The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences (WBUAFS) successfully conducted a Farmers-Scientist Interaction Programme on March 28, 2025, bringing together approximately 350 farmers from various districts of West Bengal. Organized by the Directorate of Extension and Farms (DREF), WBUAFS, the event served as a significant platform for discussions on modern farming techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and income generation opportunities for marginal farmers.
The inaugural session featured eminent dignitaries and experts from the field of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. Dr. Pradip Kumar Dey, Director of ATARI, Kolkata, Dr. Tirtha Kumar Datta, Vice-Chancellor of WBUAFS, and Prof. Chanchal Guha, former Vice-Chancellor, were among the chief guests. Other distinguished attendees included Prof. Binoy Kanta Sil, Director of DREF, Dr. Arnab Sen, Station-in-Charge of IVRI, Dr. T. K. Ghosal, Station-in-Charge of CIFE, Kolkata, and Dr. Santanu Banik, Station-in-Charge of NDRI, Kalyani.
The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr. Keshab Chandra Dhara, Deputy Director of Farms.
During the session, Dr. Tirtha Kumar Datta highlighted the importance of increasing the income of marginal farmers, particularly women farmers, through scientific farming techniques, input support, and training programs. He highlighted the university’s role in creating bankable projects in agriculture, fisheries, and animal farming. Prof. Binoy Kanta Sil addressed the current state of the agriculture and dairy industries, while Dr. Pradip Kumar Dey discussed the future of agriculture in different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal and suggested innovative solutions for sectoral growth.
Dr. Arnab Sen praised the university's initiative, and Dr. T. K. Ghoshal elaborated on the potential of aquaculture and fishery-based entrepreneurship among marginal farmers. Dr. Santanu Banik underscored the integration of modern technology with traditional knowledge to enhance profitability in small-scale farming. Dr. Keshab Chandra Dhara also addressed common challenges in agriculture and animal farming, stressing the importance of such interactive sessions in developing scientific solutions.
As part of the event, four Bengali-language booklets on farming and animal husbandry were unveiled:
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"Deshiyo Prajukti te Chagol o Murgir Chikitsa" (Indigenous Techniques for Goat and Poultry Treatment)
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"Misti Jole Pona Macher Chas o Rog Niramoy" (Freshwater Fingerling Farming and Disease Management)
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"Vanaraja Murgir Palon: Aayer Notun Vorsha" (Vanaraja Poultry Farming: A New Source of Income)
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"Jibon o Jibikay Chagol Palon" (Goat Rearing for Livelihood and Income)
The second half of the program featured an interactive discussion between farmers and an expert panel led by Prof. Arunasish Goswami. The panel included Prof. T. S. Nagesh, Dean of the Faculty of Fishery Sciences, along with esteemed faculty members from livestock product technology, aquaculture, microbiology, veterinary medicine, and dairy microbiology.
Farmers raised queries about cost-effective fish feed, efficient fishery practices (especially for stinging catfish), affordable fodder solutions, and bio-fertilizer use. Experts provided practical solutions and guidance, also addressing concerns about common diseases in farm animals.
The event was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Keshab Chandra Dhara, ensuring seamless discussions between farmers and scientists. Expressing their appreciation, farmers shared positive feedback on the knowledge gained during the session.
The programme concluded with a valedictory speech by Prof. T. K. Datta, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting farmers through scientific interventions and capacity-building initiatives.
