Hands-on Training on Kisan Sarathi 2.0 App Organized at KVK Nadia

30 March 2026, Kalyani

A meeting-cum-hands-on training programme on the use of the Kisan Sarathi 2.0 App, which was developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi and piloted through ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, was successfully organized today at Nadia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (BCKV), bringing together Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) members, KVK experts, and stakeholders from the district.

The programme was graced by Dr A.K. Patra, Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), and the Dr P.K. Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, along with board members of various FPOs of Nadia district. Scientists and staff members of Nadia KVK actively participated in the event.

Dr A.K. Patra, highlighted the transformative potential of technology-driven advisory services and encouraged farmers to adopt the app using smartphone-based platforms. He also shared insights on good agricultural practices for improving farm productivity and sustainability. He commended the FPOs of Nadia district for their proactive engagement in supporting the farming community.

Dr Pradip Dey, highlighted Kisan Sarathi 2.0 as a farmer-centric platform enabling query submission, real-time tracking, and timely expert advisories from KVKs, while stressing active farmer participation for its success. He envisioned it as an inclusive system bridging last-mile gaps for tribal and women farmers through integration of soil, market, and insurance services Dr. Dey reiterated that ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata is committed to transforming the landscape of real-time farmer support in agri-digital innovation.

Dr M.K. Samanta, In-Charge Head, Nadia KVK, initiated the programme by highlighting the role of FPOs in enhancing farmers’ economic progress and emphasized the potential of the Kisan Sarathi 2.0 App as a digital bridge between farmers and experts.

A live demonstration session was conducted by Dr Samanta, showcasing the registration process, query submission, tracking mechanisms, and retrieval of expert advisories through the app. FPO members shared positive feedback, appreciating the app’s potential to reduce dependency on traditional advisory channels such as input dealers and local intermediaries. Participants also suggested incorporating timely pesticide advisories and value-added technologies to further enhance its utility.

The Kisan Sarathi 2.0 platform represents an integrated recommendation framework aimed at transforming extension delivery through digital innovation. Key focus areas include strengthening multimedia-enabled interfaces, AI-driven query management, streamlined workflows, and robust governance mechanisms. The platform also emphasizes development of a comprehensive knowledge repository, capacity building of experts, enhanced farmer engagement through multimedia tools, and convergence with national agricultural digital systems.

With a phased implementation strategy, Kisan Sarathi 2.0 is poised to evolve into a responsive, scalable, and farmer-centric digital ecosystem, ensuring timely, reliable, and need-based advisory services for the farming community.
A total of 65 participants including CEOs, Board Members from 11 FPOs, CBBO representatives, progressive farmers, PACS representatives, and KVK experts took part in the programme.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants and reaffirming the commitment towards strengthening digtal agricultural advisory services.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)