ICAR-RCER, Patna Hosts Farmers’ Fair Highlighting Research-Driven Self-Reliance in Agriculture

23-24 December 2025, Patna

On the occasion of National Farmers’ Day, a two-day Farmers’ Fair on the theme ‘Anusandhan se atmnirbharta ki udaan: samriddh krishi, sashakt kisan’ (From Research to Self-Reliance: Progressive Agriculture, Empowered Farmers) was celebrated at the ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna during 23-24 December, 2025. The objectives of the Farmers’ Fair was to honour the contributions of farmers in Nation building, disseminate advanced scientific agricultural technologies and create awareness on Government schemes.

In his virtual address, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare called upon farmers to adopt modern science based agro-techniques for enhancing their income and sustaining environmental quality. Further, he highlighted the importance of govt. schemes especially VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 for ensuring guaranteed rural employment and sustainable livelihood.

The Chief Guest Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, Agriculture Minister, Govt. of Bihar was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function of the two days fair. In his address, honourable Minister appreciated the exemplary research contributions of ICAR–RCER, Patna, such as technologies for sustainable intensification of rice-fallow areas and the development of improved and climate resilient varieties of rice, pulses and horticultural crops. He further stated that to achieve targets of Bihar Agricultural Road Map, the Government of Bihar is working in close coordination with central institutions and other organizations for the welfare of farmers. Further, the minister assured continuous support of the Government towards enhancing farmers’ prosperity. On this occasion, the chief guest and other dignitaries released a publication and felicitated innovative farmers for their significant contributions.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah, former Deputy Director General (AS), ICAR, New Delhi highlighted that since independence the population of country increased by about four times, whereas, the food grain production enhanced by more than 6 times. The state of Bihar has played a great role to this success of the country. Further, he appreciated the strong collaboration of ICAR RCER, Patna and other Institutions and Govt of Bihar in agricultural development of the state.

Dr. Niranjan Kalita, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Veterinary and Fisheries University, Guwahati; Dr. D.J. Rajkhowa, former Joint Director, ICAR–NEHR, Nagaland Centre; Dr. Anjani Kumar Singh, Director, ATARI, Patna and Shri D.P. Tripathi, Director, BAMETI shared their views and called upon farmers to adopt scientific technologies.

In his welcome address, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna described the Farmers’ Fair as a strong bridge between research laboratories and farmers’ fields. He reiterated that the institute is committed to developing, testing and effectively disseminating farmer-centric technologies to make agriculture more sustainable, profitable and climate-resilient in eastern India.

The Chief Guest of the valedictory function was Dr. Sanjeev Chaurasia, Honourable MLA, Digha, Patna. In his address Dr Chaurasia appreciated the efforts of ICAR RCER Patna for generating farmer’s centric technologies for enhancing their productivity and income. He emphasized that the new VB G RAM G Act ensures guaranteed income security and supports skill development for inclusive growth.

Farmers-scientists interaction on Govt schemes, natural farming, climate resilient agriculture, role of livestock and horticultural crops etc were organized during the two days event. Both the days witnessed field visits by the farmers to observe improved innovative farming system and horti-livestock based models. The event also witnessed display of improved technologies and products by 25 Institutions, KVKs, farmer’s organizations and NGOs. Tribal folk dance and food stall by the students attracted the attention of participants.

The two days events witnessed participation by about 2120 farmers, experts and students.

(Source: ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)