The University of Burdwan

The CRSMF of Burdwan University is sprawling Crop Research Farm covering 10.5 hectares of cultivated land situated in Tarabag Campus of the University established by famous geneticist and plant breeder Professor Param Nath Bhaduri FNA in the year 1965.
Since inception, lots of research activities funded by different authorities have been carried out with the help of researchers of different departments of this University. There is a farm laboratory to carry out and expedite the research activities. Moreover, from 2002, in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Govt. of West Bengal, ‘Foundation & Certified’ seed programmes for Paddy, Mustard, Gram, Lentil and Moong were undertaken and still being run successfully. The programme was initiated with the support of Deputy Director of Agriculture, Govt. of West Bengal, Seed Certification Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Seed Corporation and Seed Testing Department, Govt. of West Bengal. The seeds produced by CRSMF are sold with trade name “Kishan Bandhu”. These are in high demand and very popular among the growers and farmers all over the state including neighbouring states like Jharkhand and Bihar for its consistent quality and performance. We are extremely fortunate that all the officials from state department of agriculture, Government of West Bengal have extended their extreme support in this venture.
The officials of CRSMF regularly visit –Central Rice Research Institute (Cuttack), Acharya N.G. Rang University (Andhra Pradesh), Rice Research Station (Chisurah), Central Potato Research Station (Jalandhar, Punjab) and Pulse & Oils seed Research Station, (Behrampur, West Bengal) to collect Breeders’ seeds for multiplication program.
Click here to download CRSMF Information Booklet

Director:

Prof. Sikha Dutta

Address:

Department of Crop Research and Seed Multiplication Farm
The University of Burdwan
Golapbag, Bardhaman - 713104
West Bengal, INDIA.
342-2656566, 2656549, 2558554 Extn.

To conserve the germplasm of traditional rice-varieties and Mango.
To promote the research activities related to cereals, oils seeds, pulses and horticultural plants.
To produce high quality seeds of cereals, oil seeds, pulses and vegetables.
To provide technical assistance, guidance and advice to the local farmers regarding package and practices, proper harvest and post-harvest technology of cereal, pulse, oils and vegetables seed multiplication in light of current development in agricultural scenario. For this purpose CRSMF organizes periodic seminars and workshops.
To develop cost-effective alternate farming system as well as crop nutrient management package through holistic approach.
Adoption of crop diversification technology.
To promote the use of Biofertlizers such as vermicompost, biocompost, Azolla, Blue Green Algae and ecofriendly fertilizers.
To promote the use of bio-pesticides and eco-friendly pesticides.
To provide quality potato seeds to rural Bengal.
To provide organic vegetables and sweet corn to different communities.
To publish quality literature, training manuals and videos in all above concern.
To maintain the biodiversity resources of University.
To motivate students in plantation and provide technical assistance and guidance.
Plantation of rare tree varieties, fruit plants and rare plants to rejuvenate the biodiversity of campus to support the fauna and microbial resources.

Paddy Germplasm Conservation

Besides promoting high yielding varieties of paddy to cater the economic need of the farmers we have started conservation, multiplication and promotion programme for traditional and aromatic varieties in view of the soil quality, soil health and eco-friendly farming system.
Awareness programmes and research activities have been raised by CRSMF in collaboration of different Government agencies, research institutes and researchers in our university. The main objective of the germplasm conservation of traditional varieties is to restore the valuable gene pool of paddy to develop future high yielding and eco-friendly varieties.
The aim is to meet the following:

To exploit the gene pool gathered from land races.
To minimize damage by major diseases and pests.
To tolerate adverse environmental, drought, adverse soil factors and excess water.
To increase yield in sustainable manner.
To increase the nutritive quality.
To promote the ecofriendly sustainable paddy cultivation system.
To provide scientific and technical assistance to the research communities, cooperatives and farmers through exposure visit, seminars and workshops.
To maintain the germplasm of land races in scientific manner, its proper documentation and proper DNA sequencing for users of all relevant disciplines.

Presently we are producing over 35 varieties of high yielding and traditional varieties of paddy seeds:
Traditional varieties: Sitasal, Dudheswar, Kalamkati, Dadsal, Soru-nagra, Banskati, Kabiraj Sal, Kalo Nunia, Gandheswari, Champa-khusi, Kanak chur, Tusli mukul, Radha tilak, Black rice, Kerala-sudari, PNR-546, PNR-519 and Tarai basmati etc.
Aromatic varieties: Sita-bhog, Gobindo-bhog, Badsa-bhog, Gopal- Bhog, Katari Bhog, Tulsi-Bhog, Tulai-panji, Krishna-bhog, Jamainadu, and Randhuni-pagol.
In view of the dissemination of traditional knowledge and motivating farmers a one day "Awareness programme on cultivation practices of traditional and aromatic Rice" at CRSMF, THE UNIVERSITY OF BURDWAN was arranged on 2nd January 2017 in collaboration with the Binoy Krishna Choudhury Rural Technology Centre. Over 10 experts from different universities & State Department of Agriculture guided 150 farmers in this programme.
We strongly acknowledge Dr. Madhab Chandra Dhara & Dr. Bijan Adhikary both the Joint Directors of Agriculture, Rice research station, Chisurah for providing several traditional and aromatic rice varieties to us in this venture. Professor Adin Punya Mitra, IIT Karagpur has also provided several such rare varieties. Several personal collectors like Dr. Anjan Sinha & Sri Tapan Adhikary have also extended their help in this regards. Dr. Sitesh Chatterjee of Rice research station, Chisurah has also given his kind assistance to the users in this concern. We are now growing over 103 such varieties of paddy for quality seeds and conservation of germplasm as well.

Mustard Seed Multiplication

Mustard is an important crop under cultivation in West Bengal and adjoining states. With our all efforts we are producing quality F₁ seeds of mustard.

Mango Germplasm Conservation

We have established a germplasm conservatory of “Mango”. In the mango conservatory (Amra Kanan) we already have introduced following 60 varieties of Mango: Albina, Alfanso, Alfanso (Ratnagiri variety), Aman Dasehri, Amrapali, Anaras, Banana Mango, Blue mango, Bhastara, Bira, Baisakhi, Bimli, Biswanath, Black Mango, Bombai, Champa, Chandan Khosa, Chatterjee, Chausa, Dasehri, Dhubani, Fazli, Golapkhas, Hapus, Himsagar, Jambo, Jardalu, Jharjhari, Kalapahar, Katamisti, Kesar, Kg Mango, Kishenbhog, Kohitoor, Kuija, Langra, Madhugulguli, Maharaj, Mallika, Megh Lonthon, Michirdana, Mohanbhog, Molamjam, Motichur, Neelam, Palmar, Piyarafuli, Pusa-Surya, Pusa-Arunima, Rajbhog, Rani, Ratna, Red Mango, Sadulla, Safeda, Sarenga, Sarikhas, Sweet Mango, Thai-Dwarf, Thai-Long, and Subarnarehka, etc.

Potato Seed Multiplication

We have started producing foundation seeds of Kufri Jyoti since 2014 under MoU with CPRI, Shimla. Presently two more varieties are being produce due to huge demand of the potato growing communities of West Bengal and neighboring states. These are Kufri Chandramukhi & Kufri Himalini. We have been able to produce Foundation and Certified seeds of potato under kind supervision of state agriculture authorities. Fortunately results are extremely promising. The tubers are now kept in cold storage and will be disbursed in October as per the guidelines of State Agriculture Authorities who will issue the foundation seed cards. We have the motto to ensure the right and scientific cultivation practices among the potato growing community of the region.
Keeping this fact in mind several interactive programmes are arranged. Fortunately one such programme was arranged in presence of Dr. Asish Banerjee, Minister in Change, Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal on 16th January 2018 at CRSMF, The University of Burdwan in our collaboration with CPRI, Shimla. In this occasion four scientists namely Dr. N. K. Pandey, Head Social Sciences, Dr. R. K. Singh, Head, Seed Technology, Dr. Binay Sagar & Binod Kumar from CPRI interacted with the potato seed producers of West Bengal in presence of dignitaries of State department of Agriculture.

Use of Waste and Weed affected lands for cultivation of diversified and Multiple crops and their improved varieties

We have huge waste land and weed affected land mass in our campus. To manage this we have adopted several strategies for welfare of the university fraternity and make effective examples to the society to combat this problem.

Introduction of new crops and improved varieties of crops.
Vegetable and fruit production.
Biocomposting.

Impact:

Crop productivity increased due to improved varieties
Enhancement of cropping intensity
Risk factor for failure of mono-crop reduced on diversification of crops.
Effective weed management.
Since the crops grown have different root levels effective nutrient management in soil occurs due to this.
Effective improvement in soil fertility due to the arrival of various microbial lives.
More income.
Employment generation.

Crop Nutrient Management

To promote the eco-friendly crop practices we have adopted several contemporary modern improved practices. Such as biocomposting, vermicomposting, Blue green Algae, microbial fertilizers, Azolla, green manures and alternate cropping pattern that includes always a leguminous crop etc.

Seed Certification Programme

The process of seed certification includes the following steps:

Collection of Breeders’ and Foundation seeds from authentic sources
Verification of source by the Department of Seed Certification
Registration of each variety for multiplication
Inspection by the Govt. Officers (thrice) during the growing season to verify whether specified control measures are followed
Proper harvesting, threshing, sunning and processing of crops variety wise and bagging(temporary)
Testing of seeds of each variety by the concerned department of Govt. and certification
Finally bagging and sealing with producer cards and as per Govt. regulations cards in presence of Seed Certification officer variety wise if recommended as “Certified” as per yard stick of certification norms

Breeders and Foundation seeds are collected as per availability in each year since 2003 and also as per allotment made by the Government.

Horticulture and Floriculture

We have a very good collection of ornamental and garden plants that includes palms, roses, tuberose, Chrysanthemum, Lilium and Gladiolus etc. The orchard contains huge collection of fruit plants that are well maintained for the academic purpose and disbursement to different departments including local academic institutions. The objective is beautification, research, delight, educate and to inspire students towards plants.
Recently we have introduced Santa Cruz water lily (Victoria cruziana A. D. Orb.) to CRSMF. It is a water lily native to subtropical South America, where it is found in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. The genus Victoria was named in honour of the UK’s Queen Victoria (1819–1901). The specific epithet cruziana was given in honour of Andrés de Santa Cruz (1792–1865), President of Peru and Bolivia, who sponsored an expedition to Bolivia in which the first specimens of this species were collected.
It was planted on 19th May 2016 at CRSMF with the efforts of the authorities of Botanical Survey of India & The University of Burdwan under MoU.
The leaves of the plant attain over 2 metres in diameter. The leaves may hold up to 75 kg of weight. Flowers are creamy white at anthesis and become pink in the evening.

Plant Nursery

We have developed a very good nursery for fruits, vegetables, flowering & forest trees and plantation crops. The plants are planted to different parts of the university, donated to esteemed organizations, schools, colleges and are sold to the public for revenue generation. The main motto is to create interest to the students and general public for plants.

Amenities at CRSMF

Our Farm is equipped with following amenities to support the genuine seed production, seedling, saplings and disbursement of knowledge to the interactive communities and academicians.

Paddy Processing Machine
Paddy Blower Machine
Seed Grader Machine
Potato Seed Grader
Air condition Godown
Green house
Laboratory and Seminar room for extension activities

Stakeholder engagement and experience sharing (arrangements, progress, effectiveness etc.)

Line departments: Department of Agriculture, different agriculture Universities and Agricultural Institutes.
NGOs: Linkage with local NGOs viz., local farmers etc. for technical support and extension of modern agricultural practice in old alluvial zone.
Market: Linkage with input market of growers, farmers for quality of input supply such as foundation seed, certified seed, good quality seedlings of fruits, flowers & vegetables etc.

Source of seeds and varieties under cultivation

Sl. No.	Source	Varieties from different sources*
1	Central Rice Research Station, Chisurah (Govt. of W.B.)	Traditional Rice varieties: Adansilpa, Asinlaya, Badsha, Bahurupi, Banskati, Bharati, Bhimsal, Bhudeb, Black-rice, Champakhusi, Chandrakanta, Chandrakanti, Chatuimukhi, Dadkhani, Dadsal, Danaguri, Dangapatani, Dharansal, Dudhkalam, Dudheswar, Fulpagri, Gandheswari, Gangajali, Gokulsal, Jaladhi, Jhulur, Kabirajsal, Kartiksal, Kalma, Kalamkati, Kalobhat, Kalobora, Kalo Gandheswari, Kalobyar, Kalonunia, Kalma, Kanakchur, Katiksal, Kataribhog, Lal Dudheswar, Langalmuthi, Lal kauka, Lokdisal, Lakhindar, Mashuri, Medhi, Mugisal, Murkimala, Nikunja, Nugem, Nugenbaro, Nc-kalma, Pankhiraj, Panati, Patnai-23, Purnendu, Raghusal, Rupsal, Sabitri, Sankarsal, Satia, Sindurmukhi, Sitasal, Sonalu, Sorunagra, Sukhsal, Talmugur, Tusli mukul, Valki, and Vadisal etc. (71 varieties). Traditional Aromatic Rice Varieties: Badsabhog, Gandheswari, Gopalbhog, Gobindobhog, Jamainadu, Krishnabhog, Maliaphulo, Radhatilak, Randhunipagol, Sitabhog, Tulaipanji, and Tulsibhog etc. (12 varieties).
2	Professor Adin Punya Mitra, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
3	Amarkanan Rural Socio-environmental Welfare Society (ARSW Society) Ranbahal, Amarkanan, Bankura, W.B., 722133
4	Sri Tapan Adhikary
5	Central Rice Research Staion (Cuttack, Behrampur), Odisa	High Yielding Rice varieties: GB-1, GB-3, IET 4094 (Khitish) , IET 4786 (Satabdi), IET-9947 (Lalat), IET-22066 (Ajit), IR-36, MTU 1001(Vijeta), MTU 1010 (Kottondora Sannulu), MTU 1121 (Sri Dhruti), MTU- 1153 (Chandra), MTU-1194, MTU-1210, MTU-1229, MTU 7029 (Lal Swarna), Pratiksha, Rajendra Masuri, Rani, Sahabagi, and Swarna Sub-1, etc. (20varieties).
6	Acharya N G Rang Agriculture University, Rajendra Nagar, Andhra Pradesh
7	Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Odisha
8	Rajendranagar Agriculture university, Pusa, Bihar
9	Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswabidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal
10	Pulses and oilseeds Research Institute, Behrampur, West Bengal	Mustard : B-9 (Binoy), B-54 (Agrani);Lentil-Asha, Maitree;Moong- Bireswar
11	Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla	Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Himalini

Over 1200 farmers are the regular users of our seeds. Following dealers and growers are our regular buyers:

A. B. Enterprise, Khanakul
Akabpur Sammilani, Nadanghat
Baradighi Seed Farm, Burdwan.
Bardhaman Seed Farm
Belari SKUS Limited, Bhatar
Bisal Krishi Products (P) Limited
Diamond Seeds, Bankura.
Ganesh Seed Processing, Mirputa, Keshabpur, Madhabdihi
Giriraj Seeds, Birbhum
Govt. Seed Farm, SAO Office, Burdwan
Jamtara SKUS Limited (Ausgram)
Jt. D.A. District Seed Farm, Burdwan.
Kalna II CADC, Kalna.
Katwa Block II Agriculture cooperative Marketing society
Kishan Bandhu Seed Farm, Bankura
Kishan Green Field Agritech, Gotan
Kishan Sakti Seeds, Bankura.
Kuchut Union Cooperative Agriculture credit Society, Memari-2
Krishi Bandhu Seed Farm, Kotulpur, Bankura.
Krishi Rasayan, Kolkata.
Memari Vivekananda Krishik Sangha
Mukta Seeds, Bankura.
M/S Bharat Seeds, Bankura.
Nabanna Seeds, Raina, Bardhaman
New Rajlakshmi Seed Farm, Birbhum
Pragati Seed Farm, Seharabazar
Rajlakshmi Seed Farm, Sainthia, Birbhum
Ruma Agrotech Private Limited,
Saktigarh Sahebganj Ancalik II SKUS Limited

The seeds are sold in the brand name “KISHAN BANDHU” duly approved by the Executive Council, University of Burdwan.

Facilities for research are always provided to the students of Botany, Zoology and environmental science departments as and when asked for.
Facilities (land and other inputs) are provided to the teachers of Botany, Zoology, Environmental Science and B.Ed. (Sc.) Department as and when necessary as per their proposal.
Facilities are also provided to the students (M.Phil.) of the University as per their request.
The unit separately undertook some adaptive trials with cultivars (new brought from OUAT (Orissa).
Adaptive trials on Jute undertaken by a teacher of the Department of Botany, Burdwan University during 2005-2006.
Ongoing trials of various crop species in research plots by research scholars from Botany and Environmental Science Departments.
Paddy Cum Fish cultivation practices and research.

The Farm is interested in “Hybrid Seed” production for cereals, pulses and oilseeds.
The Farm is interested to produce high quality potato and onion seeds.
The Farm is plans to set up one state-of-art seed and soil testing laboratory.
To maintain the germplasm of traditional rice-varieties and promote their cultivation to the farmers.
To set up a germplasm bank and conservatory in collaboration with ICAR and State Department of Agriculture, Govt. of West Bengal.
The farm is interested to make such demonstration plots those are included in land shaping technology e.g Farm pond technology, Ridge and furrow technology for integrated farming system.
Soil testing facilities for the farmers.
We have submitted proposal for research and training centre, establishment of shade net nursery and eco-friendly fertilizer production.
Workshop for the farmers & growers in collaboration with the agriculture department of West Bengal.

Amount of Paddy seeds produced and disbursed in past 10 years