National Workshop Aims to Engage Youth in Agriculture, Address Climate Challenges

Patna: A two-day national workshop aimed at attracting and retaining youth in agriculture began on Wednesday at the Bameti Auditorium in Patna. Organized by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (Attari) Patna Zone, the workshop brought together scientists from 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country. The event was inaugurated by Dr. U.S. Gautam, Deputy Director General of Agricultural Extension, ICAR, and Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department.

Dr. Gautam highlighted the need to engage India’s rural youth, who constitute 52% of the population, in agriculture and agribusiness. “The Arya project, initiated in 2016, aims to provide income opportunities within villages to prevent migration to cities,” he said. Under the project, KVKs offer training and assistance to rural youth, equipping them with skills in modern farming and allied sectors such as animal husbandry, fisheries, and poultry farming.

Dr. Gautam also emphasized the evolving role of KVKs in addressing climate change. “Creating multi-layered income systems for farmers in the face of climate challenges is the next frontier,” he said, adding that new policies and guidelines are being developed to enhance the capacity and responsibilities of KVKs.

Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, in her address, underscored the importance of strengthening KVKs and pointed to the significant contribution of animal husbandry and fisheries to the state’s agricultural GDP. She also drew attention to Bihar’s dairy sector, noting that infrastructure has been established by COMFED to process 50 lakh liters of milk daily, while the state’s total milk production in 2022-23 was over 125 lakh metric tonnes.

Emphasizing the need for proper direction, training, and guidance for the youth, Dr. Vijayalakshmi called for the promotion of agripreneurship to harness the full potential of agriculture-related industries.

Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director of ICAR-Attari Patna Zone, delivered the welcome address, while agriculture expert Rakesh Kashyap moderated the event. Dr. Keshav, Principal Scientist, ICAR, New Delhi, extended the vote of thanks.

Key attendees included Dr. R.K. Singh, Assistant Director General of ICAR Agricultural Extension; Dr. Anoop Das, Director of ICAR Patna; and several other senior scientists. The workshop reinforced the critical role of KVKs in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability, while encouraging rural youth to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career.