XXII RAC of ICAR-RCER, Patna Stresses Land and Water Productivity and Climate-Smart Farming for Eastern Region

The XXII Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting of the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna was held during 23–24 July 2026 under the chairmanship of Dr A.K. Singh, Former Deputy Director General (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi. The meeting reviewed the Institute's research contributions and provided strategic guidance for strengthening agricultural research and technology dissemination to address emerging challenges and enhance farmers' prosperity in Eastern India.

The meeting was attended by RAC members Dr C.L. Acharya, Former Director, IISS, Bhopal; Dr A.S. Panwar, Former Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram; Dr Mahesh Gathala, Country Head and Systems Agronomist, CIMMYT, New Delhi; Dr Ranjit Kumar, Principal Scientist, NAARM, Hyderabad; Dr K.K. Baruah, Former Head, ICAR Research Complex, Umiam; Dr Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Director General (Agronomy, Agroforestry Forestry & Climate Change), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna; Heads of Divisions, scientists of the Institute, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at Buxar and Ramgarh. 

Addressing the meeting, Dr A.K. Singh, Chairman RAC emphasized the need to enhance land and water productivity through resource-efficient and climate-smart agricultural practices, particularly for the small and marginal farmers of Eastern India, especially Bihar and Jharkhand. He stressed improving water and nutrient use efficiency, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to improve resilience and productivity.

Dr Rakesh Kumar, ADG, ICAR, lauded the Institute's contributions and suggested that future research should be closely aligned with national priorities. He emphasized the development of climate-smart villages, rehabilitation of coal mine-affected areas, and technologies specifically tailored to the needs of small and marginal farmers. 

Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, presented an overview of the Institute's major contributions, ongoing research programmes, and future priorities. He highlighted that the Institute remains committed not only to conducting quality research but also to ensuring the effective transfer of proven technologies to farmers through extension and capacity-building initiatives. He informed the Committee that Rice Fallow Management has emerged as one of the Institute's flagship programmes, contributing to technology development and dissemination for sustainable intensification involving resource conservation technologies and efficient rice, pulses and oilseeds varieties as evident from reduction of nearly 1.5 million hectares under the rice fallow system over the past decade in the Eastern Region.

The Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the previous RAC meeting was presented by Dr P.C. Chandran, Principal Scientist and Member Secretary, RAC.

The RAC provided strategic guidance to further strengthen the Institute's research priorities, particularly in the areas of sustainable rice fallow intensification, Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), water smart farming, climate-resilient agriculture, livestock and fisheries, resource efficient horticulture, processing and value addition and evidence-based policy support. The Committee also emphasized the need for systematic impact assessment of research programmes and encouraged greater interdisciplinary and collaborative research for wider coverage across Eastern India.

Earlier, the RAC members participated in rice transplanting along with the Institute's scientists. They also visited various experimental research facilities, and several research laboratories. The members interacted with scientists to gain first-hand insights into the ongoing research activities.

As part of the programme, the RAC members also participated in a tree plantation drive, planting fruit trees such as mango and guava. An exhibition showcasing the Institute's technologies and products was organized for the visiting RAC members. The event witnessed the release of four publications and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gbiome Private Limited for the scientific management of agricultural waste through microbial inoculation, reinforcing collaborative efforts towards sustainable agriculture.

During the technical sessions, Heads of Divisions and representatives from the KVKs presented key research achievements, technology developments, extension initiatives, and future strategies covering crop improvement, farming systems, land and water management, livestock and fisheries, agricultural socio-economics, and the activities of the KVKs at Buxar and Ramgarh.

Expressing satisfaction over the Institute's achievements during its 25-year journey, the RAC members appreciated the quality of research undertaken for the benefit of farmers and agricultural development in Eastern India. The Committee

recommended greater emphasis on enhancing land and water productivity, promoting climate-smart farming, quality seed and planting material production including fish and livestocks through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, policy support for technology transfer, and value chain development of key agricultural commodities.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Kamal Sarma, Head, Division of Livestock and Fishery Management, ICAR-RCER, Patna.