Ranchi, October 8, 2026: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated several new facilities at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB), Garhkhatanga, Ranchi, through video conferencing on Thursday.
The inauguration took place during a Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti-cum-Agricultural Input Distribution Programme, organised under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). Around 1,500 farmers from Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Ramgarh districts participated in the programme.
The newly inaugurated facilities include the Admin-cum-School Building, Birsa Munda Multipurpose Hall, Jaipal Singh Munda Sports Complex and NEXTGEN Breeding Facility. The foundation stone for a new Guest House facility was also laid. The facilities and proposed infrastructure have a combined project value of around ₹119 crore.
Focus on Scientific and Sustainable Agriculture
Addressing the programme, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the importance of scientific agriculture, improved seeds, integrated farming, balanced nutrient management and location-specific agricultural technologies for Jharkhand.
He highlighted the importance of combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern scientific technologies to address emerging challenges in farming. He also called for ensuring timely availability of quality seeds and taking technologies developed by research institutions directly to farmers’ fields.
The Union Minister particularly emphasised the need to protect farmers from fake seeds, counterfeit fertilisers and substandard pesticides. He also called for effective implementation of farmer welfare schemes so that their benefits reach villages across the country.
Emphasising the importance of preparing farmers for the upcoming Rabi season, Chouhan appreciated the efforts of agricultural scientists in taking technologies from “Lab to Land” and urged greater field-level extension activities.
Around 1,500 Farmers Participate
The Kisan Goshti provided farmers with an opportunity to directly interact with scientists, agricultural experts and policymakers. Discussions focused on several areas, including Farmer Producer Organisations, dairy farming, fruit crop production, Integrated Pest Management in Rabi crops, crop diversification, Integrated Farming Systems, organic and natural farming, livestock feeding management and lac cultivation.
Farmers were also provided practical guidance on improved crop production and livestock management practices.
Agricultural Inputs Distributed to Farmers
Various agricultural and livestock inputs were distributed to participating farmers during the programme. These included Nano Urea, Nano DAP, mineral mixtures, improved seed varieties, wheat, pea, mustard and vegetable seed kits.
High-yielding tomato and brinjal seed varieties were also distributed, along with a milk can cooler and other farmer-oriented inputs. Publications and technologies developed by ICAR institutes were also released during the event.
Ministers Highlight Role of Modern Agricultural Technologies
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary highlighted the central role of farmers in ensuring India’s food security and economic development.
He encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies, value addition, soil testing and balanced fertiliser use. He also emphasised strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras and encouraged farmers to experiment with natural farming on a portion of their cultivated land.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, highlighted the significant agricultural potential of eastern India. He called for greater adoption of Rice-Fallow Intensification, location-specific crop and variety selection, improved livestock productivity and research to address challenges such as acidic soils and phosphorus deficiency.
Scientists Visit Research and Farming Facilities
Earlier, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, along with senior ICAR officials and scientists, visited several facilities at ICAR-IIAB. The visit included the Dairy Farm, Crop Research and Training Centre, NEXTGEN Breeding Facility and Integrated Farming System (IFS) Unit.
At the Dairy Farm, officials briefed the Minister about Embryo Transfer technology aimed at improving livestock genetics. At the Integrated Farming System Unit, farmers and officials discussed integrated farming, agricultural waste recycling and resource-efficient agricultural practices.
The dignitaries also participated in a plantation drive and interacted with progressive farmers. An exhibition showcasing crop varieties, livestock and dairy technologies, research achievements, government schemes and farmer-oriented innovations was also organised.
Strengthening the Farmer–Scientist Link
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director of ICAR-IIAB. The event reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between farmers, scientists and policymakers and ensuring that agricultural research and innovation are translated into practical technologies for farmers.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen agricultural research, technology transfer and farmer-oriented innovation in Jharkhand, particularly ahead of the upcoming Rabi season.
Official Source: PIB
