Union Ministers Join Live telecast of the Release of the 23rd Installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) at ICAR-RCER, Patna

The live telecast of the release of the 23rd installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and the Khet Bachao Abhiyan was organized at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, on 20 June 2026. On this occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister gave a clarion call for saving the earth from chemical pollution through balanced fertilization and sustainable soil health management.

The event was graced by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lallan Singh), as the Chief Guest, and the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (Extension), ICAR, New Delhi, was also present as the Special Guest. More than 459 participants, mostly farmers, including 125 women farmers, attended the programme.

The programme began with a tree plantation drive in the institute premises by the Hon’ble Ministers. This was followed by a field visit by the Hon’ble Ministers to demonstrations on green manuring (dhaincha), natural farming, integrated farming system models, and fishery and livestock farms. Participating farmers also joined the dignitaries during the visits to various demonstration sites.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasized the importance of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in reducing excessive use of chemical fertilizers and urged farmers to adopt natural farming for sustainable agriculture. He highlighted the role of women in livestock- and fishery-based livelihoods, stressed the importance of timely vaccination against major diseases, and underscored the significance of sex-sorted semen technology for genetic improvement and enhanced milk production. The Chief Guest appreciated the efforts of ICAR-RCER in developing technologies for sustainable agriculture and livelihood improvement of small and marginal farmers. He urged scientists to take these valuable technologies to farmers' doorsteps for their welfare.

In his address, Shri Ramnath Thakur urged farmers to make use of agricultural innovations and adopt improved farming practices to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, thereby ensuring long-term soil health, productivity, and profitability. He further emphasized the adoption of natural farming on at least a small plot as a beginning towards sustainable agriculture.

Dr. R.K. Singh presented the national perspective of the ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan and informed that, to date, through about 85,000 campaigns, more than 75 lakh farmers and other stakeholders have been covered under various awareness programmes on the balanced use of fertilizers across the country.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, informed that the institute actively implemented the national campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers from 1 April to 30 May 2026. He further stated that the institute has been implementing the Khet Bachao Abhiyan since 1 June 2026 and is sensitizing farmers about technologies developed by the institute, including Integrated Nutrient Management, Integrated Farming Systems, Direct-Seeded Rice, and drought-tolerant rice varieties, aimed at sustaining soil health and enhancing farmers' income and livelihoods under changing climatic.

During the programme, the Hon’ble Ministers released ‘Swarna Vishist’, a high-yielding, early-maturing lablab bean variety developed by ICAR-RCER, Patna. An exhibition showcasing technologies related to integrated nutrient management, biofertilizers, green manuring, natural farming, and integrated farming systems attracted considerable interest among farmers and visitors. All participating farmers were provided with seeds of drought-tolerant rice varieties and improved summer vegetable crops.

Earlier, during the technical sessions, experts interacted with farmers on natural farming, direct-seeded rice and water-saving approaches, green manuring, integrated farming systems, and balanced fertilizer use. The programme concluded with an appeal to farmers to adopt sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural practices for improving productivity, conserving natural resources, and enhancing farm incomes.