Mumbai, July 19: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has officially designated Ramasi village in Bhagalpur district as India’s first ‘Sindoor Village.’ This initiative is seen as a significant step towards rural development, women’s empowerment, and promoting agriculture-based employment.
The event was led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. D.R. Singh, with participation from local representatives, scientists, women farmers, and villagers. During the program, 250 Sitakund Sindoor plants, aged seven to eight months, were planted on one acre of land. Additionally, 100 women farmers received Sindoor plants, along with horticultural tool kits, power knapsack sprayers, and sweeping machines to strengthen their livelihoods.
The chief guests, MLA Subhanand Mukesh from Sanhaula and Panchayat head Shobha Devi, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the rural economy. The program commenced with Dr. Ravi Keshari highlighting the religious, cultural, and industrial significance of Sitakund Sindoor. He noted that Sindoor is not only a symbol of marital bliss but also has substantial utility as a natural dye and in various industrial products.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. D.R. Singh stated that Ramasi village will now be recognized as ‘Sindoor Village.’ He explained that thanks to the three years of efforts by the university’s scientist Dr. V. Shajida Bano, the technology for Sitakund Sindoor has been successfully transferred from the laboratory to the farmers’ fields. He claimed that the university has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a patent for Sindoor technology and a GI tag for Sitakund Sindoor.
Dr. Singh also mentioned that the university will provide farmers with market access through a digital portal and plans to establish a Sindoor processing unit in the village to produce pure Sindoor powder from seeds. He explained that Annatto is used as a natural color in food industries, including Amul, while Bixin oil has extensive industrial applications.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor outlined future plans to initiate integrated activities in Ramasi, including Sindoor nurseries, beekeeping, fish farming, goat rearing, and poultry farming. Additionally, thematic village development projects similar to Zardalu and Kamalam villages will be pursued. He also revealed plans to develop the world’s first ‘Sindoor Park’ in the Danapur Cantonment area. The event was attended by several senior officials, scientists, women farmers, and villagers from the university.
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