Chirag Gupta
Bhagalpur: The three-day Annual Regional Workshop for Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Bihar and Jharkhand, organized by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Patna, commenced at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. The event was inaugurated with a gathering of prominent figures from the agricultural sector, including Vice Chancellor D.R. Singh, who highlighted the vital role of KVKs in the development of agriculture and farmers in the region. He praised the university’s connection with over 2.5 lakh farmers annually and its efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in Bihar.
Vice Chancellor Singh underscored the impact of KVKs in advancing agriculture, particularly in the state’s leading production of maize, makhana, litchi, and various vegetables. He also discussed the university’s innovations in food processing and packaging, such as solutions for makhana, jardalu mango, and litchi, and introduced upcoming initiatives like the establishment of a secondary agriculture college and the state’s first NABL-accredited laboratory. Singh further emphasized the university’s commitment to combating malnutrition and achieving self-sufficiency in crops like oilseeds, pulses, and sorghum.
The workshop began with a welcome address by R.K. Sohane, Director of Extension Education, who praised the performance of Zone IV, attributing its success to the improved functioning of KVKs. Sohane emphasized the university’s dedication to providing quality products and services to farmers, aligning with the workshop’s goal of enhancing knowledge and innovation in agriculture.
Anjani Kumar, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Patna, outlined the structure of the workshop, which includes theme-based presentations on topics like Conservation Agriculture and NICRA, as well as lectures designed to increase awareness among participants. He also congratulated the Vice Chancellor for successfully appointing subject matter experts in KVKs, further strengthening the university’s academic and research capabilities.
Speakers such as K.G. Mandal from ICAR-MGFRI, Motihari, and Anup Das, Director of ICAR-RECR, Patna, praised the university’s achievements and encouraged scientists to adopt innovative approaches to meet the evolving needs of farmers. They highlighted the importance of the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model and urged participants to archive success stories and farmer experiences to enhance agricultural practices and outcomes.
The workshop also featured the release of several publications, including the annual report of ICAR-ATARI, Patna, a book of success stories from innovative farmers, and a new newsletter. Retired scientists of KVKs were also honored for their contributions to agricultural development in the region.
The event will continue over the next two days, focusing on presentations from various KVKs, a review of their ongoing work, and the formulation of an action plan for the upcoming year in consultation with experts. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem.
