National Workshop on ‘Way Forward for Resilient Buffalo Farming’ Organised

26 October 2025, Hisar

A National Workshop on ‘Way Forward for Resilient Buffalo Farming: Integrating Climate Smart, Precision, and Digital Technologies’ was inaugurated by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, at the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Jat emphasized the significance of authenticity of data, data interoperability, and adopting a whole-of-system approach to strengthen buffalo farming. He underlined the need to connect scientific advancements with society and to ensure that the livestock sector remains competitive and future-ready.

Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, highlighted the importance of addressing climate-related disease incidences in animals and developing mitigation strategies for sustainable livestock health.

Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, stressed the necessity of demand-driven research, validation of grassroots innovations, and inclusion of innovative farmers in the research and development ecosystem.

Dr. Yash Pal, Director, ICAR-CIRB, presented an overview of the institute’s ongoing research programmes and progress in promoting sustainable buffalo husbandry.

Penalists also included Dr. Arun Kumar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI; Dr. Parmvender Sheoran Director, ICAR- ATARI; Dr. Baldev Gulati, Director, ICAR- NIVEDI, and  Dr. TK Bhattacharya, Director, ICAR- NRCE.

A technical session in form of panel discussion brought experts, farmers, and industrial representatives to deliberate on strategies for promoting climate-resilient and technology-driven buffalo farming in India.

The event was organised under the project ‘Climate Smart Buffalo Farming Using Digital Support Systems’, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with IIT Roorkee and the University of Adelaide.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Indian Society of Buffalo Development and ICAR-CIRB, Hisar, with the objective of developing a strategic roadmap for integrating climate resilience, precision technologies, and digital innovations in buffalo farming systems.

The workshop witnessed active participation from 28 progressive farmers representing various regions of India.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar)