9 October 2026, Patna
ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, organized a Field Day on “Water-Smart and Regenerative Farming” at its Sabajpura Research Farm today, to showcase innovative agricultural technologies for improving water-use efficiency, enhancing soil health, reducing cultivation costs, increasing farmers’ income, and strengthening climate resilience.
Shri Narmadeshwar Lal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Shri Santosh Kumar Uttam, Additional Director and Director, Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine Monitoring (PPM), was also present on the occasion.
During the visit, Shri Lal explored various technology demonstrations and farming models developed by the Institute, including water-smart farming, conservation-oriented raised-and-sunken bed systems, integrated crop–aquaculture systems, micro-irrigation, direct-seeded rice, climate-resilient rice varieties, rice-fallow management, integrated farming system models, crop diversification through fruit and vegetable cultivation, agroforestry, and resource-conservation technologies.
These interventions demonstrated considerable potential to enhance water productivity, conserve natural resources, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agricultural production. Appreciating the technologies, Shri Lal emphasized the need for their wider dissemination among farmers and assured that the State Agriculture Department would extend all possible support to facilitate their adoption. He also visited the research farm’s infrastructure facilities, including the seed-processing unit, where he observed seed grading, sorting, and quality-assurance processes.
During interactions with the Principal Secretary, participating farmers shared their experiences of receiving improved technologies, quality seeds, planting materials, agricultural inputs, and capacity-building support from the Institute. They highlighted the importance of scientific guidance and training in adopting improved practices for efficient water management, better soil health, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased farm income.
Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, highlighted the importance of water-smart and regenerative farming in addressing emerging challenges, including climate change, uncertain water availability, soil degradation, and rising cultivation costs. He emphasized that efficient irrigation, climate-resilient crop varieties, diversified farming systems, and resource-conserving practices can reduce pressure on natural resources while improving farm profitability, sustaining agricultural production, and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
More than 100 farmers and other stakeholders participated in the Field Day. The participants visited various research units and observed field demonstrations showcasing the practical application of advanced agricultural technologies. Discussions during the farmer–scientist interaction focused on improving water productivity, conserving soil and water resources, enhancing soil fertility, reducing input costs, and scaling up climate-resilient and regenerative farming practices.
Fruit saplings and quality vegetable seeds were also distributed to the participating farmers. Shri Lal appreciated the Institute’s efforts in generating and disseminating farmer-oriented technologies and expressed support for strengthening its infrastructure and outreach initiatives. A fruit sapling was planted by the Chief Guest in the farm premises to mark the occasion.
The programme reaffirmed the importance of strong farmer–scientist–government partnerships in accelerating the adoption of water-smart and regenerative agricultural practices towards a more productive, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Bihar.
(Source: ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram