Technology & Knowledge Sharing Workshop with NEH Regions Organized

22 September 2025, Patna

ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, in collaboration with ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, inaugurated a two-day Workshop on “Technology and Knowledge Sharing under the NEH Component” today.

The workshop marks a significant step towards building a collaborative platform that goes beyond technology transfer to emphasize cross-learning, benefit sharing, adaptive research, and region-specific solutions for the fragile yet resource-rich North Eastern Hill (NEH) ecosystems.

Drawing on ICAR-RCER’s pioneering innovations in rice-fallow and millet-based cropping systems, integrated farming models, climate-resilient varieties, and socio-economic tools, along with ICAR-MGIFRI’s location-specific integrated farming system (IFS) models for flood-prone areas, the initiative represents the first structured effort to systematically connect scientists, experts, and stakeholders from the Eastern and NEH regions to address shared agricultural challenges and opportunities.

Chief Guest Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, visited ongoing research fields and long-term trials, commending ICAR-RCER’s innovative technologies for their potential adoption in the NEH region. In his inaugural address, he stressed the importance of resource conservation technologies, high-value crops, resilient farming practices, and knowledge sharing to build sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems in the NEH region.

Joining virtually, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Director General (AAF & CC), ICAR, lauded ICAR-RCER and ICAR-MGIFRI for organizing the workshop and underlined its role in promoting research exchange, capacity building, and inter-regional collaboration through innovative farming models and NEH germplasm resources.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, emphasized that strengthening knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and technology adaptation would enable the NEH’s unique germplasm and biodiversity, along with region-specific innovations and proven models, to benefit both the NEH and Eastern regions, ensuring sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

During the technical sessions, divisional heads presented ongoing research activities and technologies, while participants deliberated on priority research areas, including appropriate technological interventions for the NEH region and potential collaboration in frontier areas. Field visits were also organized to showcase research demonstrations and developed technologies.

The programme was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Patna; Dr. Bikash Das, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Motihari; and Dr. L.M. Garnayak, Director, Research, CAU Imphal.

The event witnessed the active participation of about 100 delegates, including 10 scientists from ICAR-RC NEH, CAU Imphal, ATARI Guwahati, and Umiam, reflecting a strong commitment towards collaborative research and technology sharing for the benefit of both Eastern and NEH regions.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)