Innovative Farmers Conclave Organised at ICAR–IARI

24 December 2025, New Delhi

The two-day Innovative Farmers’ Conclave 2025, organised by ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, concluded successfully today. The conclave was held on 23–24 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, revered as the Kisanon ke Masiha, and aimed at celebrating, documenting, and mainstreaming farmer-led innovations for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, paid tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh and reiterated the vision that national happiness is rooted in farmers’ prosperity. He highlighted the need to integrate smart agriculture, digital tools, drones, and modern technologies into farming systems, noting Indian farmers as continual innovators despite climate and water challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), described the farmers as the “real jewels of the nation.” He emphasized that Kisan Diwas is not merely a symbolic occasion but a reminder of the central role of farmers in nation-building. He stated that farmers are the “professors of practice” and their feedback will play a vital role in shaping ICAR’s research guidelines for the coming years. He highlighted the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, stressing that a developed India is possible only when farmers are empowered, prosperous, and actively involved in research and innovation.

Dr. D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) ICAR, congratulated ICAR–IARI for the innovative initiative. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR-IARI for mainstreaming the farmers’ innovations through this conclave, which uniquely planned to allow farmers to share their experiences on various aspects including Natural Resource Management, Crop & Horticultural Sciences, Women empowerment and Entrepreneurship.

Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR–IARI, recalled Chaudhary Charan Singh’s farmer-centric legacy and described the conclave as a timely platform to identify, document, and disseminate grassroots innovations. Dr. Rao informed that farmers from 25 states participated, showcasing innovative practices, indigenous technologies, and successful models while discussing challenges related to climate variability, weather uncertainty, and markets. The programme also witnessed the release of publications documenting farmer innovations, alongside technical sessions that enabled peer learning and farmer-to-farmer exchange.

The valedictory session on 24 December featured Raj S. Paroda, Founder Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), as Chief Guest. He emphasised farmer-led innovation, inclusive growth, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides with greater use of bio-pesticides, and collective action among farmers, scientists, and institutions to realise Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the importance of farmer-to-farmer knowledge dissemination to accelerate progress.

The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks by R. N. Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), ICAR–IARI, acknowledging the efforts of farmers, scientists, and organisers in making the two-day event a success and reaffirming ICAR–IARI’s commitment to strengthening farmer–scientist partnerships nationwide.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)