ICAR–ATARI Kolkata and 59 KVKs of Zone-V Mark 98th ICAR Foundation Day with Grand Farmer-Centric Celebrations

16 July 2026, Kolkata

ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, along with its network of 59 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Odisha and West Bengal, celebrated the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with great enthusiasm, reaffirming its commitment to advancing science-led, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agriculture.

The celebrations commenced with the live webcast of the Foundation Day programme from ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi. The webcast was attended by Dr Pradip Dey, Director, along with the scientists, technical, administrative and supporting staff, Research Associates, and Young Professionals of ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata, as well as Headss and staff of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Zone V.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, hailed ICAR as the driving force behind India's agricultural transformation and called upon scientists to accelerate the transfer of technologies from laboratories to farmers' fields by aligning research with the needs of the farming community.

On the occasion, Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted the Council's remarkable achievements during the past year, including the development of 386 improved crop varieties, of which 94% are climate-resilient, and 117 horticultural varieties, besides significant advancements in animal health, fisheries, natural farming, agricultural mechanization and climate-smart agriculture.

To commemorate the occasion, ICAR–ATARI Kolkata and its 59 KVKs organized a series of farmer-centric programmes across the region. The activities included technology demonstrations, distribution of agricultural inputs, technical sessions on soil health management, quality seed and clean planting material production, natural farming, crop diversification through pulses, oilseeds, millets, secondary agriculture & agri-entrepreneurship, El Niño contingency planning and plantation activities. Successful small and marginal farmers, farm women and agri-preneurs were felicitated for their outstanding contributions, while Farmer–Scientist interaction programmes provided a vibrant platform for addressing location-specific challenges and promoting the adoption of proven agricultural technologies.

A total of 3,321 participants, comprising 2,981 farmers and 340 Dignitaries/Scientists/Officials, actively participated in the live webcast and the day-long celebrations, reflecting the strong outreach of ICAR's extension system in eastern India.

Adding a green dimension to the celebrations, ICAR–ATARI Kolkata and KVKs of Zone-V organized a plantation programme under the nationwide campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam at its Office premises. The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Director, scientists, finance and administrative personnel, and project staff, reinforcing the institute's commitment towards environmental conservation, sustainable development and a greener future.

The celebrations showcased the collective resolve of ICAR–ATARI Kolkata and its KVK network to strengthen the last-mile delivery of agricultural technologies, empower farmers through innovation, and contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 through resilient, inclusive and sustainable agriculture.

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