Monthly meeting of all the staff of ICAR-NIASM was held on 31^st July, 2020 via video-conferencing at 10 AM. The meeting started with opening remarks and presentation by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director, ICAR-NIASM. He highlighted the institute’s achievements made during the month, that included successfully conducting important meetings like IRC, RAC, DDG review, etc. Several rounds of video-conferencing with the scientists of the institute were held to formulate new research projects. New initiatives of issuing monthly Agro-advisories and complete implementation of e-office implementation were also highlighted.

This was followed by presentation of monthly achievements and targets of individual schools by the respective Heads of Schools. Dr. N.P. Kurade, i/c HoS, School of Atmospheric Stress Management, Dr. Jagdish Rane, i/c HoS, School of Drought Stress Management, Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Meena, i/c HoS, School of Edaphic Stress Management and Dr. Manoj P. Brahmne, i/c HoS, School of Policy Support Research made the presentations.

During this, issues of national importance were also discussed. To achieve self-reliant in agriculture, increasing the production of dragon fruit which is one of the nutritious fruits has become an important goal to reduce its import from abroad. This will not only reduce the dependency on other countries but also help farmers to increase their farm income in dry areas. ICAR-NIASM will take lead role in standardisation of dragon fruit cultivation. Dr. Wakchaure will study the reason for low yield, if any of dragon fruit after certain period of cultivation. 

Further, CAO, Mr. BK Sinha presented briefly the work carried by the Administration Section of NIASM.

The meeting concluded with the formal vote of thanks by Mr. N. Karthikeyan, member secretary, monthly review meeting.