The Navsari Zone of erstwhile GAU had attained the status of independent State Agricultural University (SAU) with the promulgation of Gujarat Agricultural Universities Act 2004 on May 1, 2004 heralding formation of Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) with Navsari as headquarter. NAU’s jurisdiction covers seven districts of South Gujarat viz., Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Dangs and Valsad. The University has made remarkable growth in its tripartite activities i.e.Education, Research and Extension Education and simultaneously also made tremendous growth in infrastructure and Human Resource Development since its inception.
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ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry is a prime institute providing horticulture and forestry education and research in the state. This college was approved by Krushi and Gram Vikas Vibhag of the Government of Gujarat. This college was started in November, 1988 at Navsari (Gujarat) to bring out trained human resource in the field of horticulture and forestry sectors and plays a great role for improving the environment, which is a worldwide corner.
Navinchandra Mafatlal College of Agriculture known as N. M. College of Agriculture was the first educational institute related to agriculture in the region of south Gujarat established in May-1965 with a vision to impart agricultural education and uplift the socio-economic status of the agricultural based community.
The Faculty of Forestry that came into existence in 1988 and started imparting education leading to B.Sc. (Forestry) degree under the umbrella of ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry. Thereafter, Post graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Forestry) and Ph.D. (Forestry) degrees commenced from 1993-94 and 2006-07, respectively. On receipt of fund from ICFRE, Dehradun for construction of College and hostel buildings a separate College of Forestry was established. Meanwhile, 31 teaching faculties were appointed in the Forestry College as per the guidelines issued by ICAR in the year 2010. Thus College of Forestry started functioning independently from the year 2010.
Considering the glut of opportunities available for competent agribusiness professionals in various agriculture related organizations; the Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari responded to the need of the hour by establishing the ASPEE Agribusiness Management Institute (AABMI) in 2007.
The College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry was established on 1st July, 2008 with the funding from the Chief Ministers’ Ten Point Programme (Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana), Government of Gujarat with a total five year outlay for an amount of Rs. 62.62 crores under the flagship of Navsari Agricultural University by visionary Late Vice – Chancellor Dr. R.P.S. Ahlawat. The proposal for the new college was prepared by the day and night efforts of Dr. P.M. Desai, Late Dr. G. S. Rao, Dr. V.B. Kharadi and Dr. V.S. Dabas along with the help of other staff members. The college was renamed as Vanbandhu college of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in year 2010-11 as the college is under Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojna. Veterinary College in the South Gujarat region caters the necessity of livestock farmers / owners and pet owners especially of tribal region of South Gujarat.
The full-fledged College of Agriculture, Bharuch was started with multi-functional activities like Teaching, Research and Extension Education under Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. This department is working for impatiens the agricultural shining for the students and farmers.
The Dangs is situated in southeast parts of the Gujarat. The district bordered by districts Navsari and Valsad in the West, Tapi district in the North and Maharashtra state in the South and East covered with high hills and rich forest. Before Independence several wars were fought between the five tribal kings of Dang and the British. According to the history, the biggest ever war took place at Lashkaria Amba, in which kings of all five erstwhile states got together to protect Dang from British rule. The British were beaten and decided to discontinue war and resorted to compromise.
To meet the ever field of emerging area of Agriculture Engineering And Technology, NavsariAgricultural University (NAU), Navsari has established College Of Agricuktural Engineering in 2013 with the approval of All India Council For Technical Education(AICTE), Ministry of HRD, Govt. Of India.
ASPEE SHAKILAM Biotechnology Institute was established as Gujarat Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (GABI) in April 2012 with the financial aid of Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Government of Gujarat in the available building of university at Athwa Farm, Surat. The College of Agricultural Biotechnology is the first Agricultural Biotechnology College in the State with centre of academic and preparing individuals to work and live in a competitive environment. In the year 2015-16 new building was constructed with the infrastructural facility. This institute was renamed as ASPEE SHAKILAM Agri. Biotechnology Institute (ASABI)
Agriculture School was establishment in 2nd October, 1966. It is converted into Polytechnic in Agriculture during 2009-10. It is located in the East side two kilometres away from Railway Station Bharuch on Zadeshwar road. Nearest Airport is Vadodara, 75 Km away from Bharuch. Geographically the Polytechnic in Agriculture is located at Longitude 73.50E and Latitude 22.00N. It is one of the College of Navsari Agricultural University.
This research station is located at Khergam Village of Gandevi Taluka in Navsari District under South Gujarat region. It was established in 1935 by Gaikwad state with a view to develop horticultural activities in this region. Geographically, it is situated at 20.807545º N 73.022260º E and 7.6 meter height from sea level. It is 4 km away from Gandevi town. The total area of the farm is 12.23 ha out of which 10.17 ha is under cultivation. The soil of the farm is clayey with moderate drainage.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has sanctioned the 'MEGA SEED' project entitled "Seed Production in Agricultural crops" for field and horticultural crops during 2006-07 to Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari with total outlay of Rs. 317.06 lakhs. Under this project, NAU, Navsari has created infrastructure such as seed godowns, threshing floors, farm fencing, irrigation facilities, nursery facilities, seed processing plant, seed testing laboratory, training facilities etc. in different seed production centres. Different farm machineries and equipments such as combined harvesters, tractors, power tillers, submersible pumps etc., were also purchased. Under Mega Seed project, NAU, Navsari has started seed production programme in 7 districts of South Gujarat i.e. Navsari, Valsad, Dang, Surat, Tapi, Bharuch and Narmada which includes 35 research centres.
Livestock Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University (Previously part of Gujarat Agricultural University) was established in the year 1978 at Navsari. An organized herd of purebred Surti buffaloes (Started February 1986) and Holstein Friesian × Kankrej (HF × K) crossbred cattle (Started September 1991) along with a field unit of Surti goats under All India Coordinated Research Project on Goat Improvement (Started January 2001) is maintained at this station. This centre is involved since last many years in the conservation of above breeds through various Plan, Non-plan and ICAR funded projects. Conservation of field animals of these breeds is attempted through the supply of high quality males to different Gram panchayats, Gaushalas, Government organizations and other agencies.
Achhalia is situated in the tribal area of Bharuch district near Umalla village, 38 km away from Ankleswar on Ankleswar-Rajpipla state highway no. 64. Geographically, the station is located at 21°97' North latitude and 73°18' East longitude with an altitude of about 38.0 m above MSL. The region of this sub-station comes under the Agro Ecological Situation-I of South Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone-II. The area represented by this situation includes Dediapada, Nandod, Sagabara, Western part of Valia and Jhagadia of Bharuch district and Mandvi, Mangrol, Nizer and Uchhal talukas of Surat districts. The total geographical area of this situation is 5.17 lakh ha, i.e., 47.8% of this zone. Out of total area, 42.3% is the gross cropped area. The area under double cropping is only 2.26%. The soil of this situation is undulating, shallow to medium in depth and fine in texture; medium in available nitrogen and phosphorus and rich in potash. Most of the area, i.e., 92% in this situation is rainfed having cotton, sorghum, pigeonpea, etc. as the major crops.
Agricultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Tanchha, Ta: Amod, Di: Bharuch was established in the year 1959 which was earlier working at Bhuva, Ta: Bharuch. The station served as a research testing centre for Bara tract of South Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone II. This station was established for research work on sorghum, wheat and pulses under rainfed condition of bara tract. Narmada planning group has identified Tanchha as one of research station for generate location specific agro techniques for increasing crop production on sustainable basis and disseminate same information to farmers of SSP command area.
Agriculture Experimental Station (AES), Paria came into existence from the year 1962 in Pardi taluka of Valsad district on Udvada- Paria road, about 4 kms away from Udvada Railway Station (WR) to test the feasibility of growing other crops instead of natural grasses. Initially, this station was run by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Gujarat. Later on, in 1972 this station was transferred to Gujarat Agricultural University, and lastly it came under Navsari Agricultural University during 2004. At present, work on developing suitable farming systems and research work on important crops like mango, sapota, cashew and other minor fruit crops is in progress.
A Project for “Research in Agril. Chemistry and Soil Science” was sanctioned initially in January 1967 by Government of Gujarat for Agriculture Research activities under South Gujarat- Heavy Rainfall Agro climatic Zone. Afterwards, Soil Science department came into existence in 1976 at Navsari Agricultural University with the starting of the Project for “Research in Agril. Chemistry and Soil Science (University B.H. 5020)” at University vide Government order No.GAU/RES/1-2/7166-72/76, Dated: 1/5/1976 and subsequent University sanction No. ACN/A-1/7002-7/76, Navsari, Dated: 15/5/1976. The project was started at University with the following mandates.
South Gujarat occupies the most predominant position in the irrigation map of Gujarat. The Ukai- Kakrapar (UKC) is the biggest multi-purpose project in South Gujarat built on river Tapi. Prior to inception of canal, the whole tract had a predominant monocropping of cotton, sorghum, pigeon pea and orchard crops with pulses on residual moisture. With creation of perennial irrigation facility, double and multiple cropping like sugarcane, banana, summer paddy, vegetables and orchard etc. came in to existence. Due to adoption of unscientific soil and water management practices in these crops, the ill effects like water logging, secondary salinzation etc. has been arised. Further, the lack of concept of agricultural drainage in this area has aggravated the problems of water logging and secondary salinization. As a result of this, presently 15 per cent land of the UKC has adversely affected and another 25 per cent area is critical from water logging point of view.
Cotton has been grown in our country since time immemorial and history recorded and unrecorded bears witness to the claim this fibre is indigenous to this country, particularly the Asiatic types; G.herbaceum and G.arboreum. However, attempts to put cotton growing on a scientific basis and introduced the new world species, G.hirsutum in to this country date back to the middle of the 18th century. In the eighteenth century after arrival of British East India Company, attempts were made to introduce American cotton for cultivation and on experiment basis cultivation has been made in Gujarat. But no success was achieved by original American types and therefore, effects were made to improve indigenous cotton. In this context, the Regional Cotton Res. Station was established in the year 1913 with the objective to carry out cotton research activity for Asiatic cotton production and productivity for farmers of Middle Gujarat. After independence, cotton growing area of the country shifted in Pakistan and the textile mills remained in India resulted shortage of cotton- lint in India.
The Regional Rice Research Station was established at Vyara in the year 1934, primarily to work on sugarcane and rice. Later on increasing the importance of rice crop, research work on sugarcane was discontinued and shifted to Navsari. In the year 1962, research work on rice was strengthened with view to undertake research on varietal evaluation. Thereafter since 1972 with formation of Gujarat Agriculture University research work was more intensified for varietal evaluation and agro techniques of released varieties. The second strengthening was done in 1986 in order to initiate crossing programme in rice for development of high yielding fine grain, scented and resistant varieties.
Sorghum is the most important food and fodder crop of dry land agriculture. Sorghum grains are important as food and as livestock feed. The stem and foliage are used as a green fodder, hay, silage and pasture. The stems are also used as fuel and building material. Sorghum is used in preparation of different types of food and unleavened bread is the most common food made from sorghum flour. The dough is sometimes fermented before the bread is prepared, and the grains boiled to make a porridge or gruel. It is also used in the preparation of biscuit. Beer is prepared from sorghum grain in many parts of Africa.
Cotton, the king of apparel fibre, has played a key role in the development of human civilization. Even today, it occupies an outstanding position in the textile industry despite pressure of manmade fibres and blended fabrics. Gujarat is one of the leading cotton producing state in the country. Gujarat contributes substantially to the national cotton area (24%) and productions (37%). Originally, local desi cotton varieties were grown in the state. The East India Company attempted to introduce American cotton for cultivation during 18th Century on experimental basis on cultivators' field in Gujarat. But since no success was achieved, efforts were made to improve indigenous cottons, particularly after the establishment of cotton research station at Surat in 1896, where systematic work on cotton research started in 1904. It was visualized to combine sturdiness of Asiatic cottons and boll size and lint quality of new world cottons. Accordingly systematic interspecific hybridization work was started in 1923 which was expanded under the scheme for interspecific hybridization in cotton. The research work was strengthened from time to time under state department of agriculture and also under the aegis of ICCC. Inception of All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project in 1967 gave it a further boost. At present, cotton research work is carried out through a well knit system at one main (Surat), 6 (Bharuch, Talod, Anand, Viramgam, Junagadh, Amreli) regional and 6 sub stations (Hansot, Achhalia, Dhandhuka, Ratia, Khapat, Bhachau) distributed in the four SAUs all over the state. The All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project currently operates at one main centre at Surat and one sub centre at Junagadh. However, AICCIP experiments are conducted at several voluntary centers like Bharuch, Viramgam, Talod, Anand, Amreli and Dhandhuka. Since its establishment in 1896, the cotton research station, Surat has been a trail-blazer for its research achievements. Though some varieties were evolved earlier, it got first shot in the arm when the first ever Indo-American variety DEVIRAJ (170 Co2), involving American and Asiatic blood was released in 1951 after several years of intensive efforts with inter specific breeding materials. Release of first intra hirsutum hybrid cotton "HYBRID-4", from this centre in 1971 was another landmark in the history of cotton. This hybrid proved to be harbinger for researchers elsewhere in the country as well as abroad. Then came the first ever budded cotton G. Cot. 101, which was released in 1977. This cotton combined the properties of perennial as well as annual cotton and is especially suited to the needs of Adivasi farmers in the non-conventional cotton areas. Concurrent efforts for development of desi hybrid culminated in the release of hybrid G. Cot.DH-7 in 1984. This was another feather in the cap of this station. In fact, it proved to be a trend setter for development of desi hybrid in other states of the country. In 1989, the first ever long staple desi hybrid G.Cot.DH-9 was released. First GMS based desi hybrid of Gujarat G.Cot.MDH-11 was released in 2002. Similarly first ELS hybrid G.Cot.Hy-102 (H x B) was released in 2002. The first ever Bt cotton hybrids by Public Sector Institute was released as G. Cot. Hybrid - 6 (BG-II) and G. Cot. Hybrid - 8 (BG-II). Thus the station has the distinction of several firsts to its credit and it is quite heartening to note that many varieties of Gujarat have been widely acclaimed in other states. Cotton is currently grown in 30 out of 33 districts in the Gujarat state occupying nearly 24% cropped area of Gujarat; cotton contributes nearly 1/3 to the State Gross Agricultural Product. Area wise still Gujarat is at the second position after Maharashtra cultivating in the 27.09 lakh ha with production of 92.00 lakh bales (2018-19) and productivity of 577.00 kg lint per ha. The average productivity is 675 kg lint/ha which is higher than the national average. About 60% area of Gujarat state is under rain fed cultivation and there is a substantial yield gap between irrigated and rain fed area. The productivity more or less remained stable during the reporting period, however, the area came down from initial 27-28 lakh ha to 25-26 lakh ha due to pink bollworm infestation on Bt cotton and replacement with pulse crops due to remunerative prices. However, concerted efforts by different stake holders in PPP mode through rigorous planning, collective effort and implementing short and long term effective strategies helped to combat pink bollworm.
The research work on sugarcane was initiated at Agricultural Research Station, Vyara (Dist.: Surat now Tapi) in the year 1934 and subsequently it was transferred to Navsari at Regional Sugarcane Research Station in 1968-69. Earlier, there were two Regional Sugarcane Research Stations at Navsari and Thasara and Main Sugarcane Research Station at Kodinar in the State up to April-2004. Thereafter, Regional Sugarcane Research Station, Navsari was upgraded as Main Sugarcane Research Station (MSRS). Under Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, MSRS initiated research and extension work on sugarcane in various aspects like on crop improvement, crop production and crop protection. All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Sugarcane, ICAR has sanctioned one sub centre at Navsari since 1971-72 to carry out the research work in the discipline of Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Entomology and Plant Pathology.
wheat Research station, Bardori was estabrished in May 1g63 and transfers ro Gujarat Agricultural university form i,-6-L972 and is now run under Navsari Agricurturar university form L-5-2004 The soir of research station is heavy Brack rich in fertirity. The soil is medium in N and p whire in avairabre potash with 7.7 pH and 0.30 milimose/cm erectric co n d uctivitV. Bardori is substation for research in wheat under rate sown irrigated condition in Rice- Wheat cropp ing sequence.
Niger locally known as Kharsani and Ram Til is tribal’s main oil seed crop in rain-fed situation in Gujarat specially in hilly region of Panchmahals, Bharuch, Surat, Valsad and Dangs districts, which are high risk areas. It is mainly used for cooking purposes and partly for illumination and other domestic purposes. Its oilcake goes as cattle feed particularly for milch animals. Niger oil is good quality edible oil. Its average yield varies from about 100 kg/ha in Maharashtra, to more than 800 kg/ha. This indicates ample scope for improvement in yield. Experiments conducted during last five years indicated that Niger crop has good potential and scope even as a Rabi oilseed crop. Rabi niger crop has given 5 to 6 times higher yield than kharif season crop with limited irrigation with very low cost of production and reduced risk as compared to summer groundnut. Looking to scope of the crop there is need to strengthen the present research work going on in niger which is presently having insufficient manpower and facilities.
The National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) was started in the year 1982. The National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) is situated at 72-0' E longitude and 21.5' N latitude at an elevation of 15.64 mt. MSL. This centre is located in agro climatic Zone-II and agro-ecological situations five. The soils of this centre are black type .this center is 4 km far from Railway station Bharuch in East.
The Cotton Research Station was established in the year 1964 for developing wilt sick plot and their by to developing wilt resistant cotton strain especially in G.herbaceum.
Agricultural research station, Mangrol was established in 2005. The station served as a research testing center for south Gujarat Agro climatic zone- II. This station was established for research work on sorghum and pulses. Since 2011-12 the All India Co-ordinated Research project trials on sorghum was started.
Hill Millet Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai, Dist.: The Dangs is situated at a cross section of latitude of 20.77' N and longitude of 73.50' E; falls under South Gujarat Heavy Rainfall Zone, Agro Ecological Situation-I. It was established in the year 1954-55 with a mandate of developing early maturing, high yielding varieties of paddy and various small millet crops as well as their production technology. Subsequently, in the year 1977-78 the hill millet work was strengthened with starting of "Strengthening of Hill Millet Research Scheme (SHMRS)". One more scheme on Tuber and Vegetable was also sanctioned. Later on, ICAR had sanctioned scheme "AICRP on Tuber crops (other than potato)", which was transferred to Aspee College of Horticulture and Forestry, NAU, Navsari. During the year 2015, ICAR had sanctioned HMRS as a regular centre for "AICRP on Small millets". At present, this is one and only research stations of Navsari Agricultural University where the activities of research on small millet crops are going on. The centre ranked first position among all AICRP centres during the period 2017-18.
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Rice is one of the most important staple food crops of India for more than 2/3rd of its population. The slogan “Rice is life” can be considered appropriate for our country as this crop plays a vital role in our national food security and is a means of livelihood for millions of rural households. In Gujarat, rice is cultivated in 8.4 lakh hectares with production of 19.3 lakh tonnes and productivity of 2305 kg per hectare. Main Rice Research Centre, NAU, Navsari, Gujarat is looking after all aspects of rice research for South Gujarat region started in the year 1982. All India Co-ordinated Rice Improvement Project was also started in the year 2009. For enhancing the productivity of rice in South Gujarat, there is need to give more emphasis in districts like Narmada, The Dangs, Tapi, Bharuch etc. where productivity is less than state average. Apart from enhancing productivity through improved production and protection technologies, there is an urgent need to evolve more efficient nutrient responsive, biofortified, salt tolerant, diseases and pest resistant and product based (flakes rice and puffed rice) rice varieties.
Floriculture Research Farm for ornamental plants is being nicely maintained at ACHF, NAU, Navsari. Presently, the Farm has many commercially important ornamental crops like gladiolus, rose, spider lily, tuberose, chrysanthemum, China aster, heliconia, etc. These plants have been collected from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Students, scientists as well as farmers are regularly visiting the farm and availing the opportunity to learn about more than 200 species of ornamental plants. The Farm has become the centre of attraction for farmers, eminent authorities from ICAR, SAUs and Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Gujarat. Many ddignitaries visited the Farm and appreciated efforts made by scientists.
This farm belongs to Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) located on the historic road Dandi known for Salt Satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi around 14 km, from Navsari railway station 3 km and 8 km from the National Highway No.8, the Navsari campus gained the status of a separate agricultural university with effect from May 1, 2004. Organic Farming Cell working on organic farming science 2005 with various aspects of organic farming in 12 ha area. The state has also declared policy on organic farming in the year 2015. The Dang district is the first district of the state declared as a Organic District under this policy which comes under the jurisdictions of this university.
Total coastal salt affected area in Gujarat is 7.2 Lakh ha and that in South Gujarat is 70,000 ha. These regions are mostly rainfed and mono cropped with rice during wet season. In addition to this, in inland areas the problem of secondary salinization due to cyclonic disturbances is acquiring menacing proportions because of high clay content of soils, over irrigation and predominance cultivation of high water consuming crops like paddy, sugarcane etc. In order to increase the productivity of the crops through crop improvement and improved agrotechniques, the Research station was established in 1966 as Khar Land Paddy Research Station at Danti / Umbharat which is now working as Coastal Soil Salinity Research Station which represents coastal area of South Gujarat and comes under AES IV. This AES is characterized by medium rainfall (1140 mm) with irregular distribution, heavy textured and salt affected soils with poor drainage capacity, tail end of the command with Kharif paddy as a predominant crop. Because of the above situations, productivity of the existing crops is low and incidences of total failure of the crops are also common. Research work is being carried out at station with the objective of getting profitable crop production in such circumstances.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra is an institutional project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to demonstrate technology generation, technology assessment and refinement and dissemination in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The KVK has been charged now to take up the responsibilities of technology evaluation and impact assessment, demonstration of technology on the farmer’s field and update of the knowledge and skill for the farmers.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra is an institutional project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to demonstrate technology generation, technology assessment and refinement and dissemination in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The KVK has been charged now to take up the responsibilities of technology evaluation and impact assessment, demonstration of technology on the farmer’s field and update of the knowledge and skill for the farmers. Year of Establishment : 2004
Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Waghai
Krishi Vigyan Kendra is an institutional project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to demonstrate technology generation, technology assessment and refinement and dissemination in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The KVK has been charged now to take up the responsibilities of technology evaluation and impact assessment, demonstration of technology on the farmer’s field and update of the knowledge and skill for the farmers. Year of Establishment : 2007
Agricultural Technology Information Center
Sardar Smruti Kendra was established at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari on the auspicious occasion of the Birth Centenary Mahotsav celebration of Hon. Sardar Patel. The foundation stone of Sardar Smruti Kendra, Navsari was laid by Shri Uchharangrai Dhebar, President, Sardar Centenary Mahotsav Committee on 27th October, 1975. This center was inaugurated by Hon. Ex. Prime Minister of India Late Shri Morarjibhai Desai on 21st March, 1978. Main objective of this center is to provide the latest agricultural information to the visitors from the farming community through permanent agricultural museum and to show rememberable work done and life history of Hon. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through permanent photo gallery. Two types of exhibitions and information center were established in Sardar Smruti Kendra with a view to provide agricultural information to the farming community in initial period, viz; 1. Agricultural Exhibition (ground floor) 2.Sardar Patel Photo Gallery (first floor) 3. Agricultural Information Centre
Bakery Training Unit Navsari
Agricultural Educatorium (Museum)
