National Workshop on Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) organized
National Workshop on Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) organized

22nd – 23rd January 2025, Patna

A two-day (22nd–23rd January 2025) National Workshop on the ‘Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture" (ARYA) project, organised by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-IV, Patna, commenced today.

Dr U.S. Gautam, Deputy Director General, Agricultural Extension (ICAR), highlighted that 52% of India's population consists of rural youth, emphasizing the importance of connecting them to agriculture and allied sectors. He explained that the ARYA project, launched in 2016 under the Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR, New Delhi, seeks to empower rural youth with technical skills to develop multi-layered income systems, enabling gainful employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Dr N. Vijayalakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal and Fisheries Resources Department, Govt of Bihar, underscored the importance of strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the role of animal husbandry and fisheries in agriculture. She accentuated that 30% of agricultural GDP comes from these sectors, which significantly contribute to increasing farmers' incomes. Dr Vijayalakshmi also urged the youth to seek proper training and guidance under various KVKs to succeed in agripreneurship.

National Workshop on Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) organized  National Workshop on Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) organized

Dr R.K. Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, urged the KVKs to explore supplementary funding opportunities from organizations like NABARD, RKVY, CSR initiatives, and the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support their entrepreneurs.

Dr Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-IV Patna, briefed the achievements and the ongoing activities of the institute.

Over 100 dignitaries and participants attended the event, including Dr M.M. Adhikari, Former Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia; Dr V.V. Sadamate, Former Advisor for Agriculture, Planning Commission, GoI; Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, ICAR, Patna; Dr Abhijit Kar, Director, ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Ranchi; and various Directors and Nodal Officers from all the ICAR-ATARI Zones, Scientists and Staff from ICAR-ATARI Patna, and nodal officers from various Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country.

Various publications were also released during the occasion.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Keshav, Principal Scientist, ICAR, New Delhi.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-IV, Patna, Bihar)

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