Celebration of 98th Foundation Day of ICAR: ICAR-RCER, Patna organizes Farmers-Scientists Interaction on “Managing Drought in Agriculture”

The ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna celebrated the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in a befitting manner on July 16, 2026 by organizing a Farmers–Scientists Interaction on “Managing Drought in Agriculture”. Dr. P. K. Mishra, Director, BAMETI, Government of Bihar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme commenced with an awareness session for school students on the Status of Indian agriculture and the invaluable contributions of ICAR to the country's agricultural development, followed by tree plantation.

Technical sessions featured expert lectures on El Niño and its impact on weather and agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and agronomic practices for drought management. During the interactive session, farmers discussed field-level challenges with scientists and received practical recommendations on drought-tolerant crop varieties, direct-seeded rice (DSR), crop diversification, and efficient rainwater management to minimize the adverse effects of drought. Scientists also highlighted successful Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITKs) being adopted by farmers, including the preparation of cow dung seed balls containing two to three rice seeds for direct sowing as an innovative strategy to cope with moisture stress.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. P. K. Mishra congratulated ICAR on its 97-year journey and lauded its immense contribution towards ensuring India's food security. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR-RCER, Patna in promoting sustainable agricultural development and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Bihar. In his address, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna congratulated the institute's employees and farmers for their collective contributions to making India self-reliant in agricultural production. He urged all stakeholders to continue working with greater dedication towards sustainable agriculture and achieving the vision Viksit Bharat @2047. A cake-cutting ceremony was also organized to mark the Foundation Day celebrations. Scientists, staff members and farmers also joined the virtual live streaming of the ICAR Foundation Day programme from NAAS, New Delhi. 

As part of the celebrations, participants visited the institute's Integrated Farming System (IFS) models, innovative micro (250m2) and nano (125m2) homestead farming models, green manuring seed production units, and other field demonstrations showcasing climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Around 120 participants, including 50 school students, attended the programme. The similar programs were also organized at the FSRCHPR, Ranchi, KVK, Ramgarh (Jharkhand) and KVK, Buxar (Bihar), where participating farmers were distributed mango saplings and vegetable seeds to encourage plantations and sustainable agriculture.