FNB News - ICAR-IIAB reaches out to 1,500 farmers ahead of Rabi season

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ICAR-IIAB reaches out to 1,500 farmers ahead of Rabi season

Saturday, 10 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]

Our Bureau, Mumbai

The ICAR–Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB), Garhkhatanga, Ranchi, organised a Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti-cum-Agricultural Input Distribution Programme on October 8, 2026, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), bringing together around 1,500 farmers from Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Ramgarh districts.

The programme aimed to strengthen farmer–scientist–policymaker interaction and encourage the adoption of scientific, sustainable and location-specific agricultural practices ahead of the Rabi season.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated several new facilities at ICAR-IIAB through video conferencing. These included the admin-cum-school building, Birsa Munda Multipurpose Hall, Jaipal Singh Munda Sports Complex and NEXTGEN Breeding Facility. The foundation stone for a new guest house was also laid. The facilities were part of development initiatives at the institute involving an investment of Rs 119 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan emphasised the importance of improved seeds, integrated farming, balanced nutrient management and the adoption of agricultural technologies suited to Jharkhand’s agro-climatic conditions. He called for timely availability of quality seeds and stronger extension programmes to ensure that research-based solutions reach farmers’ fields.

Highlighting the importance of protecting farmers from fake seeds, counterfeit fertilisers and substandard pesticides, the minister stressed effective implementation of farmer welfare schemes. He encouraged farmers to integrate crop cultivation with vegetable production and livestock rearing to improve farm productivity and income. He also appreciated the institute’s efforts to translate research into field-level applications and called for a nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary highlighted the contribution of farmers to food security and national development. He encouraged the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, soil testing, balanced fertiliser use and value addition, while underlining the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in strengthening agricultural development. He also urged farmers to explore natural farming on a portion of their cultivated land and called for greater efforts to take agricultural innovations to rural communities.

M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted eastern India’s potential for agricultural transformation. He stressed the need to strengthen agricultural research and knowledge institutions in Jharkhand, promote rice-fallow intensification, encourage location-specific crop and variety selection, and improve livestock productivity. He also identified acidic soils and phosphorus deficiency as important challenges requiring targeted research, while emphasising natural and organic farming practices.

D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, called for aligning agricultural research with farmers’ requirements and ensuring that technologies reach the last mile. He also highlighted the importance of student development, appropriate guidance and expanding opportunities in agricultural research.

As part of the programme, Choudhary, accompanied by senior ICAR and ICAR-IIAB officials, visited the institute’s Dairy Farm, Crop Research and Training Centre, NEXTGEN Breeding Facility and Integrated Farming System (IFS) Unit. At the Dairy Farm, he was briefed on embryo transfer technology for livestock genetic improvement. At the IFS Unit, officials interacted with farmers and discussed integrated farming, agricultural waste recycling and resource-efficient practices. The minister also participated in a plantation drive and interacted with progressive farmers.

An exhibition showcasing crop varieties, livestock and dairy technologies, research achievements, government schemes and farmer-oriented innovations by ICAR institutes and Jharkhand government agencies was organised alongside the programme.

The Kisan Goshti featured discussions on FPOs and agricultural opportunities in Jharkhand, ethno-veterinary medicines, dairy farming, fruit crop production, integrated pest management in Rabi crops, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, organic and natural farming, livestock feeding management and lac cultivation. Farmers interacted with scientists and technical experts to gain practical guidance on improving crop production and livestock management.

Agricultural and livestock inputs were distributed to participating farmers. These included Nano Urea, Nano DAP, mineral mixtures, improved seed varieties, wheat, pea and mustard seeds, vegetable seed kits, a milk can cooler, and high-yielding tomato and brinjal seed varieties. Publications and technologies developed by ICAR institutes were also released.

The programme additionally recognised former and founding leadership of ICAR-IIAB for their contributions to the institute. Those honoured included R. Ramani, former Officer on Special Duty; K. K. Sharma, former Director-in-Charge; Tilak Raj Sharma, former Acting Director and Joint Director (Research); and Arunnava Patanayak, the institute’s first regular director.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB. The initiative reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening farmer–scientist linkages and promoting practical agricultural technologies to support sustainable farming and rural livelihoods in Jharkhand.