ICAR-IIAB, Ranchi Inaugurates New Facilities and Organises Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti for 1,500 Farmers in Ranchi

8 October 2026, Ranchi

ICAR–Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Garhkhatanga, Ranchi, organised a Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti-cum-Agricultural Input Distribution Programme under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) on 8 October 2026. The programme brought together around 1,500 farmers from Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Ramgarh districts to promote scientific and sustainable agricultural practices through direct interaction with scientists and policymakers.

On the occasion, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated several new facilities at ICAR-IIAB through video conferencing. These included the Admin-cum-School Building, Birsa Munda Multipurpose Hall, Jaipal Singh Munda Sports Complex and NEXTGEN Breeding Facility. He also laid the foundation stone for a new Guest House, with the institute’s new infrastructure projects representing an investment of ₹119 crore.

Expressing condolences on the demise of the mother of Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren, Shri Chouhan highlighted the importance of scientific agriculture, improved seeds, integrated farming, balanced nutrient management and location-specific technologies suited to Jharkhand’s agro-climatic conditions. He described ICAR-IIAB as an important centre for agricultural research, innovation and self-reliance, emphasising the need to combine traditional knowledge with modern, technology-driven farming practices.

The Union Minister stressed the timely availability of quality seeds, balanced fertiliser use and protection of farmers from spurious seeds, counterfeit fertilisers and substandard pesticides. He also called for effective implementation of farmer welfare schemes and wider adoption of integrated farming systems involving crops, vegetables and livestock.

Appreciating scientists’ efforts to take technologies from “Lab to Land”, he urged them to strengthen field-level extension activities and undertake a nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan.

Earlier, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, accompanied by Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Dr D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR; Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB; and Dr Vijay Pal Bhadana, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IIAB, visited various facilities of the institute.

Addressing the farmers, Shri Choudhary highlighted their central role in the country’s food security and development. He encouraged the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, value addition, stronger Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and enhanced support through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). He also emphasised soil testing, balanced fertiliser application and natural farming on a part of cultivated land, while stressing the need to prevent the use of spurious agricultural inputs and ensure that government welfare schemes reach farmers effectively.

Dr M. L. Jat highlighted the potential of eastern India to drive a new phase of agricultural transformation and called for strengthening agricultural research and knowledge institutions in Jharkhand. He emphasised wider adoption of Rice-Fallow Intensification, location-specific crop and variety selection, improved livestock productivity, and research to address challenges such as soil acidity and phosphorus deficiency. He also underscored the importance of natural and organic farming and appropriate planning for the upcoming Rabi season.

Dr D. K. Yadav emphasised the need to align agricultural research with farmers’ requirements and ensure that technologies reach the last mile. He also highlighted student development, appropriate guidance and expanded opportunities in agricultural research.

During the visit, the dignitaries inspected the Dairy Farm, Crop Research and Training Centre, NEXTGEN Breeding Facility and Integrated Farming System (IFS) Unit. At the Dairy Farm, they were briefed on embryo transfer technology for livestock genetic improvement. At the IFS Unit, they interacted with farmers and learned about integrated farming, agricultural waste recycling and resource-efficient practices. The Minister also participated in a plantation drive and interacted with progressive farmers.

An exhibition showcasing crop varieties, livestock and dairy technologies, research achievements, government schemes and farmer-oriented innovations by ICAR institutes and government agencies of Jharkhand was organised as part of the programme.

The Kisan Goshti featured technical sessions on FPOs and emerging agricultural opportunities in Jharkhand, ethno-veterinary medicines, dairy farming, fruit crop production, Integrated Pest Management in Rabi crops, crop diversification, Integrated Farming Systems, organic and natural farming, livestock feeding management and lac cultivation. Farmers interacted with scientists and technical experts and received practical guidance on improved crop and livestock management practices.

Agricultural and livestock inputs, including Nano Urea, Nano DAP, mineral mixture, improved seed varieties, wheat, pea, mustard and vegetable seed kits, a milk can cooler, and high-yielding tomato and brinjal seed varieties, were distributed to participating farmers. Publications and technologies developed by ICAR institutes were also released during the programme.

In recognition of their contributions to the institute, Dr R. Ramani, former Officer on Special Duty; Dr K. K. Sharma, former Director (In-charge); Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, former Acting Director and Joint Director (Research); and Dr Arunnava Patanayak, the first regular Director of ICAR-IIAB, were honoured on the occasion.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB, who acknowledged the contributions of the dignitaries, farmers, scientists, officials, staff, students and other stakeholders. The event reaffirmed ICAR-IIAB’s commitment to strengthening farmer–scientist–policymaker linkages and translating agricultural research and innovations into practical solutions for farmers in Jharkhand.

(Source: ICAR - Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi)