Gonda: Promoting research and innovation and taking academic quality to new heights are among the top priorities of the institution, said Prof. Jitendra Singh, officiating Principal of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Degree College.
As part of the college’s efforts to strengthen research-oriented academic activities, a team associated with a major project sanctioned and funded by the Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh, was sent for specialised scientific training at the National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Mau, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.
The major project, titled “Abiotic Features of Major Lent ic Water Bodies of Gonda with Reference to Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) in Productive Agriculture,” is being led by Principal Investigator Dr Rekha Sharma, along with Research Assistants Amit Dubey and Mayaram Yadav.
During the training programme, Dr Rekha Sharma met senior scientist Dr Hilol Chakdar and received specialised training in the identification, isolation and culture of different species of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. She also visited the culture laboratory to gain practical exposure to the scientific processes and facilities used for research on these microorganisms.
Dr Sharma expressed gratitude to the college principal, saying that the academic visit had significantly strengthened the major research project. She said the college plans to establish a dedicated blue-green algae laboratory shortly, where samples collected from various water bodies in Gonda district will be examined and cultured.
The project aims to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilisers and explore the potential of cyanobacteria to improve soil fertility for agricultural purposes. It also seeks to promote sustainable, environment-friendly and organic farming practices.
Dr Sharma said the broader objective was to take research beyond the laboratory and translate scientific findings into practical solutions for agricultural land. The project is expected to explore the potential of locally sourced cyanobacteria in supporting productive and sustainable agriculture.
She also expressed gratitude to college management Vice-President Varsha Singh, Secretary Umesh Shah, officiating Principal Prof Jitendra Singh, departmental colleagues Dr Sanjay Kumar and Dr Priyanka Srivastava, Krishna Mohan Tripathi, Drinkal Yadav and Mayaram Yadav for their support in the smooth implementation of the major project.
The initiative is expected to strengthen research infrastructure at the college while creating opportunities for students and researchers to work on sustainable agricultural technologies and environmentally friendly farming solutions.
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