27 February 2026, New Delhi
The ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, successfully concluded the three-day Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026, held from 25 - 27 February 2026. Organised under the theme “Vikshit Krishi – Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, the national-level event emerged as a strong platform for agricultural innovation, dialogue, and solutions, bringing together farmers, scientists, policymakers, agri-entrepreneurs, FPOs, startups, women farmers, rural youth, and students from across the country.
The Mela was ceremoniously inaugurated on 25 February 2026 by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The inaugural function was graced by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General, ICAR and Secretary, DARE; Dr. D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR; Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR–IARI; Dr. RN Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), ICAR-IARI; and other distinguished dignitaries.
The Minister visited the live demonstrations and exhibitions featuring improved and climate-resilient crop varieties, protected cultivation technologies, urban and peri-urban container gardening, pulses and oilseeds, as well as digital and mechanised agricultural technologies. Describing the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela as a “national Kumbh of farmers,” he stated that the event is not merely an exhibition, but a vibrant platform for taking science from the laboratory to farmers’ fields.
In his address, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan referred to farmers as not only “Annadata” (food providers) but also “Jeevandata” (life providers), and emphasized that India’s agricultural progress is a collective achievement of farmers and scientists. He underlined the importance of self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, nutritional security, a balanced adoption of natural and modern technologies, and quality-based production for global markets. He also highlighted that extensive fertilizer subsidies and farmer-centric schemes of the Government are decisive steps towards making agriculture profitable and sustainable.
Dr. M.L. Jat stated that ICAR is prioritising demand-driven research with the spirit of “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team,” to develop solutions aligned with farmers’ real needs. He identified the Pulses and Oilseeds Missions, natural farming, mechanisation, and climate-smart agriculture as key pillars of future agriculture.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao noted that the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela serves as a strong medium for strengthening farmer–scientist interaction. Participation of over one lakh stakeholders from across the country reflects farmers’ growing readiness to adopt science-based solutions.
On the second day, technical sessions were held on contemporary themes such as crop diversification, digital agriculture, FPO–startup partnerships, and agricultural marketing and exports. Scientists and experts discussed the role of improved varieties, digital advisories, precision agriculture, and value addition in enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainability amid climate change challenges. Active participation and direct interaction by farmers made these sessions highly practical and outcome-oriented.
The Mela concluded on 27 February 2026 with major programmes on Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development and the Innovative Farmers’ Conference. Special sessions were organised on vertical farming, hydroponics, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, floriculture, dairy enterprises, value addition, and food processing, conveying a clear message of making agriculture employment-oriented and attractive for women and youth.
During the Innovative Farmers’ Conference, farmers shared their experiences of adopting Pusa technologies and achieving higher productivity and income. At the valedictory function, farmers from 25 states were honoured with the IARI Innovative Farmer Award, Young Innovative Farmer Award, and 7 Fellow Farmer Award, showcasing the strength of farmer–scientist partnership.
The Chief Guest of the valedictory function, Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman TAAS and former Director General ICAR, emphasized that agricultural research becomes meaningful only when it is applicable under real field conditions and contributes to enhancing farmers’ income. He urged farmers to make maximum use of the guidance and support of scientific institutions.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao stated that the number of stalls, participating organisations, and visitors was higher than in previous years. Free soil and water testing, farmer consultancy services, special exhibitions for FPOs and startups, availability of improved seeds and planting material, and cultural programmes were among the major attractions of the Mela.
Farmers participating in the event unanimously expressed that the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela provides them access to new crop varieties, technologies, and market linkages. According to them, direct interaction with scientists, live demonstrations, and sharing of experiences by successful farmers have been extremely helpful in making their farming more profitable and sustainable. The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 clearly demonstrated that science-based innovation, entrepreneurship, and an inclusive approach can make Indian agriculture self-reliant, competitive, and sustainable. The event not only addressed present challenges but also reinforced the decisive role of agriculture in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
(Source: ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)
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