IAS Officer Trainees Gain Insights into Agricultural Extension and Rural Transformation at ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata

10th March 2026, Kolkata

Ten IAS Officer Trainees of the 2025 batch from the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration visited ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata today as part of their Winter Study Tour to gain first-hand exposure to the critical role of agricultural research, technology dissemination, and extension systems in driving rural transformation and strengthening national development.

The interactive orientation programme began with an invocation of ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by an ice-breaker session that encouraged participants to introduce themselves and engage informally with the scientific community. The trainees were then introduced to the institutional mandate and regional contributions of ICAR–ATARI through a short film titled “Inside ICAR–ATARI Kolkata: Institutional Journey and Regional Impact,” which highlighted the institute’s coordination of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and their role in delivering field-level technologies to farmers.

Delivering the Perspective Talk, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata, spoke on Transforming Agricultural Extension through the KVK Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat @2047. He highlighted the pivotal role of the nationwide network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras as dynamic bridges between agricultural research institutions and farming communities, accelerating the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, strengthening farmers’ capacities, and promoting diversified livelihood opportunities. Dr Dey emphasized the ongoing efforts to transform KVKs into change catalysts and convergence hubs for Indian agriculture, integrating the 3F framework—Farm, Farmer, and Farming and evolving as district agri-tech epicentres for disseminating nature-positive, gender-inclusive, and sustainable technologies.

An open house interaction followed, where scientists and faculty members engaged in dialogue with the IAS probationers, discussing ongoing research, extension innovations, and emerging priorities in sustainable agriculture. The trainees also heard transformative success stories from the field, illustrating how KVK-led interventions have strengthened farmers’ livelihoods, enhanced productivity, and supported sustainable resource management.

The session concluded with a debriefing and reflections, where trainees shared their perspectives on the importance of scientific evidence in shaping public policy and development programmes. The programme ended with a vote of thanks, marking a meaningful exchange between future administrators and the agricultural research and extension community.

The visit proved to be an enriching experience, reinforcing the significance of science-driven governance and evidence-based policymaking in advancing agricultural transformation and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)