10th Foundation Day Celebrated at ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati

14 February 2026, Guwahati

The 10th Foundation Day of the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at its premises, marking a decade of dedicated service in strengthening agricultural extension and technology transfer across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim today.

The Chief Guest, Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Member of Parliament, Kaziranga, stressed the need to transform agriculture from subsistence-based activity to an enterprise-driven sector. He emphasized youth engagement, mechanization, and the strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), noting that motivation and awareness are as important as government schemes for revitalizing agriculture in the North Eastern region.

Guests of Honour included Dr Niranjan Kalita, Vice-Chancellor of Assam Veterinary and Fisheries University, and Padma Shri awardee Dr Jogesh Deuri. Eminent agricultural scientist Dr K.M. Bujarbaruah, Former Vice-Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, also addressed the gathering.

Dr Kalita underscored the importance of integrated farming systems and strengthening livestock and poultry sectors, particularly to reduce dependence on imported table eggs. Dr Bujarbaruah emphasized the transition from traditional agriculture to data-driven, digital, and agribusiness-oriented extension models.

Padma Shri Dr Deuri shared his inspiring journey in sericulture development and highlighted the immense potential of Eri and Muga silk in the North East. He advocated innovation, value addition, and youth-centric approaches to make sericulture economically viable and globally competitive.

Welcoming the participants, Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, highlighted the institute’s achievements over the past decade. He emphasized key initiatives including NICRA, ARYA, the National Mission on Natural Farming, large-scale demonstrations on oilseeds and pulses, drone-based interventions, and the Rice Fallow Intensification Programme covering about 30,000 hectares. He also highlighted the Traditional Village Knowledge Bank initiative in Arunachal Pradesh, the Vibrant Village Programme along the Indo-China border, and the submission of 120 applications for farmers’ variety registration under PPV&FRA.

The programme witnessed participation of around 150 officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), host institutions, nearby ICAR institutes, the Spices Board, Coconut Development Board, line departments, and farmers, reflecting strong institutional collaboration in advancing agricultural development in the region.

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