The ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, inaugurated a grand three-day celebration on February 20th, with a mega event scheduled for February 22ndto commemorate its25-year Silver Jubilee Foundation Day under the theme "Progressive Agriculture – Viksit Bharat: Preparedness for Eastern India. The celebrations commenced with the inauguration of a Kisan Mela cum Technology Exhibition, graced by Dr. Sanjeev Chourasia, MLA, Digha, as the Chief Guest.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Registrar, Bihar Animal Sciences University (BASU); Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ATARI; Dr. Bikash Das, Director, NRC Litchi; and Pradip Kumar, Deputy Director, National Horticulture Board (NHB), as Guests of Honour.
The function began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries, followed by the ICAR Song. Students from the IARI Hub presented a soulful Saraswati Vandana, setting the stage for the grand celebration. A total of 653 farmers from Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam, along with over 100 scientists, technical staff, entrepreneurs, and representatives from state government departments and private firms, participated in the Kisan Mela cum Technology Exhibition.
On this occasion, the institute released three significant publications: "Empowering Farmers Through Central Sector Schemes, "Institute Newsletter," and "Agriculture Drone." In recognition of their outstanding contributions, 18 progressive farmers from the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Assam were felicitated.
Chief Guest Dr. Sanjeev Chourasia congratulated the staff and employees of ICAR-RCER on completing 25 years of excellence. He emphasized that farmers are also scientists in their own right, capable of innovating technologies based on their experiences. Stressing the importance of organic farming, nutrient management, and soil health, he urged farmers to adopt sustainable practices. He highlighted concerns arising from climate change and lauded the institute’s efforts in developing Integrated Farming System (IFS) models, drone technology applications, and climate-resilient schemes such as PRAYAS and the Greening Rice Fallow Area initiative.
He noted that Eastern India holds immense potential to contribute significantly to national agricultural development and encouraged farmers to set higher goals, integrating traditional and modern agricultural practices for sustainable growth. To achieve these goals farmers should link themselves to government institutions and avail the benefits of government schemes.
Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, welcomed all dignitaries and presented an overview of the institute’s achievements. He reflected on the transformative journey of the institute over the past 25 years, emphasizing its role in research, technological innovation, and sustainable agricultural development in Eastern India. He highlighted the development of IFS models for small and marginal farmers, resource conservation technologies, and the release of 12 climate-resilient rice varieties, one chickpea variety, 63 high-yielding nutrient-rich vegetable varieties, and six high-yielding fruit varieties.
He also highlighted innovative initiatives such as FPO-based delivery models, characterization and registration of indigenous livestock breeds, and advancements in fisheries. Dr. Das further emphasized groundbreaking innovations such as multiple-use water models, agrivoltaic systems, and futuristic farm models that hold great promise for the agricultural sector, aligning with national priorities to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Dr. Pradip Kumar, Deputy Director of NHB, underscored the vast opportunities in the horticulture sector and its potential to build resilience against climate change. He pointed out the high costs associated with polyhouses and hi-tech nurseries and encouraged farmers to take advantage of NHB’s subsidy schemes. He noted that the lack of quality planting material and limited awareness of government schemes were major constraints affecting the profitability of the horticulture sector. He urged farmers to explore subsidy programs for establishing mushroom units and hi-tech nurseries to enhance productivity and profitability.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Registrar, BASU, emphasized that doubling farmers' income is possible only through the integration of livestock components into agricultural enterprises. He noted that agricultural fairs such as the Kisan Mela serve as excellent platforms for farmers to learn about new and advanced technologies.
Dr. Bikash Das, Director of NRC Litchi, stressed the importance of entrepreneurship development in the litchi value chain. He encouraged farmers to approach agriculture with the confidence of visionary businessmen and highlighted the untapped potential for litchi cultivation across Bihar, pointing out that around six lakh hectares are suitable for litchi farming in the state. He also emphasized the need for capacity-building initiatives to help farmers improve marketing and export opportunities for litchi.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ATARI Kolkata, emphasized the pivotal role of women in agricultural entrepreneurship, stating that educating a woman farmer is equivalent to educating an entire family. He highlighted the significance of the IARI Hub, which has initiated academic programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels with the involvement of institute scientists, calling it a significant step toward academic excellence in agricultural education and research.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Head of DSEE and Organizing Secretary. The Silver Jubilee celebrations will continue with a series of events over three days, including a Farmers’ Fair, National Seminar, Technology Showcasing and Exhibition, Farmers-Scientist Interaction, and a Tribal Cultural Program, making it a landmark occasion for ICAR-RCER and the agricultural community of Eastern India.
