DG, ICAR Inaugurates National Workshop on Farmer Buyer-Seller Integration for Sustainable Agriculture in Chitrakoot

15 June 2025, Chitrakoot, Satna

Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, inaugurated the National Workshop on Integrated Technical and Rural Farmer Buyer-Seller Conference for Sustainable Agricultural Development, jointly organized by the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI), Chitrakoot, and Vindhyachal Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), Gwalior.

Shri Atul Jain, Principal Secretary, DRI; Dr. A.K. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi; Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal; Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR; Shri Vasant Pandit, Treasurer, DRI; Directors of ICAR-ATARIs; and Shri Devendra Singh Bhadauria, Director, Vindhyachal FPO graced the occasion.

Shri Atul Jain highlighted the legacy of Nanaji Deshmukh and the DRI’s work in implementing the philosophy of Integral Humanism through holistic rural development. He noted that DRI, through four Krishi Vigyan Kendras and 17 FPOs, continues to advance this mission scientifically.

Dr. A.K. Singh emphasized the importance of technological access and equitable pricing, noting the growing cultivation of mustard and green gram in Bundelkhand. He also highlighted the need to promote livestock production and protected cultivation, alongside preserving the region’s biodiversity. He advocated for strategic collaborations between FPOs and agri-institutions for seed production.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Jat underscored the critical need for improved market access and fair pricing to ensure long-term engagement of farmers in agriculture. He urged farmer participation in FPOs and called upon all stakeholders to collaborate for sustainable agricultural development in regions like Bundelkhand. He stressed the potential of soil and water conservation efforts and praised DRI's work in such challenging terrains.

A highlight of the event was the felicitation of six Padma Shri awardee farmers for their outstanding contributions to agriculture, biodiversity, and water conservation.

An exhibition of agri-products developed by various FPOs was also organized as part of the workshop.

Scientists, buyers, sellers, and agricultural experts from across the country participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone IX, Jabalpur)