The Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya was established by Government of Madhya Pradesh on 19th August, 2008 as second Agricultural University by bifurcating the JNKVV, Jabalpur. University has grown into a diverse innovative institution of higher education, pursuing excellence in the fields of teaching, research and extension in agricultural sciences. Over the years, the university has sought to make a major contribution in improving the quality of human life in the region through its research-led initiatives in agriculture, environmental related issues and a host of other modern-day challenges including the production of quality seed and genuine planting material. The structure of its activities is rationalized, with emphasis on its distinguished strengths, management of education and development of quality man power and in this direction notable success has been achieved. In addition to the diverse activities related to agricultural sciences, RVSKVV has a strong emphases on farmers skills improvement and empowerment through the twenty two KVKs in various districts. Teaching and learning quality has been steadily improving in recent years and a large number of capable man powers has been trained here. With extraordinary explosion of knowledge, speedy travel, evolution in information technology and increasing awareness of global concerns, the University has felt the need and realized the value of establishing closer ties with national and international organizations, which will in future ensure attaining new heights by this University. The University has hosted a number of National Level activities which has certainly left an imprint on the national map. In due course of time, the accreditation of the university also done by the ICAR, New Delhi.
Brief Profile:
Prof. Arvind Kumar Shukla, a renowned academician and researcher has been working as Vice Chancellor of RVSKVV, Gwalior. Prior to that he has served as Project Coordinator (AICRP, Micronutrients (2011 to 2022); Principal Scientist/ Professor, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack (2008-11); Senior Scientist/Associate Professor, ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut (2006-2008); Senior Scientist at ICAR-CPRI, Shimla (2003-2006); Scientist at ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut (1996-1998), Assistant Professor at GBPUAT, Pantnagar (1995-1996). Born in Bedipur, Bilhaur, Kanpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India on 03 January, 1966, Prof. Shukla has obtained his B.Sc. (Ag.) & AH honours (1986) 84.2%, with university silver medal, M.Sc. (Ag.) in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, 1988- CGPA-10/10, with Chancellor gold medal and Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry with CGPA 8.78/10) – CS Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (1993). He did Executive/Management Leadership Programme at NAARM, Hyderabad (2013, 2014).
Awards and Recognition:
Dr. Shukla has bagged 25 honours and awards including Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award (2020) for outstanding contribution in Natural resource management, NAAS-Fellow (2017) for outstanding research on micronutrients, NAAS Recognition Award (2020) for excellent contribution in Soil, water and environmental Science, International Zinc Award- Brussels, Belgium (2014) for establishing link between soil health and human health, International Plant Nutrition Institute Award Norcross, USA (2016) for enhancing resource use efficiency and ICAR - Chaudhary Devi Lal Outstanding AICRP award (2016) for excellent work and outstanding leadership, ISSS -Fellowship Award (2021) and ISSS -Young Scientist Award (2005) for outstanding work in soil science along with several other awards for fertilizer management and yield maximization, etc.
Roles and Responsibilities:
As Project Coordinator, AICRP on Micro and secondary nutrients and pollutant element. Developing, ensuring execution and monitoring technical programme at 22 centres across the country. Administrative and financial management experience: prepared EFC memo of the AICRP-MSPE scheme for 12th plan (2012-17) budget Rs 4458.27 lakhs and MTP (2017-20) budget 2222.32 lakhs and 13th plan draft (2021-26) budget Rs. 7789.36 lakhs. Organization of seminar/symposia/workshop: Served in several committees at National level and organized National and International Meetings, Workshops/ Seminars/ Symposia/ Conference etc as chairman, organising secretary, member, board of studies and member and life members of many professional societies. Worked in close collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, International Plant Nutrition Institute, Canada and, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre‟ (CIMMYT), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal in the field of soil science and Natural Resource Management and linking soil health with human health.Opened 5 New centres of AICRP-MSPE for basic and frontier areas research (Biofortification and Nano technology).
Significant Research Achievements:
Performed multidisciplinary research at various institutions through21 externally funded projects as PI/Co-PI with research grants of Rs.3768 lakhs by agencies including World bank (NAIP-NATP), ADB, CIMMYT, IRRI, International Plant Nutrition Institute, International Zinc Association, ICRISAT, DST, ICAR, NASF, MoA&FW, FAO etc.; Institutional Research Projects – 14; Research Project Guided and Monitored – 12.
Performed soil health appraisal- across the country (640 districts) and developed e-atlas on “Micro-secondary nutrients status in India” and State atlases in vernacular languages (including MP), provided technical advice & back-stopping to GOI on status (deficiency/sufficiency) of micro and secondary nutrients and their management across the country.
Developed PoP for INM, SSNM and balanced use of fertilizer, Precision Agriculture, Conservation Agriculture, Organic farming, Climate change, Bio fortification and Micro-and secondary nutrients management in different crops and cropping systems.
Identified hot spot of heavy metal and pollutant elements in the country and their bio flow in soil/water-plant-animal system. Revised critical limits of micro and secondary nutrients and developed soil management zone for precise nutrients recommendations.
Given novel concept on linking soil health with animal/human health and their execution in collaboration with other SAUs, veterinary institution and medical colleges, including (AIIMS, Bhopal) for innovative research.
Special Assignments:
Member Research Advisory Committee- ICAR-CAFRI, Jhansi (2021-24) IGKV, Raipur (2017), Member Institute Management Committee- ICAR-IISS, Bhopal-2011-2014, NBSSLUP-2018-21, ICAR-NIHSAD- 2020-22, Member, Board of Studies- St. Paul Sr. Secondary School-2014-2020, Vice President- Indian Society of Soil Science-2017-2018, Member, Advisory Board- Fertilizer Association of India-2011-till date, MoUs signed (10 nos.) with different agencies/institution including with AIIMS, Bhopal and Pramukh Swami Medical College, Anand, Gujarat, Member secretary accreditation Committee of ICAR-IISS, Bhopal for ISO 9001-2000 certification. Represented India in SAARC Regional Consultation meeting on “Impact of Agricultural Chemicals input on the environment and human health” in South Asia on 21-22 April, 2021.
Coordinated Tribal Support Programme:
Coordinated the farmer's Need-based Research tribal support programme in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar and Assam for livelihood of tribal people.
Examination and University Assignments:
Worked as EXPERT MEMBER/panellist for interview board in UPPSC, Allahabad, 8 State Agricultural Universities for selection of Teaching and Research staff and acts as Chairman (nominated by ASRB) for promotion of technical, Scientist and Sr. Scientist in several ICAR institutions.
Role as a Guide:
04 Ph.D., 04 M.Sc. students and co-guide for 2 MD students (AIIMS, Bhopal). Served as member of Advisory Committees of a number of students in several SAUs.
International Exposure:
Visiting professor at International Rice Research Institute, Philippines-2003, Delegations and Travelling seminar for 14 days to Nepal, and Bangladesh-2001. International training at IRRI, Philippines, 2000.
Consultancy for customized fertilizer recommendation developed by Fertilizer Companies to register in FCO. Acted as panellist for Agriculture and Food Security and soil health management meetings for the Sustainable Development.
