Brainstorming session on “Frontiers in Integrated Farming System Research” Held at ICAR-RCER, Patna

The ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna organized a brainstorming session on “Frontiers in Integrated Farming System Research” on 8th July 2025. The event brought together agricultural scientists to discuss the challenges, recent advancements and collaborative efforts in integrated farming systems aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Dr. B. Gangwar (Chief Guest), Former Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut, appreciated the efforts of ICAR-RCER in the field of integrated farming system research. He emphasized the need for resource optimization and location-specific research for enhancing farming system efficiency. Dr. Gangwar also highlighted the importance of improving existing farming practices in alignment with household requirements and advocated for the promotion of organic-based nutri-gardens.

Dr. A.S. Panwar, Former Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut, shared valuable insights drawn from his vast experience. He emphasized the significance of natural farming and the need to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Dr. Panwar also underlined the benefits of raised and sunken bed technologies for enhancing resource use efficiency and ensuring nutritional security. He stressed the importance of adopting situation-specific farming systems and promoting multi-tier cropping systems for sustainable agricultural development. 

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Head, DCR, ICAR-RCER, Patna briefly outlined the ongoing research activities on IFS models at ICAR-RCER, Patna, emphasizing their focus on location-specific integration of components. He highlighted how these models aim to enhance resource use efficiency, income, and livelihood security for farmers in the eastern region.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, emphasized the significance of Farming System Research in achieving food and livelihood security, particularly for small and marginal farmers in Eastern India. He underscored the need for location-specific and resource-efficient models to address challenges such as small and fragmented land holdings and increasing climate variability. Dr. Das also advocated for enhanced farmer training and capacity building to ensure wider adoption and long-term sustainability of these systems.

A vibrant interaction session followed, involving all participating scientists. The interactive dialogue aimed to explore practical challenges, research outcomes, and future strategies for strengthening the IFS approach in the region.The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Abhishek Kumar Dubey, Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna.