ICAR-RCER IRC Concludes with Comprehensive Scientific Deliberations, Emphasising “One Team, One Task”

7 August 2026, Patna

The three-day Institute Research Council Meeting of ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, was held during August 5–7, 2026, under the chairmanship of Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER. The major objectives of the meeting were to review and fine-tune the progress of on-going research programmes, evaluate new research proposals, and chart a five-year roadmap for science-led, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural development in Eastern India.

Delivering the inaugural address virtually, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Director General, (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, emphasized the need for interdisciplinary and collaborative research aligned with national priorities to generate impactful technologies for sustainable agriculture in Eastern India.

Dr Bikas Das, Director, ICAR-NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur; Dr P. K. Mishra, Director, BAMETI, Patna attended as subject-matter experts and shared valuable suggestions for strengthening the Institute’s research programmes.

Addressing the scientists, Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, called for fostering a “One Team, One Task” work culture and advancing multidisciplinary, technology-driven and farmer-centric research aligned with national priorities. He urged scientists to set clear goals, accelerate innovation and work collectively as a team to develop impactful solutions to agricultural challenges. He further emphasized that the challenges and constraints encountered during the research process often provide the foundation for high-quality and impactful outcomes.

The emphasis was placed on water-budget-based crop planning and sensor-based irrigation scheduling to improve water-use efficiency and optimize crop production. The importance of mapping rice-fallow areas was also highlighted to assess the impact and effectiveness of the Institute’s flagship research programme.

During the three-day event, scientists deliberated on the progress and future direction of the Institute’s research programmes under five multi-disciplinary task oriented projects: Regenerative and Integrated Farming Systems for Climate-Resilient Agriculture; Genetic Resource Management and Improved Production Technologies of Horticultural Crops; Natural Resource Management for Enhancing Land and Water Productivity; Sustainable Livestock and Fisheries Production Systems; and Socio-Economics, Extension and Policy Research.

New sub-projects were also considered in emerging areas, including smart irrigation, drone-based precision agriculture, AI/ML-based crop and livestock management, indigenous animal genetic resources, goat breeding, methane emission reduction, disease diagnosis, and impact assessment of Institute’s technologies.

The inaugural programme began with tree plantation followed by the presentation of the Action Taken Report. An MoU was also signed with Development Focus, Bengaluru, for vegetable seed production of improved varieties developed at FSRCHP, Ranchi. A documentary showcasing the success story of Udlu village, Ramgarh, by RCER-KVK Ramgarh under the Tribal Sub Plan was also released.

The concluding day featured discussions on efficient budget utilization, progress of SCSP/TSP/NEH programmes, effective implementation of recent ICAR policies and reforms, and parliamentary matters, followed by an open discussion during which scientists and Administrative staff shared suggestions for strengthening research and institutional activities.

Around 100 scientists and technical officers of the Institute including FSRCHP, Ranchi & two KVKs (Ramgarh & Buxar) participated in the meeting.

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