and promising agricultural technologies generated through various research programmes. Detailed deliberations were held on promising technologies having potential for wider adoption at the farmers’ field level. Particular attention was given to technologies proposed for further evaluation through Multi-Location Testing (MLT) and On-Farm Testing (OFT) and their subsequent consideration for formulation as recommendations for farmers. The ZREAC meeting provided an important platform for interaction among farmers, scientists, agricultural officials and extension personnel, enabling the identification of practical agricultural problems and exploration of scientific and location-specific solutions. Emphasis was laid on strengthening the research–extension–farmer linkage, incorporating farmers’ genuine field-level problems into research programmes and accelerating the transfer of promising technologies from research institutions to farmers’ fields. The meeting also underscored the importance of adopting location-specific improved agricultural technologies to enhance the production and productivity of Rabi crops and make agriculture more profitable, resilient and sustainable in the Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone.
The day-long programme concluded with a plenary session in which the major issues, suggestions and priorities for future research and extension activities emerging from the deliberations were reviewed. Dr. Pabitra Kumar Bordoloi, Principal Scientist, AAU-ZRS, Shillongani, offered the vote of thanks. Dr. Goutami Kataki, Dr. Padmini Das, Dr. Rudra Narayan Borkakati, Dr. Smrita Gogoi and Ms. Kirandeep Kaur served as rapporteurs for different sessions. Dr. Hemen Kalita, Dr. Ranjana Chakraborty, Dr. Anjumala Deka, Dr. Jyotirekha Hazarika, Dr. Binod Kalita, Dr. Hironya Kumar Debnath, Dr. Nabajyoti Bhuyan, Dr. Arunima Gogoi and Dr. Priyakshi Buragohain, among others, discharged various responsibilities in the successful conduct of the programme.

12/09/2026

12/09/2026

Nutrition Awareness Programme at Army Public School, Jorhat, Jorhat | 11 September 2026
The Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, organized a Nutrition Awareness Programme at Army Public School, Jorhat, on 11 September 2026. The programme was part of the month-long campaign, “Cultivating Tradition: Nourishing Generation,” being conducted by the institution across schools in Jorhat district as part of their Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 celebrations. Around 200 students from Classes VII and IX participated in the programme. An awareness session on local food traditions to everyday healthy choices was conducted by Dr. Luna Dutta Baruah, Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition, AAU, highlighting the nutritional value of traditional foods, seasonal and local ingredients, fruits and vegetables, protein and other nutrient-rich foods. The session also addressed healthy eating practices and the importance of making informed food choices. The awareness session was followed by an interactive Nutri-Game and Nutrition Quiz, conducted by Dr. Abnita Thakuria, Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition, AAU. The activity helped students learn about healthy food choices, balanced diets and good eating habits in a fun and engaging way. The session aimed to make nutrition education simple, interactive and enjoyable. A key focus of the programme was to encourage children to become messengers of nutrition. Students were encouraged to take the messages they learned beyond the classroom and share them with their parents, siblings, friends and community. The programme provided a meaningful platform for nutrition education, reflecting the commitment of the Department of Food and Nutrition, AAU, towards promoting nutrition awareness and healthier communities.