ICAR-ATARI Zone IV’s 9th Foundation Day Celebrated with Focus on Farmer Development

9th Foundation Day of ICAR-ATARI Zone IV Celebrated

Patna, 19th August, 2024 :

The 9th Foundation Day of ICAR-ATARI Zone IV was celebrated on Monday at the institute’s campus in Patna. The event was attended by vice-chancellors and former vice-chancellors from various agricultural universities, directors from ICAR Eastern Region and its affiliated units, senior agricultural scientists, and heads of 14 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Dr. R.K. Samanta, the former vice-chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, was the chief guest. In his inspiring address, Dr. Samanta emphasized that agricultural scientists should work with full dedication. He urged them to give back to society through their innovative research and advancements. Dr. Samanta highlighted the need to advance the KVKs further.

The event was presided over by Dr. U.S. Gautam, Deputy Director General of Agricultural Extension at ICAR, New Delhi. In his address, Dr. Gautam stressed the importance of collaboration between ICAR, KVKs, and state agricultural departments. He noted the growing utility of agricultural technologies, especially in response to the changing food habits of people, who are now increasingly consuming fruits instead of grains in the evenings. This, he said, necessitates an increase in fruit production.

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The guest of honor, Dr. P.S. Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, remarked on the significant role KVKs play in the progress of agriculture and farmers. He emphasized the need to bring the contributions of KVKs to the forefront and called for the digitalization of their activities, advocating for structured and documented timelines.

Dr. S.C. Dubey, Vice-Chancellor of Birsa Agricultural University, noted that without KVKs, the development of farmers is not possible. He pointed out that the success of any agricultural initiative is better realized through the efforts of KVKs and emphasized the need for value addition in their role.

Dr. R.K. Singh, Assistant Director General of Agricultural Extension at ICAR, stated that ICAR-ATARI acts as a vital link between science and farmers. Given the rapid changes in science and technology, he stressed the need to enhance the capabilities of KVKs.

In his welcome address, Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director of the institute, mentioned that 68 KVKs from Bihar and Jharkhand are associated with ICAR-ATARI Zone IV. He highlighted the efforts being made to ensure better coordination among them to disseminate new agricultural technologies and research to farmers.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna; Dr. Vikas Das, Director of the National Research Centre on Litchi in Muzaffarpur and Dr. K.G. Mandal, Director of the Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Agricultural Research Institute in East Champaran, also shared their thoughts on the occasion.

During the event, three books were released, and the Digital Database Management of Training Programs was launched. Heads of 14 KVKs from Bihar and Jharkhand, along with associated Farmer Producer Organizations, showcased their products through an exhibition. The event also saw the participation of 50 farmers. The program was coordinated by Senior Scientist Dr. Pragya Bhadauria, with principal scientists Dr. Mohammad Monobrullah, Dr. Dharm Veer Singh and Dr. Tejaswini Kapil. The vote of thanks was delivered by Principal Scientist Dr. Amrendra Kumar.

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