Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Navsari Agricultural University, Dr. R. M. Naik Sir, visited Niger Research Station NAU, Vanarasi, Gujarat on October 16, 2026, along with Associate Director of Research Dr. Vikas R. Naik Sir, DoR office, NAU, Navsari. Dr. Prashant Jagtap, Unit Head cum Associate Research Scientist (Br.), welcomed and facilitated Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Sir with bouquet of flowers and shawl and welcomed Dr. V. R. Naik sir, ADR as well by the scientist and staff of the station.

Dr. P. K. Jagtap, Unit Head cum Associate Research Scientist introduced all the staff members and presented their brief research activities of oilseed crops carried out by the centre and its progress / achievements throughout the recent years. During the visit, Hon. Vice Chancellor sir interacted with scientists and technical cum administrative staff, reviewed ongoing research, extension and various activities viz., seed production and dissemination of improved rice varieties, visited field trials and emphasised focused research on selecting suitable rabi crops for sustainable management of rice fallows for tribal region of south Gujarat. Associate Dir. Of Research, Dr. V. R. Naik sir suggested the placing of honeybee boxes in Niger crop to increase its profitability and highlighted the importance of niger crop in natural farming under climate change scenario. This time, the damages caused by the heavy rains were also inspected and suggested important solutions for its improvement.

Hon. Vice Chancellor Sir appreciated the teamwork of the centre and its entire research done by the scientist and staff and also discussed about infrastructure development under Niger Seed hub project (NMEO-OS) and its effective utilisation of funds.