Director
About
Communication Centre is playing a significant role in projecting university activities, disseminating information related to agricultural and allied fields. It is serving as an important link between scientists, extensions, farming community and other stakeholders. Communication has been recognized as an important input for development to disseminate and create a dialogue among different stakeholders about the technologies and issues of agriculture, environment and sustainable development. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar established a communication Centre with the help and support from ICAR and UNDP. Over the years Communication Centre has blossomed into full fledged unit in strengthening and building up university image.
Historical Background
GG.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology has the privilege of having the first Centre of Communication within any State Agriculture University in India. Although the Communication Centre was created in 1970. The journey towards Communication Centre was started with the realization of need for communication for fulfillment of teaching, research and education mission of the first agricultural university. The generous grant from Ford Foundation helped in procurement of equipments, getting overseas training and providing consultant services. University remodeled one wing of the College of Agriculture as the Communication Centre and administratively reorganized some of its personnel to provide the initial staff. Subsequently, new positions were added and people were recruited to fill them. Some landmarks in the journey towards Communication Centre are as below:
- 1961 Appointment of two artists signaled beginning of audiovisual service.
- 1965 Appointment of oilman and procurement of utility printer represented beginning of university press.
- 1967 Information and Publication section was started in Extension Directorate.
- 1968 The first magazine for farmers and extension personnel “Kisan Bharti” was launched.
- 1969 Plan to bring the communication activities of the University together under one umbrella was conceptualized in collaboration with Ford Foundation.
- 1970 The beginning of historic unit called Communication Centre, first of its kind in the country.
- 2014 The beginning of Community Radio Service called "Pantnagar Janvani", first in the agriculture university.
Presently Centre under its different units have well developed infrastructure and provides video production, photography services at the university level. Community Radio Service, Pantnagar Janvani, covered in periphery about 15-20 kilometers radius with twelve hours broadcast is doing commendable job.
Communication was recognized as an important input for development to disseminate and create dialogue among different stakeholders about the technologies and issues of agriculture, environment and sustainable development. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, established a Communication Centre with the help and support from ICAR and UNDP. A humble beginning was made with establishment of radio studio and procurement of television equipments. Over the years the Centre has flowered into a full-fledged Directorate. The Directorate now has well developed infrastructure of radio programme production, video production, photography and audio visual media.
Our Mandate
- To disseminate information for the farmers through different mass media
The major emphasis of the existing information service of the Centre is to disseminate information through radio, television and publications. The advances made in the field of information and communication technologies call for our attention toward their application to reach the unreached - To provide distance learning opportunities
Open and Distance learning provide immense scope to education in far flung areas. The premier agricultural university can not restrict itself within the campus. - To organize training in communication
A vast machinery of field functionaries is engaged in development work today. This includes workers directly involved in agricultural information and communication work. These field functionaries have not fully succeeded in producing the desired results because of their out-dated approach and technique. - To conduct researches on communication for development
Department in collaboration with centre Department of Agricultural Communication with centre is engaged in collaboration engaged in conducting researches in area of Development Communication.
Staff
Staff of Directorate of Communication
There exists a pool of talents and technical infra structure in the Directorate of Communication to apply them in the field. All the staff members of the Directorate of Communication are involved in different media production activities. However, the following have direct involvement:
| Name | Designation | Photograph |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. J.P. Jaiswal | Director Communication |  |
| Dr. V.L.V. Kameshwari | Joint Director, Communication |  |
| Dr. Arpita Sharma Kandpal | Assistant Director, Communication |  |
| Shri Vivek Kumar Singh | Business Manager |  |
Staff of Directorate of Communication
- Smt. Sangeeta Diwan, Personal Assistant – II
- Smt. Amresh, Administrative Officer
- Shri Apoorv Shankar, Storekeeper
- Shri Yashpal Singh, T.V. Technician
- Shri Bhuwan Joshi, Accountant
- Shri Jitender Prasad, Cook
Units
Video Production Unit
Video Production Unit is well equipped with necessary facilities for production of video programmes. The unit has one editing and one recording room equipped with latest cameras and non-linear editing system for production. It produces video programmes for teaching, training and telecasting from Doordarshan Kendra, Delhi, Lucknow and Bareilly. About 8-10 educational programmes are produced every year by this unit. Besides, regular news capsules are fed to the media on topical themes. This unit also serves as a laboratory for teaching purpose for the students of M.Sc. (Agricultural Extension and Communication). The unit has involved interested students under “Earn While You Learn” scheme for assistance in anchoring, sound recording and editing. A monthly documentary on news and events of the campus is prepared and shown regularly on cable network. This also serves as audiovisual documentation of the University activities.
In the video section of the Directorate of Communication, the university’s YouTube channel ‘Pantnagar TV’, launched on March 25, 2015, has been viewed by a total of 513,695 viewers across various programs.
The video section also covers video footage of various university events, which is then uploaded to the ‘Pantnagar TV’ YouTube channel. Between January 2022 and March 2025, the following was accomplished:
• 424 video coverages were conducted,
• 239 films were produced, and
• 191 videos were uploaded to the YouTube channel.
The channel has 6,203 subscribers as of now.
Important VIP programs such as convocation ceremonies are also live-streamed on the YouTube channel. In the past two years, 5 live broadcasts were made.
The video section also provides technical and academic training to university students through various courses. Specifically:
• Under course codes AAC-303, 307, and 30C, a total of 64 classes were conducted for students from the College of Community Science and College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.
Radio Production Unit
Radio Production Unit produces radio programmes relevant for farmers and extension personnel. The centre has a well-equipped radio studio in which about 200 radio programmes are produced in a year for the benefit of the farmers. These programmes are being broadcast through different All India Radio Stations.
Farm School on Air: Realizing the importance of radio in rural communication, a programme on “Farm School on Air” has been launched since 2001 to provide systematic radio lessons to interested farmers on different important topics in agriculture and allied subjects. So far, it has covered topics like Rice Production, Sugarcane, Organic Farming, Litchi Production, Agricultural Implements, Floriculture, Integrated Insect & Pest Management, and Fisheries Production.
Community Radio System (FM Radio): Community Radio (Pantnagar Janvani) is a powerful medium to reach the un-reached in far-flung rural areas in the hills of Uttarakhand. This innovation in development communication serves the local community through information, dialogue, and education. The Directorate approached the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, to establish a Community Radio System (FM Radio) at Pantnagar. It was inaugurated on 8 August 2011 by Vice-Chancellor Dr. B.S. Bisht.
Community Radio – Pantnagar Janvani (90.8 FM): The university’s community radio station benefits farmers and rural youth by broadcasting expert content. Between January 2022 and March 2025, the following programs were aired:
• 773 episodes of "Krishi Sandesh"
• 576 episodes of "Krishi Radio Pathshala"
• 156 episodes of "Gaon Ki Baat"
• 156 episodes of "Krishi Charcha"
• 144 episodes of "Aanchal Ki Surabhi"
• 90 programs under the "PM Pranam Yojana", supported by farmers
These broadcasts have significantly benefited the farming community.
Under the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp" (PM Pranam Yojana) initiative sponsored by farmers, a total of ₹19.8 lakh has been received.
Media Centre
Media Centre was started on December 30, 2004 to facilitate media persons and improve communication about the university's activities to the general public and other stakeholders. This centre sends press releases related to university functions/programmes, activities, and achievements to various Hindi and English newspapers through fax and e-mail for publication in regional and national newspapers. The section maintains contact with representatives of the mass media and assists them in covering university news. It also maintains up-to-date information about the university's news and events.
Through the Media Centre of the Directorate of Communication, the university's activities are disseminated in print and electronic media, allowing the general public to stay informed. In this context, the Media Centre issued:
• 203 press releases in the year 2022,
• 334 in the year 2023,
• 288 in the year 2024, and
• 116 press releases by March 2025,
making a total of 941 press releases from January 2022 to March 2025.
Similarly, advertisements received from various departments were forwarded for publication in various newspapers:
• 84 in the year 2022,
• 87 in 2023,
• 93 in 2024, and
• 48 up to March 2025 —
making a total of 312 advertisements during the same period.
The Directorate of Communication organized a total of 12 press conferences in the Vice-Chancellor's auditorium between January 2022 and March 2025.
Through the Media Centre, monthly updates on the university’s achievements are sent in both Hindi and English to the Agriculture Section and the Information and Public Relations Department for the Hon’ble Governor and Hon’ble Chief Minister.
Additionally, the Media Centre is responsible for compiling and publishing the University Annual Report, University Diary, and other publications through the University Printing Press.
Photography Unit
Photography Unit produces photographs, exhibits and display materials for teaching, training, extension and other activities like Farmers’ Fair, state, national and international exhibitions and for information centers of the colleges. About 2500-3000 photographs and slides are prepared every year.
The photography section of the Directorate of Communication provides photo coverage of various university events. Between January 2022 and March 2025, photo coverage was provided for a total of 450 programs.
Audio-Visual and Projection Unit
Audio-Visual and Projection Unit provides support for screening of video films for training and teaching purposes. Besides audio services, slides and overhead projection facilities are also made available by this unit for teaching, training, seminars, symposia, conferences, workshops, etc.
University Press Unit
University Press Unit was established in the year 1960. It was necessary to establish the press within the University campus, as the place was remote and away from other cities having printing facilities. University press publishes materials related to teaching, research, extension and printing stationery related to various departments of the University.
Publication Unit
Publication Unit disseminates useful information through print media. Two monthly magazines, Kisan Bharti and Indian Farmers' Digest are brought out every month for the farmers and extension workers. Both magazines have been immensely popular not only with farmers in the Country but also in neighboring countries. Besides, a variety of other print materials like leaflets, folders and technical bulletins are also published by this unit.
University Publications
The University publishes the following journals:
Indian Farmers' Digest
Language: English
Price: Rs. 15.00 (Monthly)
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150.00
Five Year Subscription: Rs. 675.00
Ten Year Subscription: Rs. 1,200.00
Fifteen Year Subscription: Rs. 1,800.00
Kisan Bharti
Language: Hindi
Price: Rs. 15.00 (Monthly)
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150.00
Five Year Subscription: Rs. 675.00
Ten Year Subscription: Rs. 1,200.00
Fifteen Year Subscription: Rs. 1,800.00
For Subscription Contact:
Business Manager
Directorate of Communication
G.B. Pant University Of Agriculture and Technology,
Pantnagar - 263145,
Udham Singh Nagar,
Uttarakhand State (India)
Other Publications:
A host of other books in Hindi on various topics of a farmer's interest are published by the G.B. Pant University. The detailed information about these may be obtained from the Directorate of Communication.
Annual Report:
The detailed information about these may be obtained from the Directorate of Communication.
At a Glance:
The detailed information about these may be obtained from the Directorate of Communication.
Training
Distance Learning Programme
The open learning system is unique and challenging mode of education offered at the university level. This system provides ample opportunities for those who desire to have university education at their place of work or residence. The university in collaboration with IGNOU has established centre at Pantnagar. Presently the Centre is running 12 UG/PG level programmes on different degree/diploma programmes since January 2008. In addition to above the University is also contemplating to start its own Open Distance Learning for the benefit of the youths, women and adults.
Training
The Directorate has organized training courses for SAU teachers, communication experts, field workers, ICAR scientists, technical personnel and NGO workers with the support of different funding bodies like UNDP, ICAR, WB, UNICEF, etc. The directorate is in a unique position to provide communication training to teachers, trainers and development personnel in the following areas:
- Instructional technologies
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Development communication
- Development reporting
- Dynamics of rural leadership
- NGO management
- Training management
- Media production and design
- Planning & evaluation in development communication
Facilities available
- The audio and video cassettes produced by us for educational purposes are available for sale to the interested clients.
- Two monthly farm magazines viz. Kisan Bharti in Hindi and Indian Farmers' Digest in English are also available for sale.
- We have the expertise to provide consultancy to the public, private and NGOs in planning, implementation and evaluating the programmes in development communication.
- Radio Studio
- Photography Lab
- Videography Lab & Video Editing Lab
Achievements
- Eulogized as ‘Harbinger of Green Revolution’ by Noble Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug.
- Recipient of ICAR Best Institution Award three times (1998, 2006 and 2019).
- First Agricultural University in India to secure QS World Rankings by Subject 2022.
- Secured 211th rank in the QS World Rankings 2025 by Subject with a leap of 100 places from 311th rank in 2024.
- Recipient of ‘Agriculture Leadership Award 2023' by Agriculture Today Group.
- Recipient of Outlook Agritech Summit and Swaraj Award 2022.
- Recipient of Governor's Best University Award in Uttarakhand 3 times (2016, 2017 and 2018).
- Bestowed with Best Centre Award by ICAR for majority of the AICRP programmes.
- Developed 357 improved varieties of different crops which helped increasing food production and farmers' income. Our 14 varieties of different crops have been recognized as Landmark Varieties.
- A total of 114 patents filed and 40 patents granted to the technologies developed by the University.
- University’s AICRP on Cattle-Sahiwal honoured with ‘Breed Conservation Award 2023' by ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal.
- Collaborations were established with more than 50 prestigious national and international institutions.
- Community Radio (Pantnagar Janvani) was honoured with National Community Radio Award by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GoI 5 times (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2022).
- One of the biggest producers of Breeder Seeds of different crop varieties in the country with 7000 qtls. per year.
- Produced the first Buffalo calf of India named Saubhagya using the ovum pick-up in vitro embryo technology.
- Circular Fish Carp Hatchery has a record annual production of about 4 crore spawn.
- Provided quality seeds to more than 50 lakh farmers.
- Trained more than 10 lakh farmers for technology dissemination.
- The University is conserving native breeds of livestock (Badri Cow), poultry (Uttara Fowl) and goats (Pantja & Chogarkha).
- Established on-campus and off-campus research centres in 2334.65 acres of land for the development of high-yielding and disease resistant crop varieties.
- Developed and commercialized various technologies i.e. Pant Zero Tillage, Pant-ICAR Subsoiler-cum-Fertilizer Applicator, Pant-Wheat Thresher for hilly region, Pant Axial, Flow Multicrop Thresher for Hilly Region, Revolving stool, Water bag, Dung collector, Rice picker, Motorized paddy thresher, Naveen sickle, Maize Sheller etc.
- Agriculture Technology Information Centre (ATIC) a “Single Window System” with an objective to help farmers and other stakeholders.
- Imparted degrees to over 45000 students, serving the nation as Policymakers, Vice-Chancellors, DDGs, ADGs, ICAR Institute Directors, Heads of PSUs, Heads of private sector organizations and international organizations.