The Department of Agricultural Statistics, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, organized a two-day workshop on “Seva through Statistics: Empowering Agriculture with Data” under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan during 08–09 October, 2026 under the NAU-CENTRA Project (Establishment of Centralized Training and Advanced Data Analytics Hub).

The workshop was presided over by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. M. Naik, Navsari Agricultural University. The inaugural function was graced by Dr. H. M. Virdia, Registrar, as Chief Guest; Dr. Lalit Mahatma, Associate Director of Research; Dr. P. B. Patel, Principal & Dean, N. M. College of Agriculture and Convener; and Dr. Alok Shrivastava, Professor & Head, Department of Agricultural Statistics.

In his presidential address, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. M. Naik highlighted the vital role of statistics in agricultural research and said, “Statistics is not only about numbers, tables and graphs. It is about converting data into knowledge and knowledge into useful action.”

The workshop featured five expert lectures by eminent resource persons, covering key aspects of Design of Experiments. Sessions addressed basics of ANOVA, Assumptions of ANOVA, data transformation, Basic designs, factorial experiments, Split and Strip plot design using R, JAMOVI and other software. Out of total 180 registrations, 50 students were selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

A major highlight of the workshop was an innovative Nukkad Natak (street play) presented by students to create awareness about the importance of data, statistics and informed decision-making in agriculture. Through an engaging public performance, the students conveyed the message that statistical knowledge extends beyond classrooms and laboratories and can make a meaningful difference in the lives of farmers and society.

The performance was appreciated by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. R. M. Naik, who highlighted the innovative initiative for connecting statistics with farmers and the common people, demonstrating the wider relevance of statistical thinking in agricultural development:

“डाटा से बदलेगा कल, जागरूकता से बदलेगा किसान”

The Nukkad Natak beautifully reflected the spirit of Seva through Statistics—transforming data into knowledge and knowledge into action for the betterment of agriculture, farmers, and the nation.