Farmers’ Fair on Mechanization and Drone Technology Organised at Ramgarh

3 February 2026, Ramgarh

ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, through its Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramgarh, organised a two-day Krishi Yantriki Mela during 2–3 February 2026 with the objective of empowering farmers through farm mechanization and drone technology. The mela primarily focused on connecting farmers particularly Scheduled Caste farmers and women with modern farm machinery, drone-based technologies, and women-friendly agricultural implements to reduce drudgery, enhance operational efficiency, and improve farm income.

The Chief Guest Shri Nirmal Mahato, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mandu (Ramgarh), inaugurated the event and appreciated the sustained efforts of ICAR-RCER, Patna and KVK Ramgarh in capacity building and empowerment of marginal and women farmers. He urged the farmers to adopt modern technologies and mechanization to enhance productivity, reduce labour burden, and increase profitability in farming.

A total of 14 stalls were set up by ICAR institutes, line departments, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and other stakeholders, showcasing advanced farm machinery, women-friendly tools, input technologies, government schemes, and advisory services. The stalls attracted keen interest from participating farmers. A live demonstration of pesticide spraying using agricultural drones emerged as a major highlight of the event. Scientists explained the advantages of drone technology, including precision spraying, reduced input costs, time efficiency, and environmental protection.

The officials highlighted the continuous initiatives undertaken by the KVK in promoting women-centric farm mechanization and the adoption of modern technologies at the field level. They also emphasized the importance of light-weight, low-cost, and durable farm implements for women farmers in hill and plateau regions, noting that such tools significantly reduce labour burden while improving productivity and income.

The mela showcased a wide range of modern and women-friendly farm implements, including zero tillage machines, happy seeders, potato planters, rotavators, mulchers, and reapers. Scientists from ICAR-RCER, Patna; FSRCHPR, Ranchi; KVK Ramgarh; along with experts from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Jharkhand, and district-level organizations participated in farmer–scientist interactions and technical sessions to address location-specific agricultural challenges through scientific and practical solutions.

The valedictory session was graced by Smt. Deepa Priyanka, District Development Manager, NABARD, Ramgarh, who highlighted the importance of women-friendly and cost-effective mechanization in strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting inclusive agricultural development. During the concluding session, agricultural inputs and small farm implements were distributed among the participating farmers.

More than 550 farmers, including approximately 80% women farmers from various parts of Ramgarh district, actively participated in the two-day mela, making it a significant step towards inclusive and technology-driven agricultural empowerment.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) budget of the Institute.

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