Lucknow: Friends and well wishers deeply mourned the passing of Prof. R.P. Singh, a visionary academician, dedicated leader, and tireless advocate for agricultural development. Prof. Singh passed away in the early hours of December 31, 2024, after being hospitalized in Lucknow for 10 days.
Prof. Singh held esteemed positions throughout his career, including serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, and as the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of Extension at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Kumarganj, Ayodhya (formerly Faizabad).
His legacy is marked by his unparalleled contribution to the field of agricultural extension services. As the first Director of Extension at ANDUAT, Prof. Singh played a pivotal role in establishing Krishi Gyan Kendras (KGKs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across eastern Uttar Pradesh. His efforts ensured that vital agricultural knowledge reached farmers, enabling them to adopt innovative practices within a limited budget.
Prof. Singh’s remarkable contributions were recognized nationally, including receiving the prestigious “Lal Bahadur Shastri Award” from then-Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi for his exceptional work in agriculture and rural development. His leadership extended to Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, where he served from 1971 to 1982 as Professor, Head, and Joint Director.
The agricultural community, academia, and the countless farmers he served deeply feel the void left by his demise. Condolence meetings were held at institutions he profoundly impacted, including BHU Varanasi, ANDUAT Kumarganj, MPUAT Udaipur, and CCSHAU Hisar.
Prof. Singh’s son, Prof. Rajesh Singh, Senior Professor at Banaras Hindu University and a former Vice-Chancellor of multiple universities, shared the news of his father’s passing and highlighted his contributions during a condolence meeting held at BHU.
In the words of S.K. Singh, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at BHU, “We have lost one of the finest academics and a true leader in agricultural extension. His dedication to farmers and the academic community will remain an inspiration for generations to come.”
Prof. R.P. Singh’s life and work exemplified the transformative power of education and innovation in agriculture. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire efforts in strengthening India’s agricultural sector.
