24 June 2026, Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur
As part of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, visited the Uttar Dinajpur Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), UBKV, Chopra, functioning under the jurisdiction of ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata. The visit reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, natural farming, environmental conservation, and farmer welfare through collaborative efforts involving ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and the Department of Agriculture.
The Minister was warmly received by Prof. Bidhan Roy, In-Charge Vice Chancellor, UBKV; Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata, and Director (Additional Charge), ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore; Prof. Ranjit Chatterjee, In-Charge Director of Extension Education, UBKV; along with senior district officials, scientists, extension personnel, and other stakeholders.
The visit commenced with the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam plantation drive, symbolizing the collective commitment towards environmental protection while encouraging greater public participation in afforestation and ecological sustainability.
The Minister subsequently visited the Natural Farming Demonstration Unit established under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, where he observed the preparation of natural farming inputs. The demonstration highlighted low-cost, eco-friendly agricultural practices designed to improve soil health, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and promote sustainable agricultural production systems.
A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the newly established KVK Hatchery Unit, which is expected to strengthen poultry-based livelihood opportunities for rural households, facilitate technology dissemination, and promote income diversification among farming communities, particularly rural youth.
During the visit, Shri Ram Nath Thakur also interacted with members of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), appreciating their significant contribution to rural entrepreneurship, value addition, and livelihood generation. In an informal interaction with farmers over tea, he listened to their experiences, challenges, and suggestions concerning agricultural production, marketing, and the adoption of improved technologies. The interaction provided a valuable platform for direct dialogue between policymakers and the farming community.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. He encouraged farmers to embrace natural farming methods, scientific innovations, and modern agricultural technologies while making effective use of the technical guidance and extension services provided by Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Highlighting the importance of balanced nutrient management, Shri Ram Nath Thakur urged farmers to make effective use of Soil Health Cards for need-based fertilizer application to improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient-use efficiency, and achieve sustainable crop production.
He further underscored the pivotal role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in transferring research-based technologies from laboratories to farmers’ fields and called upon rural youth and women to actively engage in skill development, entrepreneurship, and allied agricultural enterprises to enhance household incomes. Appreciating the farmer-centric initiatives of KVK Uttar Dinajpur, the Minister also commended its patented weaning food innovation as a noteworthy contribution to agricultural innovation, nutrition, and the Government of India’s vision of sustainable agricultural growth and farmers’ prosperity.
Earlier, Dr Pradip Dey highlighted the significant contributions of KVK Uttar Dinajpur and the KVK network in advancing natural farming, climate-resilient agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, and technology-driven agricultural transformation, thereby strengthening sustainable rural livelihoods and agricultural development across the region.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr Pradip Dey, who expressed his sincere gratitude to the Union Minister, distinguished guests, district administration, scientists, farmers, SHG members, and all participants for making the visit a grand success.
The successful organization of the Minister’s visit reflected the commitment of Uttar Dinajpur Krishi Vigyan Kendra towards promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. The visit served as an inspiration for farmers and extension personnel alike while reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural sector.
(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
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