A 4 days Training Programme on Farm Mechanization and Crop Residue Management concluded at ICAR–RCER, Patna

A four-day training programme on “Farm Mechanization and Crop Residue Management” was successfully conducted from February 25 to 28, 2026 at ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR–RCER), Patna. The programme was organized by the Division of Land and Water Management (DLWM), ICAR–RCER, Patna, and sponsored by ATMA, Lakhisarai. The inaugural session was graced by the Chief Guest J. P. Narayan, Former Joint Director (Agricultural Engineering, Govt. of Bihar), along with Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR–RCER; Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Head, Division of Land and Water Management; and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Head, Division of Crop Research.

A total of 22 farmers from Lakhisarai district participated in the programme. Addressing the participants, Dr. Anup Das emphasized the urgent need to adopt small farm tools and equipment along with scientific crop residue management practices to reduce cultivation costs, ensure timely farm operations, and minimize environmental degradation. In his inaugural address, Shri J. P. Narayan highlighted the importance of farm mechanization in Bihar, strengthening custom hiring centers, and promoting residue management technologies as key drivers for sustainable agriculture and enhanced farm income.

Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, in his address, underscored the critical role of farm mechanization and residue management in improving operational efficiency, conserving natural resources, and ensuring long-term sustainability in agriculture. He stressed the importance of proper selection, efficient operation, and regular maintenance of modern agricultural machinery for major farm operations such as land preparation, sowing, intercultural practices, harvesting, and post-harvest management.

During interactive sessions, farmers shared their field-level experiences and challenges, enriching the discussions. Speakers emphasized that integrating efficient mechanization with appropriate residue management not only enhances crop productivity and farm profitability but also improves soil health, conserves soil moisture, and reduces environmental pollution. Participants were encouraged to adopt mechanization-based, resource-efficient practices tailored to local agro-climatic conditions for achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.

Certificates were distributed to the participants upon successful completion of the training. The concluding session was presided over by Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya and Bikas Sarkar, Principal Scientist.The programme was conducted with the active collaboration of Dr. P. K. Sundaram, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Pawan Jeet, Dr. Arti Kumari, and Dr. Kirti Saurabh. The programme sponsorship was facilitated by Shri Kundan Kumar, Project Director, ATMA, Lakhisarai.