Union Agriculture Minister Visits ICAR-RCER, Patna; Urges Scientists to Align Research with Viksit Bharat Vision

"Committed to Farmers’ Progress — I Am One of Them,” Says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji, visited the campus of the ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, today and reviewed the research activities and institutional progress being undertaken to support the agricultural transformation of Eastern India. He was accompanied by Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister -Cum-Agriculture Minister, Govt. of Bihar, along with senior officials from the Government of India and the State of Bihar.

The visit commenced with a tree plantation ceremony, led by Hon’ble Union Minister along with Shri Sinha jee and other dignitaries, within the ICAR-RCER campus. Following this, a comprehensive presentation was delivered by Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Acting Director (ICAR-RCER, Patna) highlighting the institute’s vision, major achievements, and ongoing research programs.He stated, “Our institute is playing a crucial role in enhancing water productivity, promoting climate-resilient agriculture,farmer-oriented technological interventions and advancing integrated land and water management practices tailored to the needs of small and marginal farmers.”

The Hon’ble Minister reviewed the institute’s research portfolio and infrastructural development, and appreciated the scientific efforts being made towards the upliftment of small and marginal farmers. He appreciated the efforts of the ICAR-RCER, Patna and urged the scientific community to align their research outcomes with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.” He also emphasized the critical role of translational research in ensuring effective field-level adoption of technologies. He also appreciated the efforts of ICAR and its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the successful execution of the recently concluded Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA). The Minister acknowledged it as a historic initiative where, for the first time, both Central and State Agriculture Departments collaborated closely to deliver science-led agricultural solutions directly to farmers at the grassroots level.

Subsequently, A scientific interaction meeting was held with the institute’s scientists, also attended by scientists from ICAR-ATARI, Patna, during which key discussions were carried out on various aspects such as natural farming, conservation agriculture, agrometeorological advisories, soil health management, future farming strategies and region-specific agri-technologies. The Hon’ble Minister lauded the institute’s interdisciplinary approach and appreciated its ongoing efforts, urging scientists to further intensify their innovation and outreach activities to ensure that research outcomes effectively reach farmers’ fields.

"The programme was anchored by Dr. Shivani, Principal Scientist, Division of Land and Water Management and concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Head of the Division of Socio-Economics and Extension", informed Sh. Umesh Kumar Mishra, Member Secretary, Media, ICAR-RCER, Patna