This farm was established in 1852 by Late Highness Shree Bhavsinhji of Bhavnagar State having area of 1529 acre. Thus, this farm may be one of the biggest and the oldest farm of our state. In 1947, this farm was handed over to Agriculture Department, Government of Gujarat for extension and nursery activities to bring more and more coastal area under coconut plantation through supplying the best selected coconut seedlings to the growers. In 1972, this farm was transferred to Gujarat Agricultural University to conduct the research activities on coconut and other fruit crop. From 2004 and onwards, this farm belongs to Junagadh Agricultural University due to bifurcation of Gujarat Agricultural University.
Introduction :
The object to establish this farm was to bring fellow land of coastal area under horticulture crops like mango, coconut, areca nut, Sapota, banana, etc. This farm also situated on bank of Malan River, and there was an ample source of sweet irrigation water at that time and because of that large area of farm, it was covered under coconut, mango, chiku, areca nut etc crops. Equable humid climate of coastal area and evergreen with many horticultural orchards in the city and surrounding area. This Mahuva city was well known as a “Kashmir of Saurashtra”. This status was maintained till 1975 and during this time, two dames were constructed on Malan River. But insufficient and uneven rainfall stopped the flow of Malan River which was running throughout the year. This has resulted in acute shortage of irrigation water. As farmers lifted more ground water for irrigation, ultimately resulted in brackish water and now it has became totally saline. The nearest city and railway station is Mahuva 3 km away and nearest district place and aerodrome is Bhavnagar 100 km.
Incumbency chart of the Research Scientist (Horti), ARS Mahuva :
Sr. no.
Name of Scientist
period
01
Shri P. I. Anjariya
01-06-1972 to 31-07-1975
02
Shri K. P. Kikani
01-08-1975 to 12-08-1976
03
Shri D. N. Yadav I/C
13-08-1976 to 19-08-1976
04
Shri S. R. Balar
20-08-1976 to 31-05-1978
05
Shri P. P. Udhreja I/C
01-06-1978 to 15-05-1980
06
Dr. N. L. Sen
16-05-1980 to 03-09-1984
07
Shri R. B. Sarvaiya I/C
04-09-1984 to 01-04-1985
08
Shri Y. M. Pasaliya
02-04-1985 to 23-04-1986
09
Shri R. B. Sarvaiya
24-04-1986 to 30-06-2002
10
Dr. P. K. Kapadiya I/C
01-07-2002 to 17-09-2002
11
Dr. K. V. Kalathiya
18-09-2002 to 09-07-2004
12
Shri S. P. Singh
10-07-2004 to 28-02-2005
13
Shri H. R. Dhameliya I/C
01-03-2005 to 17-06-2005
14
Dr. P. K. Kapadiya
18-06-2005 to 30-11-2017
15
Dr. G. S. Vala I/C
01-12-2017 to Continue..
Faculty Information :
Sr. No.
Name of Officer
Designation
Qualification
Experience (In Year)
Specialized subject
01
Dr. G. S. Vala
Research Scientist
M. Sc. Agri., PhD
19
Agronomy
02
Shri V. C. Dodiya
Asst. Res. Sci.
M. Sc. Agri.,
10
Soil Science
03
Shri V. R. Ahir
Asst. Res. Sci.
M. Sc. Agri.,
08
Plant Pathology
04
Shri V. S. Bambhaniya
Agriculture Officer
M. Sc. Agri.,
07
Agril Entomology
05
Shri T. K. Mandaviya
Agriculture Officer
M. Sc. Agri.,
07
Plant Pathology
06
Shri R. D. Kapadiya
Agriculture Officer
B. Sc. Agri.,
07
-
07
Shri S. B. Dhaduk
Agri. Asst.
Horti. Diploma
10
-
08
Shri P. D. Ladumor
Agri. Asst.
Agri. Diploma
07
-
09
Shri H. K. Zala
Agri. Asst.
Agri. Diploma
07
-
Geographical Information :
Geographically this research station is situated on South Saurashtra sea coast with 21.50 north latitude and 71.50 longitudes with MSL is 24 M. The average rainfall is 600 to 700 mm. The soil is sandy clay loam with pH Range 8.0 to 8.5 having regular saline patches that tend to be problematic. Well water has also become brackish to saline because of ingression from sea.
Mandates :
To evolve high yielding variety of coconut.
To find out suitable plant protection measure against coconut pest and disease.
To determine most suitable and effective, eco-friendly and low cost agronomical practices for the production of coconut and fruit crop.
To introduce new fruit and plantation crops for the region.
To supply the true to type planting materials of coconut and fruit crops to the farmers.
Experiments related to reclamation of problematic soil.
Rain water harvesting.
Objectives :
Collection evaluation and maintenance of indigenous and exotic germplasm of coconut and fruit crops.
To generate germplasm for developing biotic and abiotic stress resistant high yielding varieties of plantation and fruit crops.
To test and develop new production technology for plantation and fruit crop.
To produce and distribute seedling of coconut of varieties D x T (Mahuva) among the farmers.
To develop farming facilities for farmer having horticultural crop cultivation.
To maintain indigenous WCT cultivar.
Establishment of Elite seed farm :
To fulfill the demand of hybrid coconut a project Under RKVY 2009-10, “Establishment of Elite Seed Farm for Coconut D x T (Mahuva) seed nut Production” for large scale production of D x T (Mahuva) seed nut and seedlings successfully established at this station. Under this project total 1570 plants of coconut cv. Dwarf Green as female and 700 plants of coconut cv. West Coast Tall as Male has been planted during July-2011 and naturally cross pollination has been carried out. The protection has been done by means of cement pole, barbed wire and galvanized iron wire chain link. Currently Elite farm produce more than 20,000 seed annually. Back to back natural calamities like Taukte cyclone and Heavy attacked of rugose spiralling whitefly broken the well-developed micro climate and disturbed seed setting. Currently with the different remedies like root feeding and application of manure and fertilizer, plant become healthy and capable to produce nuts.
Research projects and scheme :
Sr. no.
Project Name
Budget Head
Starting Year
Objective
01
Research in Fruit Crops (Non Plan)
5014
1985
To find out most suitable and low cost Production technology in fruit crops.
02
Strengthening of Agro meteorology at JAU (Sub Center) (Plan)
12907
1999
Establishment of Weather Laboratory at Coastal area for recording weather parameters.
03
Establishment of new centre on Onion Crop (Plan)
12931
2001
To find out appropriate low cost production technology for onion. Varietal testing for onion and garlic.
04
Centre of excellence for soil and Water Management technology (Sub Centre) (Plan)
12101-04
2005-06
To determine most effective and low cost water harvesting and irrigation system.
05
Mega Seed Production
18804-03
2006-07
Production of good quality planting materials and supply to the growers/farmers.
06
Strengthening of Research in Plantation and Fruit Crops. (Plan)
12586
2008-09
To find out suitable inter crop for coconut, Introduction of new fruit crops, in situ collection and conservation of Fruit/plantation crops Germplasm
07
Agro Based I.T.I. for Bhavnagar District. (Plan)
12116
2011-12
Training to farmers for use of micro irrigation system and storage and value addition of Onion.
Coconut seedling rate for selling (effective from 01-04-2025) :
Sr. no.
Seedling Type/Varieties
Price/seedling
01
D x T Hybrid (Mahuva)
500/-
02
Dwarf Yellow
120/-
03
Dwarf Orange
120/-
04
Green dwarf
100/-
05
West Cost Tall
100/-
06
Other varieties
100/-
Research Activities :
Efficacy of different insecticides against Eriophyid mites (Aceria guerrenonis Keifer) infesting Coconut Cv. D x T.
Studies on seasonal activity Opisina arenosella W. and its parasitism.
High Density Planting of Sapota under saline soil.
Large Scale Varietal Trial on Red and Red Dark Onion.
Evaluation of Biocontrol agent and its combination against disease complex of onion.
Evaluation of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) genotype.
Effect of Biofertilizers on Seedling Growth and Biochemical Changes of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Management of bud rot disease in coconut nursery.
Bio-efficacy of different natural farming components against sucking pest of coconut.
Efficacy of different natural farming components against sucking pest through root feeding in coconut.
Effect of different growing media on germination and seedling quality of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) cv. WCT.
Effect of different growing media on germination and seedling quality of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) cv. Dwarf green.
Impact of different irrigation level and organic mulch type on coconut seedlings.
Publications :
Prestigious Sardar Patel Agriculture Research Award.
Research Papers Published by the Faculty : 40
Popular Articles / Folder / Booklet : 80
Books : 6
Prestigious Award received by faculty: 08
Coconut seedling production and selling (2010-11 to 2024-25) :
Sr. No.
Year
D x T Hybrid
Dwarf Green
West Cost Tall
Dwarf orange
Other Varieties
Production
Selling
Production
Selling
Production
Selling
Production
Selling
Production
Selling
1
2010-11
1350
1379
1500
1547
75
48
0
0
475
529
2
2011-12
1397
1279
2330
1534
0
0
0
0
1064
983
3
2012-13
3815
3804
4600
4091
300
15
17
17
8350
8335
4
2013-14
4943
4978
12729
7553
50
0
0
0
8198
7553
5
2014-15
2370
1713
11619
10321
1058
393
0
0
7622
7547
6
2015-16
6405
5417
9825
9212
0
0
0
0
13005
12870
7
2016-17
1422
964
14378
11684
0
0
162
0
4761
4131
8
2017-18
2406
2162
5250
2676
1251
385
0
0
10892
10662
9
2018-19
7401
6999
18499
17671
9637
5994
390
382
17026
16832
10
2019-20
14484
14424
8176
7976
132
132
351
276
27578
27520
11
2020-21
8734
7984
4483
3813
4070
2638
325
253
24646
24439
12
2021-22
13,015
13,015
10,178
10,178
677
677
460
460
9,955
9,955
13
2022-23
23531
22521
3743
3743
140
05
133
133
23414
23414
14
2023-24
7142
6792
1897
1897
270
270
85
85
17626
17626
15
2024-25
3251
3081
5511
5286
542
171
110
110
29892
29892
Total
101802
96513
115947
100411
18912
10728
2063
1746
214226
212010
Award/appreciation received by station and faculties :
Shri R. B. Sarvaiya and his co-worker were awarded Sardar Patel Agricultural Research Award for outstanding contribution toward agricultural development and releasing D x T coconut hybrid in the year 1997-98.
Dr. A. S. Kotiya received Mahima Innovative Scientist Award from Mahima Social Welfare for outstanding research contribution in the field of Aquaculture in the year of 2021.
Dr. A. S. Kotiya received Excellence in Aquaculture Award from Agricultural & Environmental Technology Development Society for conferring on the best research work on Tilapia fish fed with shrimp pond sludge in the year of 2021.
Dr. V. R. Ahir received Young Scientist Award from Agro Environmental Development Society for best research work in the field of plant pathology during the year of 2021.
Shri T. K. Mandaviya received Young Agriculturist Award from Agro Environmental Development Society on 6th International Conference at Darjeeling during 11-13 June, 2022.
Dr. V. R. Ahir received Young Researcher Award for outstanding contribution in the field of plant pathology from Just Agriculture in the year of 2022.
Shri T. K. Mandaviya received Young Scientist Award from Research Education Solution, on an International Conference on Green Technology, Agriculture Information Technology, Business Management and Social Science during 16-17 July, 2022.
Shri T. K. Mandaviya received Excellence in Faculty Training Award During International Award Ceremony on the Birth of the Birth Anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan on 5th Sep 2022.
Shri T. K. Mandaviya received Young Achiever Award On the Occasion of 4th International Conference at Pokhra Campus, Nepal during September 17-19, 2022 for Outstanding Contribution and Recognition in the Field of Plant Pathology.
Shri T. K. Mandaviya received Young Achiever Award For contributing in the field of Agriculture and extension Activities for farmers welfare in the year of 2023.
Dr. V. R. Ahir and Shri T. K. Mandaviya honoured with Fellow of the Society for Advancement of Human & Nature (SADHNA), Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, India
Transfer of Technologies / Extension Activities :
The technologies developed at this research station are being disseminated to the various extension agencies, N.G.O's, farmers and students by Organizing farmer’s day / agril. fair at the station, by participating in the ' Krushi Mela ', farmers days and Agril. Exhibition organized by University or other agencies, educating students during Kendra visit and to farmers during visit of this station. Through TV, Radio broadcasting, literature, press note, personnel/spot field diagnosis and letter etc the extension activities is carried out.
Agro Based ITI Training :
Agro based ITI training has been delivered at this station. To strengthen the rural youth, this training programme conducted here. Different training related to agriculture like onion seed production, animal husbandry and coconut seed production etc skill oriented training organized by this station.
Development of new plots :
Coconut museum :
For live demonstration of different varieties of coconut, we have developed one live coconut museum. In this museum we have planted eight varieties of coconut in three line of each one. Eight varieties are D x T Mahuva, T x D mahuva, F2 (D x T), F2 (T x D), Green Dwarf, Yellow, Orange, West coast Tall.
Vrajvadi :
To fullfil the demand of D x T hybrid Mahuva, Vrajvadi plot has been successfully developed at this station in 2017. In this plot 1700 seedling of green dwarf has been planted for hybridization purpose. When this seedling was fully mature, manually hybridization will be carried out.
Navan plot :
To fulfil the requirement of healthy pollen for hybridization and to conserve exotic Deshi cultivar WCT, we have planted 200 plant of west coast tall in this new plot.
Bee keeping/honeybees training :
Bee keeping is a new emerging business now a days and our prime minister also insist farmer to do something new like bee keeping and mushroom cultivation. We focus on strengthen farmer in bee keeping. In previous year, we have do 22 training on bee keeping & for upcoming year, we also have planning to arrange training for farmer regarding bee keeping.
Water Management/ Harvesting :
Water management is an important aspect at this station. We have carried out activities regarding water harvesting & management. To harvest the rainwater, we have created a big channel around the field. In last year, we had constructed a farm pond to store the rain water and it has been used during scarcity of water in the month of May-June.
Other Activities :
Extension activities also carried out at this station. We have conducted training for farmer with the help of agriculture department, horticulture department, pidilite industries, Tata trust and many other NGOs.
Contact :
Agriculture Research Station (Fruit Crops) Junagadh Agricultural University Bhavani Road, Mahuva-364290 Dist: Bhavnagar (Gujarat)
