Annual Zonal Workshop of ICAR-ATARI Kolkata Organised

28–30 August 2025, Cooch Behar

The Annual Zonal Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras under ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata was successfully held during 28–30 August 2025 at Cooch Behar, jointly organized by ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata and UBKV-KVK, Cooch Behar.

For the first time, the workshop introduced three Creative Solutions Labs on (i) strengthening extension research, (ii) situation-specific technology targeting, and (iii) improving data quality. The innovative insights generated in these labs guided deliberations across three concurrent technical sessions, helping to refine action plans for greater field-level impact.

In his message, Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agri Ext), ICAR, stressed the need for convergence of KVK activities with multiple ministries and announced new initiatives for the welfare of KVK staff across the country.

Dr. R.R. Burman, Assistant Director General (Agri Ext), ICAR, urged positioning KVKs as the nation’s frontline extension system by integrating pulses and oilseeds production, precision farming, climate-resilient technologies, and FPO/FPC capacity building into their mainstream activities.

Insights from Key Dignitaries:

Dr. D. Basu, Vice-Chancellor, Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, lauded the role of KVKs in ensuring food and nutritional security and appreciated ATARI Kolkata’s contributions in natural farming and project implementation.

Dr. T.K. Dutta, Vice-Chancellor, West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, emphasized the need for evidence-based interventions through wider adoption of randomized control trials.

Dr. Pranjib Chakraborty, former Member, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, highlighted the urgency of reforming the agri-input innovation ecosystem, placing KVKs at the forefront of this transformation.

Dr. M.M. Adhikari, former Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, underlined the importance of enhanced funding support to empower KVKs for wider reach and impact.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, presented the major achievements of KVKs and urged their transformation into catalysts and convergence hubs aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He called for sustainability-driven interventions that balance farmer prosperity with natural resource conservation.

Dr. B. Das, Director, National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, advocated for cluster-based litchi promotion to leverage export opportunities, noting India’s export of 639.53 MT of litchi during FY 2023–24.

Dr. G.A.K. Kumar, Director, ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, shared recent advancements in rice varietal development and agro-techniques suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

Dr. H.K. Senapati, Chairman, Zonal Monitoring Committee-National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture, emphasized the evolving role of KVKs as future-ready centers of education, research, and extension for rural transformation.

A Special Session on Sustainable and Safe Use of Agri-Inputs and Technologies, sponsored by Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., highlighted best practices in the safe and judicious use of agro-chemicals.

The workshop also marked the release of 21 publications, including learning videos and the KVK Management System developed by ATARI Kolkata and partner KVKs. With the participation of over 150 delegates, including Vice-Chancellors, senior ICAR officials, Directors, DEEs, Heads, and KVK staff, the event became a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative planning.

The workshop concluded with forward-looking recommendations on technology integration, climate resilience, capacity building, and market linkages, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth across the region.

The workshop brought together 59 KVKs from Andaman & Nicobar Islands (3), Odisha (33), and West Bengal (23), providing a vital platform to review progress, share experiences, and design future strategies for strengthening agricultural extension.

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