8th February 2025, Cuttack
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), inaugurated several key agricultural facilities at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Cuttack, today. The newly constructed farmers’ hostel, a state-of-the-art seed processing unit, and a Kisan Mela were dedicated to the district’s farming community, aiming to enhance agricultural infrastructure and support systems.
Dr Pathak underscored the importance of innovative research, sustainable agricultural practices, and farmer-centric approaches to enhance productivity and resilience against climate change. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to transform ICAR, streamline uniform rules for KVKs, and reinforce ICAR’s pivotal role in shaping Indian agriculture. Reaffirming his commitment to advancing agricultural research, he emphasized, Bhartiya Krushi Ka Aadhar—ICAR inspiring researchers, scientists, and staff to continue their dedicated efforts in fostering scientific excellence and innovation in Indian agriculture.
The Guest of Honor, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, assured full support for the KVK.
Dr Amaresh Kumar Nayak, Director, ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, emphasized the vital role of KVK in agricultural development and encouraged farmers to visit the center and participate in various skill-oriented training programs to enhance their economic well-being.
Dr P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar; Dr A. Sarangi, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar; and Dr A.K. Panda, I/c Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, also graced the occasion.
Outstanding farmers from the district were honored, and extension bulletins were released to share valuable agricultural insights. The newly opened farmers’ hostel will accommodate visiting farmers attending training and workshops. The seed processing unit aims to enhance seed quality and availability, boosting productivity. The Kisan Mela provided a platform for knowledge exchange, featuring innovative technologies, improved crop varieties, and best practices for farmers. Additionally, a farmer-scientist interactive session addressed key topics in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and livelihood management.
A total of 200 progressive farmers and farm women from the region participated in the programme.
(Source: ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack)
