Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Visits ICAR-RCER, Patna

“Committed to farmers’ progress, I am one of them: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

17 June 2025, Patna

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar, and senior officials from the central and state governments visited the ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, today to review the institute’s research activities and its role in the agricultural transformation of Eastern India.

The visit commenced with a ceremonial tree plantation by the Union Minister, Shri Sinha, and other dignitaries in the ICAR-RCER campus.

During his address, Shri Chouhan reviewed the institute’s research portfolio and infrastructural developments. He commended the scientific community for their dedicated efforts towards the upliftment of Eastern India's farming sector and urged researchers to align their work with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”

He highlighted the importance of translational research to ensure that scientific innovations effectively translate into field-level applications and benefit farmers directly. The Minister also acknowledged the commendable role of ICAR and its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the successful execution of the recently concluded Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Describing the Abhiyan as a historic milestone, he noted that it marked an unprecedented collaboration between central and state agriculture departments to deliver science-led solutions directly to the grassroots.

Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Acting Director, ICAR-RCER, highlighted the institute’s vision, key achievements, and ongoing research initiatives. He emphasized the institute’s pivotal role in enhancing water productivity, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, introducing farmer-centric technological interventions, and advancing integrated land and water management practices, especially tailored for small and marginal farmers.

A scientific interaction followed the review meeting, with participation from researchers of ICAR-RCER and ICAR-ATARI, Patna. Discussions focused on key thematic areas including natural farming, conservation agriculture, agrometeorological advisories, soil health, future farming strategies, and region-specific agri-technologies.

The Union Minister appreciated the institute’s interdisciplinary approach and urged scientists to further intensify innovation and outreach efforts to ensure that research outcomes reach farmers effectively. An exhibition showcasing the institute’s developed technologies and crop varieties was also organized as part of the event.

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