Report on

Educational Visit to ICAR– Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur

Date of Visit: 10th September 2026

Organised by: MIRC and Maharishi School of Agriculture in association with IQAC

Objective: An educational visit to the ICAR–Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur was organised on 10th September 2026 by the Maharishi Industry Relations Cell (MIRC) and Maharishi School of Agriculture (Maharishi University, Lucknow Campus) in association with IQAC. The purpose of this visit was to provide students with practical exposure to pulse crop research, production technologies, crop improvement, plant protection, seed science, and post-harvest management, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications in agricultural research, sustainable crop production, and food security.

Participating Students: B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture Sem 1^st

Visit Details: During the visit, the students explored the Crop Improvement Division, Crop Production Division, Crop Protection Division, Seed Technology and Plant Physiology-related facilities, and Food Science and Processing research facilities. The scientists explained the ongoing research and practices in these areas and helped students relate them to the concepts covered in their agriculture curriculum.

During the visit, the students interacted with Dr. Neeraj Kumar, Scientist, ICAR–IIPR, who explained varietal development, breeding, and improvement of pulse crops. Dr. Nandini Yadav, Scientist, ICAR–IIPR, discussed improved cultivation methods and advanced production practices, while Dr. P. K. Arya, Scientist, ICAR–IIPR, explained pest and disease surveillance and management in pulse crops. The students also interacted with Dr. Usha Singh, Scientist, ICAR–IIPR, regarding seed quality and seed technology, and Dr. N. K. Yadav, Scientist, ICAR–IIPR, who provided insights into plant physiology and crop growth. At the Food Science and Processing research facilities, Dr. M. Singh, Scientist, ICAR–IIPR, explained pulse processing, value addition, food science, and post-harvest utilization.

The visit provided students with meaningful practical exposure to different aspects of pulse crop research, including crop improvement, production, crop protection, seed technology, plant physiology, processing, and post-harvest management. The interactions with the scientists helped students connect their classroom learning with practical agricultural research and understand the importance of scientific innovations in improving pulse productivity, sustainability, food security, and value addition.

The visit was co-ordinated by Mrs. Pragya Tiwari and Dr. Ankit Singh Yadav- Faculty Members, Maharishi School of Agriculture (MSOA), Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow Campus.

Students’ Feedback: Students found the visit informative and enriching, especially the opportunity to interact with scientists and observe pulse crop research closely. The practical exposure helped them connect classroom learning with real agricultural practices. Overall, the visit enhanced their understanding of modern pulse research and sustainable crop production.

Acknowledgements: The Maharishi School of Agriculture expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. G. P. Dixit, Director (ICAR-IIPR), for granting permission for visit, and for valuable assistance provided by the IIPR team for making the visit meaningful and academically beneficial for the students. We extend our gratitude to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (Prof. Bhanu Pratap Singh), Registrar (Dr. Girish Chhimwal), Dean Academics (Prof. Neeraj Jain), Dean-MSOA (Dr. Bhupesh K.Mishra), and Dy. Dean-MSOA (Mrs. Pragya Tiwari) for support and guidance. Thanks to Dy Registrar (Dr. Rajesh Singh) and Mr. Kaustubh Misra (MIRC) for facilitating the visit.