e-Advisory and Action Planning for North Bengal Amidst Natural Calamities: Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Resilience

8 October 2025, Kolkata

In a concerted effort to support farmers affected by recent floods and landslides in North Bengal, the ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, organized an e-Advisory and Action Planning Programme in collaboration with Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, the West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Darjeeling. The programme, held through video conferencing, aimed to provide timely advisory services and develop actionable strategies to aid farmers in post-disaster recovery and livelihood restoration.

Dr. T. K. Dutta, Vice-Chancellor, WBUAFS, emphasized the urgency of formulating a robust short-term action plan and called for enhanced inter-agency collaboration to mobilize resources efficiently.

Prof. D. Basu, Vice-Chancellor, UBKV, highlighted the importance of timely advisories, targeted training, and active farmer engagement to ensure that interventions remain practical, effective, and aligned with local agro-climatic conditions.

In his address, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata, underscored that a people-centric Jan Bhagidari approach is vital in strengthening community resilience during crises. He noted that the integration of technology and institutional collaboration can significantly help farmers mitigate losses and safeguard their livelihoods while fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Prof. S. Laha, Former Vice-Chancellor, UBKV, commended the organizers for the timely initiative and shared his expert insights on plant science to guide farmers in recovery efforts.

Dr. P. Pal, Director of Extension Education, UBKV, reiterated the crucial role of extension services in translating scientific research into on-ground solutions.

The programme also witnessed participation from key officials, including Dr. Chanchal Pramanik, Project Director, ATMA, Jalpaiguri; Mr. James Leptcha, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Kalimpong; and Mr. Partha Roy, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Darjeeling, who expressed solidarity and shared their field perspectives.

Sectoral experts shared insights on flood and landslide management in the animal and fisheries sectors, as well as on natural resource and crop management. Comprehensive reports on crop damage and corresponding contingency measures were also presented by representatives from the KVKs of Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Darjeeling.

An interactive Q&A session provided a platform for FPO/FPC representatives, Subject Matter Specialists, and progressive farmers to seek expert advice and share experiences. The session fostered meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange, ensuring that farmers received context-specific guidance.

A total of 68 participants, including representatives from 9 FPOs/FPCs, 17 progressive farmers, and technical experts from participating KVKs, attended the programme. The initiative served as a vital step in supporting farmers’ recovery and reinforcing resilience in the flood- and landslide-affected regions of North Bengal.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)