Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, will host an ICAR Sponsored Winter School on “Technological Advancement in Stored Product Protection for Food, Environment and Nutritional Security: towards Atmanirbhar Bharat” from 7 December to 27 December 2026. This is a 21-day advanced training program aimed at agricultural scientists, researchers, and university faculty specializing in stored product protection technologies.
About the Winter School
The course covers technological advancements in various aspects of stored product protection including regulatory frameworks, biological control, non-chemical methods, fumigants, irradiation technology, impacts of climate change, bioinformatics, integrated pest management, and pesticide residue detection. It also emphasises innovations in AI and ICT applications and indigenous knowledge integration.
Venue and Duration
The Winter School will be held at the Department of Entomology, Post Graduate College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. The duration is 21 days from 7 to 27 December 2026.
Eligibility
The course is open to Assistant Professors, Researchers, Scientists, Subject Matter Specialists, and above from ICAR Institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), or universities with agricultural faculties. A total of 25 participants will be selected as per ICAR guidelines.
Application Process
- Interested candidates must fill the nomination form available online via https://forms.gle/Yxp8UVSqbucXKcgx6.
- The form must be duly signed by the Director or Head of the applicant’s organization.
- Applicants must send a scanned copy of the signed form by email to the Course Director at ranjeetkumar@rpcau.ac.in.
- For assistance, participants may contact the Course Director.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date for application | 15 November 2026 |
| Notification of selection | 21 November 2026 |
| Confirmation by participants | 25 November 2026 |
Facilities
Selected participants will receive free boarding and lodging at the university guest house according to university norms. Accommodation for family members or guests will not be provided.
Travel expenses (to and fro) for selected candidates will be reimbursed as per entitlement up to 2nd AC rail fare on submission of original tickets.
Course Evaluation
Participants will evaluate the course content, suitability, and usefulness via a questionnaire. They will also undergo pre- and post-course assessments.
Weather During Course
In December, Pusa typically experiences cool and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 22-26°C and nighttime lows of 9-12°C. Occasional fog or light drizzle may occur in the morning. Participants are advised to bring light to moderate woollen clothing for comfort.
Contact
Course Director:
Dr. Ranjeet Kumar
Associate Professor, Department of Entomology
Email: ranjeetkumar@rpcau.ac.in
Mobile: +91-7985804481 / 8987234713
Co-course Directors:
Dr. Meenakshi Dwivedi, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology & Nematology
Email: meenakshi@rpcau.ac.in
Mobile: +91-8859815080, 9625238220
Dr. Mohammad Abbas Ahmad, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology
Email: abbas.ento@rpcau.ac.in
Mobile: +91-6203949544 / 9431433706
Official links: Official notification
