ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari Celebrates 98th ICAR foundation day with plantation drive, farmers–scientists interaction and swachhata campaign

16 July 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari celebrated the 98^th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with a series of activities promoting environmental sustainability, scientific agriculture, cleanliness, and farmer awareness. The celebrations were organized under the overall guidance of Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, with active participation of scientists, technical staff, administrative personnel, contractual workers, farm workers, and farmers.

The celebrations commenced with a plantation drive under the nationwide campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", reinforcing the institute's commitment to environmental conservation and climate-resilient agriculture. A total of 262 fruit saplings were planted across the institute campus and research farm, including 90 Red Lady papaya plants, 36 Amrapali mango plants, 36 L-49 guava plants, and 100 G-9 banana plants. Scientists highlighted the importance of fruit-based plantations in enhancing biodiversity, improving nutritional security, sequestering carbon, and strengthening integrated farming systems.

Following the plantation programme, the entire institute community participated in a Swachhata Abhiyan covering experimental farms, field roads, and surrounding research areas. Special emphasis was given to the management of Parthenium (Congress grass), where scientists created awareness about its harmful effects on crop productivity, livestock, human health, and biodiversity. Participants were sensitized on integrated methods for Parthenium management through mechanical removal, preventive measures, and ecological approaches.

As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the live telecast of the 98^th ICAR Foundation Day programme from ICAR Headquarters was organized in the institute seminar hall. Around 62 participants, including 38 farm women, 8 farmers from nearby villages, institute staff, and contractual workers, attended the programme and interacted with scientists on emerging agricultural technologies and national initiatives in agricultural research.

A Farmers–Scientists Interaction Meeting was also organized, during which experts discussed key issues related to soil testing, quality seed production, integrated nutrient management, balanced fertilizer use, natural farming, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). Farmers raised queries on soil fertility, crop productivity, nutrient deficiencies, and sustainable farming practices, which were addressed through location-specific scientific recommendations.

Scientists demonstrated a comprehensive package of soil-health-centered technologies, including soil-test-based nutrient management, balanced fertilizer use, green manuring through Dhaincha (Sesbania), summer mungbean cultivation, crop diversification, biofertilizers, vermicomposting, crop residue recycling, conservation agriculture, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), laser land levelling, rice nursery management, integrated pest management, and climate-resilient crop planning. Special emphasis was placed on Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) integrating crops, fisheries, livestock, horticulture, and resource recycling for the flood-prone and waterlogged ecosystems of North Bihar. Farmers were also provided scientific advisories on nutrient management and sustainable orchard management practices for mango, litchi, and papaya.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, emphasized that the institute remains committed to translating scientific innovations into practical solutions for farmers through field demonstrations, capacity building, and integrated farming approaches. He highlighted that healthy soils, diversified farming systems, and efficient natural resource management are essential for achieving climate-resilient and profitable agriculture.

The celebration concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen the linkage between agricultural research, environmental conservation, and farmer-centric technology dissemination, reaffirming ICAR's commitment to sustainable agricultural development, nutritional security, and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)