ICAR-RCER, Patna Hosts National Conference on Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Agriculture

Farmers’ Welfare and Environmental Protection Take Center Stage at National Conference

Environmental Neglect Threatens Agriculture: Dr. Inderjeet Singh

A three-day National Conference on Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation (ESSACCM-2026) being organized from January 22–24, 2026; inaugurated today at ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna. This programme is organized in collaboration with the National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, and ICAR-ATARI, Patna. Dr Inderjeet Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna, inaugurated the conference as Chief Guest, while Dr Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR-ATARI, and Dr. Bikas Das, Director, ICAR-NRCL, attended as Guests of Honour.  The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Abhay Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna.

In his inaugural address, Dr Inderjeet Singh cautioned that human activities like indiscriminate use of chemicals & antibiotics and environmental neglect for short-term gains have severely disrupted environmental and ecological balance. He suggested practical pathways to mitigate environmental degradation through the rejuvenation of natural farming, integrated farming systems, promotion of nitrogen-fixing crops, and strategies to enhance phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms.

Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna in his address as the chairman of the organizing committee underlined that environmental stewardship is no longer an option but a necessity. He stated that the pursuit of quality food production must not compromise environmental integrity, biodiversity, or farmers’ welfare. Highlighting the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, he emphasized the urgent need to proactively address environmental concerns in agricultural development. He informed that ICAR-RCER, Patna is addressing food, nutritional and environmental security through multidisciplinary and integrated approach like resilient varieties, IFS, Conservation Agriculture, natural farming, smart water management, agroforestry among many others.

The keynote address by Dr. Arun Kumar, Senior Research Scientist, Mahaveer Cancer Sansthan, Patna highlighted the serious concern of heavy metal contamination in Bihar and its health implications.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anjani Kumar elaborated on the challenges faced by farmers in sustaining productivity under changing climatic conditions and stressed the need for appropriate policy interventions. Dr. Bikas Das expressed concern over the declining soil organic carbon and emphasized that agricultural development must be assessed from an environmental sustainability perspective.

Dr Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Secretary, NESA, New Delhi highlighted the role of the Academy in promoting environmental awareness and safety among the public and commended ICAR-RCER, Patna, for taking the initiative to organize a National-level conference on this critical theme.

 The opening day also featured a special technical session on “Socio-economic upliftment of socially and economically weaker sections farmers” with participation of about 50 farmers and representatives from Dhanuka agro tech, Jain Irrigation, and Sri Millet foundation. Experts discussed areas of entrepreneurship development, Millets farming and product development, use of PPP model for enhancing farmers’ income and linking farmers with agro-industry. The session was followed by field visit of farmers to experimental farms. Technical sessions on Climate Change and Sustainability and Green Technologies for Pollution Mitigation were also organized. 

NESA awards were bestowed upon distinguished scientists from different parts of the country during the event. Innovative farmer awards were given to recognize their contribitions.

The conference souvenir and abstract book was released by dignitaries. The opening day of the conference witnessed participation of nearly 200 scientists, experts, academicians including farmers from across the country who shared their insights and experiences. 

The programme was moderated by Dr. Manisha Tamta and coordinated by Dr. Rachana Dubey, Scientist, and Dr. Saurabh Kumar, Scientist, ICAR–RCER, Patna.