DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, formerly known as the Department of Agriculture Botany, is one of the oldest and most esteemed departments of Janta Vedic College, Baraut. Established with the inception of the M.Sc. Ag. (Agriculture Botany) programme in 1959, the department has made significant contributions to agricultural education and research for over six decades.

The department was founded under the visionary leadership of Dr. B. Prasad, who served as the first Head. Since then, the department has been guided by several eminent scholars including Dr. B.S. Chaudhary, Dr. Dhirendra Singh, Dr. Ravindra Singh, Prof. Ashok Chaudhary, and Dr. V.K. Dwivedi. Currently, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta leads the department with a continued commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

With a strong focus on both teaching and research, the department offers undergraduate (B.Sc. Ag.), postgraduate (M.Sc. Ag.), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes. It is equipped with modern laboratories, experimental fields, and advanced teaching tools such as OHPs and LCD projectors to enhance learning experiences.

The faculty is distinguished by its academic strength and interdisciplinary research in key areas of genetics and plant breeding. The department remains dedicated to nurturing skilled professionals and researchers, contributing significantly to the advancement of agricultural sciences.

Group photo of M.Sc. Agri Botany final year students (1962–63) with Principal, Head of Department, and Professors

Laboratory

The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, formerly known as the Department of Agricultural Botany, at Janta Vedic College, Baraut, is well-equipped with modern laboratory and field facilities to support teaching and research. The department houses a well-established laboratory infrastructure that includes advanced instruments such as a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, PCR machine, gel electrophoresis unit, centrifuge machine, seed germinator, mechanical shaker, vortex mixer, and a leaf area meter. A laminar air flow cabinet supports tissue culture activities, while a variety of glassware ensures smooth execution of laboratory protocols. The department also possesses different types of microscopes specifically used for cytogenetic studies.

M.Sc. (Ag.) students performing experiments under laminar air flow

Seed germinator in Genetics and Plant Breeding laboratory

Faculty demonstrating seed germination experiment to B.Sc. (Ag.) students – bridging concepts with hands-on learning

B.Sc. Ag.) students performing seed viability experiments under the guidance of faculty – fostering practical understanding of seed science

M.Sc. research scholars working with PCR and leaf area meter in Genetics and Plant Breeding laboratory

Crop Research Farm

 In addition to the lab-based resources, the department maintains a crop research farm with experimental plots for conducting research in breeding, varietal trials, and genetic variability studies across cereals, pulses, oilseeds etc.

M.Sc. research scholars conducting trials in experimental plots as part of their research activities

Faculty demonstrating Genetics and Plant Breeding field experiment to M.Sc. (Ag.) students

Departmental Library

A departmental library further supports academic and research needs. It houses a rich collection of textbooks covering key areas such as genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, plant physiology and related agricultural sciences. In addition to standard reference books, the library maintains a repository of research theses and dissertations submitted by postgraduate and Ph.D. students, which serve as useful references for ongoing and future research.

M.Sc. (Ag.) students engaged in focused study in the departmental library – nurturing knowledge through dedicated learning

Smart Classrooms

The department is equipped with well-furnished classrooms designed to facilitate effective teaching and learning. Classrooms are fitted with projector systems to support digital and multimedia presentations, making lectures more interactive and engaging.

Faculty members teaching M.Sc. (Ag.) students using whiteboard – promoting interactive and concept-based learni

M.Scg.) students delivering seminar presentations before faculty – enhancing academic communication and critical thinking skills