ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati celebrates its 9th Foundation Day with a focus on Agricultural Innovation

ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati celebrates its 9th Foundation Day with a focus on Agricultural Innovation

14^th February 2025, Guwahati

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati, marked its 9^th Foundation Day with a grand celebration that brought together eminent scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Northeast region.

The event was graced by Dr B.C. Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Dr Deka emphasized the crucial role of KVKs in bridging the gap between research and farming communities. He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation to ensure the timely and effective sharing of technology for better agricultural outcomes. 

Dr K. M. Bujarbaruah, Chairman and Guest Speaker for the event, underscored the need for mobilizing progressive farmers and establishing agri-business incubation centers to develop innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. He stressed that such initiatives would not only improve farmers' livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the region’s economic development by promoting value addition and market linkages.

A special interactive session on ‘New Horizons of Agricultural Extension and Dissemination of Technologies through KVKs’ was chaired by Dr R.R. Burman, Assistant Director General, ICAR, in virtual mode. The session analyzed the emerging trends in agricultural extension and the role of technology in transforming the farming landscape.

Earlier, Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, provided an overview of the institute’s achievements over the years, highlighting the key milestones.

Dr A.K. Tripathi, Former Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, spoke about the essential role played by ICAR-ATARIs in developing multi-stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, and policy advocacy to ensure agricultural sustainability in the region. 

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding contributions by KVKs and progressive farmers in selective categories. Additionally, the official website of ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, was launched, enhancing accessibility to agricultural research and extension services.

Among others, the event was graced by Prof. G. Singaiah, V. C., Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya, Golaghat, Assam, Dr A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, Shri Nabin Roy, GM, NABARD, Guwahati, and Dr R. Murugesan, Director, NIRD, Northeast Regional Centre, Guwahati. 

The Heads and In-charges of all KVKs under ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, along with scientists and staff members were also present during the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-VI, Guwahati)