Training for Scheduled Caste Farmers Held at ICAR–RCER, Patna

5 December 2025, Patna

A five-day Farmers’ Training Programme on “Empowering Farmers through Digital Agriculture” was organized by the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, from 1–5 December 2025, exclusively for Scheduled Caste farmers. The programme aimed to build farmers’ capacity to effectively use digital tools such as mobile phones, computers, the internet, and agriculture-based applications for improved crop management, efficient resource use, and better market integration.

Addressing the participants as the Chief Guest, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR–RCER, underscored the growing importance of digital literacy in modern agriculture. He emphasized that timely weather information, scientific advisories, and real-time market data are critical for informed decision-making. Dr. Das highlighted how digital platforms can help farmers mitigate climate risks, optimize input use, and enhance productivity and income. He encouraged the trainees to act as digital ambassadors in their communities to promote wider adoption of technology in farming.

Earlier, Course Director and Senior Scientist, presented the training report, noting significant learning outcomes. Nearly half of the participants scored above 80% in the final assessment, demonstrating strong comprehension of the modules covered.

A total of 14 Scheduled Caste farmers from Nawada, Buxar, and Patna districts of Bihar participated in the programme. The training featured comprehensive modules, including the use of MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint, access to mobile-based agro-advisory services, online navigation of government agricultural schemes, methods of authentic information search, and digital procedures related to banking and crop insurance. Participants were also trained in the use of mobile apps and e-marketing platforms to enhance farm-to-market linkages.

Experts from the state government and banking institutions contributed as resource persons, delivering lectures and providing hands-on demonstrations. Interactive sessions enabled farmers to practice and internalize digital agriculture tools that are rapidly transforming India’s agricultural ecosystem.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region Patna)