Vice-Chancellors of RLBCAU, Jhansi and RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar Visits ICAR-ATARI, Umiam

9 September 2026, Umiam, Meghalaya

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-VII, Umiam, Meghalaya, had the privilege of welcoming Dr A.K. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University (RLBCAU), Jhansi, and Dr P.S. Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, Bihar, on their maiden visit to the institute today.

Dr P.S. Pandey, highlighted that extension is not a time-bound activity but a continuous process requiring sustained engagement with farming communities. He stressed that KVKs should therefore be viewed as long-term institutions for technology dissemination, capacity building and livelihood enhancement, rather than merely as short-term project-oriented agencies. He further emphasized that the vision of a truly inclusive and Viksit Bharat cannot be realized without strengthening and supporting KVKs and ensuring their continued engagement with farming communities.

Keeping eye upon the complex, risk prone, wide biodiversity of the region, Dr A.K. Singh emphasized the need to assess the performance of KVKs in the North-Eastern region with different parameters as compared to KVKs in plain lands. He stated that the region has small and fragmented landholdings, challenging hilly terrain, limited infrastructure and unique socio-economic conditions, which necessitate a context-specific approach in evaluating agricultural technologies and addressing the emerging and region-specific needs of farmers.

Dr A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Umiam gave an overview of the Institute’s new initiatives such as revenue generation, rural agriprenureship, ISO Certification, collaborative research with different ICAR research institutes through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the Northeastern region.

The dignitaries interacted with the officials and scientists of ICAR-ATARI, Umiam and exchanged views on strengthening research collaboration, technology application and extension activities, in convergence mode with various agencies to realize the dream of Viksit Bharat @2026.

The discussions focused on the strategies to meet the distinctive challenges in the North-Eastern agriculture and the critical role of KVKs in supporting farmers and strengthening the agricultural extension system.

The visit of two illustrious Vice Chancellors and the sharing of their rich experiences marked a significant boost to the scientists through their valuable insights into the need for context-specific approaches to agricultural extension, sustained institutional collaboration and stronger coordination among stakeholders for enhancing the impact of KVK in the North-Eastern region.

As a lasting footprint of their visit, Dr A.K. Singh, and Dr. P.S. Pandey, planted saplings at the ICAR-ATARI campus, symbolizing their enduring association with the Institute and their shared commitment to the sustainable development of agriculture and the farming community. ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, expressed its sincere gratitude to both Vice Chancellors for their gracious visit and valuable interaction.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-VII, Umiam, Meghalaya)