A Historic Hat-Trick: Junagadh Agricultural University Receives National Award for Third Consecutive Year
In a milestone achievement for the state of Gujarat, the Main Oilseeds Research Station (MORS) at Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) has been honored as the "Best Performing Groundnut Breeder Seed Producing Centre in the Country" for the third year in a row (2024, 2025, and 2026).
This prestigious national award was presented during the Annual Group Meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut (AICRP-G), held from April 21–23, 2026, at the College of Agriculture, Pune. The event was jointly organized by Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri, and the ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (ICAR-DGR), Junagadh.
Strengthening "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" in Edible Oils
The meeting focused on framing technical policies to cater to the evolving needs of farmers, agro-industrialists, and exporters. A central theme was the mission to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO).
Addressing the critical challenge of the high-volume seed requirements in groundnut, Main Oilseeds Research Station, JAU achieved a significant breakthrough by producing a massive 10,357 quintals of Breeder Seed during the Summer and Kharif 2025 seasons. This production focuses on varieties notified within the last five years, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest high-yielding and resilient cultivars.
Key Highlights of the Achievement:
- Consistency: The only center to maintain the "Best Performing" status for three consecutive years (2024–2026).
- Impact: Massive production of 10,357 quintals of breeder seed to boost the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) and Variety Replacement Rate (VRR) nationwide.
- Strategic Goal: Directly supporting the "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" initiative by strengthening the foundation and certified seed multiplication chain.
Upon receiving the award, Hon. Vice Chancellor Dr. V. P. Chovatiya and the Director of Research, Dr. A. G. Pansuriya, extended their heartiest congratulations to the research team. They specifically lauded Dr. R. B. Madariya (Research Scientist, Groundnut) and Dr. N. D. Dholariya (Project PI) for their dedicated efforts in securing this national hat-trick.
"This achievement brings immense prestige to Junagadh Agricultural University and the state of Gujarat. By consistently leading the nation in breeder seed production, our scientists are ensuring that the vision of a self-sufficient India in edible oil production becomes a reality," stated Dr. V. P. Chovatiya.
The university authorities encouraged the team to continue their pursuit of excellence in agricultural research and seed technology to further benefit the farming community and the national economy
