Chairman, ASRB, inaugurates several initiatives under ICAR-ATARI Zone VI

04^th March 2025, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 

In a major step toward strengthening agricultural infrastructure in high-altitude regions, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), inaugurated the Protected Cultivation (Mega Playhouse) for HUB and Spoke Model Nursery, Fodder Bank, and Camp Office under the Vibrant Village Programs, initiated by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI through ICAR-KVK Tawang at Zemithang Village, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh today.

Dr Kumar emphasized the importance of protected cultivation in enhancing food security, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing farmer incomes. He urged the stakeholders to focus on value addition and market linkages for better profitability.

Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, highlighted the role of KVKs in bridging technology gaps and ensuring that scientific advancements reach the farmers of remote villages. He emphasized that capacity building, climate-resilient agriculture, and farmer-centric innovations will play a crucial role in sustaining agricultural growth in the region.

Shri Danki Darang, APCS, Deputy Commissioner, Tawang District; along with other senior officials also graced the occasion.

The Mega Polyhouse and Fodder Bank are designed to address key agricultural challenges in high-altitude regions by enabling year-round vegetable cultivation, improved nursery practices, and enhanced fodder availability for livestock. These interventions will help farmers mitigate the impact of extreme climatic conditions and enhance productivity.

The newly inaugurated Camp Office will serve as an operational hub for agricultural extension activities in the region. It will facilitate better coordination between scientists, field experts, and farmers, ensuring the timely dissemination of modern agricultural techniques and inputs. The office will also act as a resource center for training programs, farmer interactions, and on-ground implementation of government initiatives.

The Vibrant Village Program aims to uplift border villages by improving agricultural infrastructure, introducing modern farming techniques, and developing entrepreneurship among farmers. The HUB and Spoke Model Nursery will serve as a resource center, equipping farmers with quality planting materials, improved seed varieties, and scientific cultivation practices.

The event concluded with interactions between scientists, officials, and farmers, where discussions centered around sustainable farming models, high-altitude crop diversification, and the integration of livestock into the rural economy. The initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting resilient and self-reliant agriculture in the border villages of Arunachal Pradesh.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati)