ICAR–ATARI, Zone VI Hosts Annual Zonal Workshop 2025 in Sikkim

25–26 September 2025, Sikkim

ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, organized the Annual Zonal Workshop 2025 on 25–26 September in Sikkim. The two-day workshop addressed key challenges in agriculture and allied sectors in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, while also reviewing On-Farm Trials (OFTs) and Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) to recommend suitable technologies for the region.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Om Prakash Mathur, Governor of Sikkim, who underscored the importance of value addition in crops particularly large cardamom and emphasized the need to establish additional Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the state. He also highlighted the potential of drone technology in transforming agriculture in the North Eastern region.

Joining virtually, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, highlighted the significance of agriculture in the North East, with a special focus on natural and organic farming. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for agricultural transformation in the region.

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, emphasized agriculture’s role in income and livelihood generation, calling for strengthened KVKs and Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) to ensure holistic development in the North East.

In his welcome address, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, presented an overview of the agricultural landscape of the region.

Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), along with Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General, ICAR, also addressed the gathering virtually.

Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Zone VI, outlined the objectives of the workshop, noting that a range of ICAR-developed technologies and crop varieties tailored for the North East would be disseminated through OFTs and FLDs. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with partner institutes for effective technology transfer and farmer capacity-building.

The workshop provided a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and technology dissemination aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes through sustainable practices. A technology exhibition was also organized, showcasing innovations, research outcomes, and flagship products from various ICAR institutes.

Eminent scientists delivered technical presentations and state-specific recommendations across domains including agriculture, horticulture, field crops, natural resource management, livestock and fisheries, farm machinery, and secondary agriculture.

Distinguished participants included Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim; Shri B.S. Panth, MLA, Temi Naphing; Dr. Manoranjan Neog, DEE, AAU; Dr. H.C. Bhattacharya, Former DEE, AAU; Directors of ICAR institutes; Mr. T.D. Neckom, Director, Agriculture, Arunachal Pradesh; senior officials from Sikkim’s line departments; Heads of KVKs; and scientists and officials from ICAR–ATARI, Zone VI.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-VI, Guwahati)