Three-Day Training Programme on “Strategies for Enhancing Pulse Production in Bihar” Begins at ICAR–RCER, Patna

A three-day training programme (March 10–12, 2026) on “Strategies for Enhancing Pulse Production in Bihar” commenced on March 10, 2026 at the ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna. The programme is sponsored by BAMETI, Patna. The training programme aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers and agricultural functionaries on improved technologies for increasing pulse production and productivity in Bihar. It also focuses on promoting scientific crop management practices and sustainable methods of pulse cultivation in the state.

Participants in the training programme include agricultural functionaries and farmers from five districts of Bihar, namely Patna, Aurangabad, Nalanda, Bhojpur and Gaya Ji. A total of 20 participants are attending the programme including 04 Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs), 01 Block Technology Manager (BTM), 06 Kisan Salahkaar and 09 progressive farmers. 

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Arbind Kumar Choudhary, Course Director of the training, who warmly welcomed the Chief guest and participants. Dr. Choudhary in his address highlighted the significance of capacity building in improving pulse productivity in the state. He emphasized that strengthening the knowledge and skills of field functionaries and farmers is essential for promoting improved pulse production technologies. Dr. Choudhary also expressed his expectation that all participants would effectively apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training in their respective fields to enhance pulse production in Bihar. This was followed by a brief introduction by the participants, enabling interaction and exchange of experiences among the trainees.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief guest Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Director (Research), BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur noted that pulses are currently cultivated in approximately four lakh hectares in Bihar, and there is considerable scope to increase their production through intercropping of pulses with sugarcane and other crops. He stressed the importance of value addition in pulse crops. He also advised farmers to focus on agri-entrepreneurship to significantly enhance their income. 

Addressing the participants, Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Director (I/C), ICAR–RCER, Patna emphasized the need to adopt scientific agricultural technologies to enhance pulse production. He stated that the adoption of improved practices would not only increase productivity but also contribute to self-reliance among farmers. He highlighted the importance of identifying key factors affecting pulse productivity, such as pest management, water management, use of quality seeds and balanced use of fertilizers and proper crop management practices. He further emphasized the significance of nutritional management, health aspects, marketing systems, credit support and access to scientific information, which can help farmers in better planning and decision-making.

In his remarks, Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Head, DSEE emphasized that pulses should be consumed without removing the seed coat, as it is nutritionally important. He underlined the need for crop diversification, suggesting that pulses should be integrated with the dominant rice–wheat cropping system. He also highlighted the importance of farmer participatory seed production, pest management, nutrient management, and mulching practices. 

Dr. Kamal Sarma, Head, DLFM highlighted the significance of pulses in soil fertility, noting that pulse crops play an important role in biological nitrogen fixation, thereby improving soil health. He stressed the need to create awareness among farmers about the benefits of pulse cultivation.

The programme was moderated by Dr. Kumari Shubha, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Abhishek Kumar Dubey.