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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa

In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa. Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex. Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.

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20231
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Subject: Seed Science and Technology × Author: CHOUDHARY, DINESH × Start date: 2022 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Genetic diversity assessment for yield attributing and seed quality traits in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    (RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) CHOUDHARY, DINESH; KUMAR, RAJESH
    The research endeavour titled “Genetic diversity assessment for yield attributing and seed quality traits in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)” delved into a captivating exploration involving 20 rice genotypes thoughtfully gathered from various corners of India and the esteemed IRRI, Philippines during the enriching 2022 kharif season. With a purposeful vision, this study set out to unravel the enigma of genotype effectiveness, quantifying genetic variability, estimating the heritability quotient, unlocking the potential of genetic advancement, and embarking on a journey of understanding the intricate genetic variations within aromatic rice genotypes, especially in the context of grain yield and its allied attributes. This profound experiment unfolded at the scenic Breeder seed production Farm, Dholi in Bihar, where the meticulously designed Complete Randomized Block Design laid the foundation for an enriching scientific exploration. The tapestry of findings woven from a meticulous variance analysis was nothing short of awe-inspiring, painting a vivid picture of diversity that thrived among the genotypes across the intricate canvas of 17 studied traits. Amidst this symphony of diversity, it was Samba Mahsuri, Taraori Basmati, Jasmine, Sonasal, and Katarni that emerged as the virtuoso performers, presenting the high significant notes of grain yield. Each brush stroke of data unveiled a mesmerizing dance of traits like days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, spikelet fertility, grain width, and grain length among others. These traits revelled in their variation, donning the cloak of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, with a dash of heritability and a glint of genetic advancement to add to the enchantment. The path coefficient analysis was akin to deciphering the very essence of the symphony, where seedling root length, seedling shoot length, and the rhythm of germination rate emerged as the maestros, directly influencing the crescendo of grain yield. The intricate interplay led by grain width elevated its importance, choreographing an intricate ballet where traits such as seedling dry weight, germination rate, vigour indices, and test weight swirled in a harmonious dance, ultimately nurturing the symphony of yield. In this intricate dance, the lead was taken by seedling root length, its direct influence paired with a mesmerizing indirect effect through other traits, crafting a tapestry of promise and potential. The elegant seedling shoot length gracefully followed suit, wielding its influence both directly and through a delightful partnership with other traits. The grand classification of genotypes into five clusters was a celestial alignment of the stars, where cluster IV reigned as the largest constellation, while clusters I, II, III, and V shone with their distinct radiance. Among these, the Cluster III showcased its brilliance in the realm of tiller traits and the elegance of grain length. The cluster I adorned itself with the jewels of seed yield and spikelet fertility, standing tall as a beacon of promise. In contrast, the fifth cluster exuded a sense of timelessness, embodying the delicate charm of flowering, maturity, and the very stature of the plants. In the tale of genetic divergence, the protagonists were none other than spikelet fertility and the passage of days to maturity, their contributions etching a legacy of significance. Amidst this narrative, seedling root length, seedling shoot length, and the tempo of germination rate emerged as the guiding stars for future breeding sagas, illuminating the path forward. The stars of promise, Samba Mahsuri and Taraori Basmati, took centre stage for their exceptional attributes, ready to script new chapters in the saga of rice breeding. As the curtain fell, clusters I and IV lingered in the spotlight, their higher cluster means in traits like spikelet fertility and days to maturity, echoing the promise of future possibilities. Thus, with grain yield as its centrepiece and other traits as supporting characters, this study danced through the intricate pathways of genetic exploration. Among these journeys, it was Cluster II that ventured farthest, uncovering the treasure trove of internal diversity. As the final chords were struck, clusters I and IV emerged as the heralds of selection potential, carrying the torch of traits like spikelet fertility and days to maturity, igniting the path for a future where aromatic rice stands as a testament to nature's diversity and human innovation.