Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) and Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar Visit ICAR-RCER, Patna

Patna, September 19, 2026: ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, hosted Shri Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Secretary, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, and Shri Narmdeshwar Lal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, on September 19, 2026. The visit focused on strengthening science-led, demand-driven and farmer-centric agricultural research and technology dissemination in alignment with national priorities and the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. Dr. R. K. Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), was also present during the visit. 

During the visit, Shri Tripathi reviewed the ongoing research programmes and field-oriented initiatives of ICAR-RCER aimed at developing and disseminating technologies responsive to emerging agricultural challenges. Accompanied by Shri N. Lal, he visited research initiatives and demonstration facilities, including long-term trials on natural farming, millet-based cropping systems, fruit-based diversified nutrition gardens, solar energy-based farm mechanization, smart water management units, Rainout Shelter and Open Top Chambers facilities for developing climate-resilient varieties and strengthening preparedness for future climatic stresses.

The dignitaries also visited the Institute’s one- and two-acre Integrated Farming System (IFS) models, including micro- and nano-homestead farming models, and discussed their potential for replication and scaling in farmers’ fields. At the animal farm, they reviewed ongoing initiatives on genetic improvement of Black Bengal goats and Murrah buffaloes, and characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock resources of the region. Both the dignitaries jointly planted a sapling on the Institute campus.

An exhibition showcasing ICAR-RCER technologies, research achievements and farmer-oriented innovations was organized on the occasion. The dignitaries interacted with successful farmers associated with the Institute’s technology dissemination initiatives. Smt. Albina Ekka of Ranchi, who has generated an annual income of about ₹12 lakh through an integrated farming system approach, and Shri Ramsharan of Ramgarh, who earns about ₹20 lakh annually through year-round vegetable production on raised beds integrated with goat and fish farming, shared their experiences of technology adoption and livelihood enhancement.

Emphasizing the importance of agricultural research for achieving national development goals, Shri Gyanendra Dev Tripathi stressed that research should be outcome-oriented, field-relevant and responsive to emerging challenges. He called for stronger scientist–farmer linkages to accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into technologies that improve sustainability, resource-use efficiency and farm productivity. He also emphasized interdisciplinary and convergent research, faster technology dissemination, and closer engagement with State Governments and other stakeholders to address emerging agricultural challenges and support national priorities.

Shri N. Lal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, appreciated the research and technology development initiatives of ICAR-RCER, Patna and emphasized the importance of closer coordination between the Institute and the State Agriculture Department for field-level validation, wider dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient and farmer-oriented technologies. He assured all possible support from the State Government for strengthening collaborative research, technology promotion and capacity building in response to the specific needs of Bihar’s farmers.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna welcomed the dignitaries and briefed them on the Institute’s major research programmes, infrastructure and technology dissemination initiatives. He highlighted the Institute’s work on climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable intensification of rice-fallow systems, multi-stress crop improvement, improved vegetables and fruits varieties, AI/ML-enabled precision water and nutrient management, affordable farm mechanization, integrated farming systems for livelihood enhancement, multi-tier agroforestry, and innovations in livestock and fisheries. He emphasized the Institute’s multidisciplinary approach to developing technologies aligned with the needs of Eastern India and its efforts to strengthen partnerships with State Departments, KVKs, farmers and other stakeholders. Dr. Das expressed gratitude for the continued support and collaboration extended by the Government of Bihar, particularly through the Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) programme, Bihar Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (BAMETI), and others.

A publication entitled “Technology and Institutional Synergy for Empowering NEH Farmers: ICAR-RCER Initiatives” was released by the dignitaries during the programme. This was followed by an interaction with the Institute’s scientific, technical and administrative personnel, including KVKs. The interaction covered ongoing and emerging research priorities, prudent utilization of research funds, strengthening research–extension linkages and convergence with State programmes.

The dignitaries appreciated the Institute’s efforts towards developing and disseminating demand-driven, farmer-friendly technologies through collaboration with farmers, State Departments and other stakeholders. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR-RCER to advancing science-led, collaborative and demand-driven agricultural research for Eastern India.