Chouhan, In ICAR Patna, Advocates for Farm-Centric Research to Realize 'Advanced India by 2047'
Union Ag Minister's visit to ICAR-RCER in Patna
Union Ag Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bihar's Dep CM Vijay Kumar Sinha toured the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER) to survey their research activities and their impact on ag growth in Eastern India.
Their visit began with a tree-planting ceremony, joining senior officials from central and state govts. Chouhan commended the scientific community for their relentless efforts in revitalizing the farming sector in the region and encouraged them to align their research with the national vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047".
Chouhan emphasized that scientific advancements need to leave the lab and reach the farmers, especially in the eastern region, where unique ag challenges persist. Highlighting the importance of translational research, he appreciated the role of ICAR and its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the recent "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan".
The visit also featured a meeting with researchers focused on significant areas like natural farming, conservation agriculture, agrometeorological advisories, soil health, and future regional ag strategies. Chouhan lauded the institute's interdisciplinary approach and advocated for increased innovation and outreach to ensure that research outcomes benefited farmers directly.
The visit ended with an exhibition showcasing the institute's crop varieties and technologies, offering a peek into the future of sustainable and inclusive ag in Eastern India.
*Related Link: Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan concludes in Gujarat: 1 Crore farmers reached, focus shifts to 7.5 Lakh Hectares of Natural Farming This Year
ICAR-RCER's Acting Director, Dr Ashutosh Upadhyaya, briefed the dignitaries about the institute's accomplishments and ongoing projects. He revealed that the institute is concentrating on improving water productivity, promoting resilient agriculture, and developing low-cost technologies tailored for small and marginal farmers.
Overall, this visit highlighted the current status and future strategies for natural farming and ag research in Eastern India, with a strong focus on advancing scientific research and its practical implementation for farmers in the region.
[Enrichment Data]
Current Status:
- ICAR-RCER is actively engaged in research on water productivity, resilient agriculture, and low-cost tech for small farmers, which aligns with natural farming's principles of sustainability and resource conservation[2].
- The institute plays a vital role through translational research, aiming to bring scientific breakthroughs to the grassroots level, directly benefiting farmers in the eastern states[2][3].
- ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) played a crucial part in fostering innovation adoption in farming practices via the recent "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan"[2][5].
Future Strategies:
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan encouraged the research community to align their work with the national vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047," ensuring India's development goals are met effectively by advancing natural farming methods relevant to the region[2][3].
- The Minister urged that research outputs must be converted into tangible on-field benefits to meet localized ag needs and challenges[2].
- Campaigns like "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan" will promote awareness among farmers about modern technologies, balanced fertilizer use, soil health management, and natural farming techniques adapted to the eastern agro-ecological conditions. This includes the participation of extensive networks of ICAR institutes, KVKs, and state agricultural departments to reach farmers effectively[2][5].
- Increasing water productivity and climate resilience through natural farming practice innovations is a priority considering Eastern India's vulnerability to climate variability, aiming to foster farming systems that conserve resources and maintain ecosystem balance, aligning with natural farming ideals[2].
- The Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, commended the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER) for their work in areas like natural farming, emphasizing the importance of translational research to directly benefit farmers in the region and aligning with the national vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047."
- As part of the visit, the Union Agriculture Minister addressed researchers on the need to increase innovation and outreach in regions like Eastern India, focusing on significant areas such as conservation agriculture and agrometeorological advisories, alongside natural farming, to ensure the practical implementation of research outcomes for the benefit of local farmers.
