Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Laid Foundation Stone of NRC on Integrated Farming

Speaking as Chief Guest, he said the new Institute is dedicated to the welfare of the farmers in the region. The mandate of the Institute is to conduct research on the development of location specific integrated farming system models for diverse agro-ecological conditions, especially flood and wetland situations. Emphasis will be laid on rice, sugarcane and banana which require more water. In his address, Minister hoped that this Institute will be responsible for developing integrated farming models so that the food and nutritional security of people is secured.

Minister felicitated progressive farmers and entrepreneurs from the region including seven women farmers, who have excelled in the cultivation of mushroom, banana and rice.

Shri Pramod Kumar, MLA, Motihari, Shri Sachindra Prasad Singh, MLA, Kesaria and Shri Rajesh Kumar Gupta, MLC graced the occasion as Guests of Honor.

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, while welcoming dignitaries and farmers, briefed on the mandate of the newly established Institute.

Dr. A.K. Sikka, DDG (NRM) highlighted the importance of this Institute in the region and the country as well.

Earlier, Dr. B.P.Bhatt, OSD of the Institute and Director of ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.

A Kishan Goshthi on Integrated Farming and two-day Exhibition on recent trends in agriculture were also organized on this occasion. More than 3000 farmers from East Champaran and neighbouring districts participated in the event. Large number of entrepreneurs, scientists, state and central government officials and social workers were also present on the occasion.

Dr Rameshwar Singh, Project Director, ICAR-DKMA, proposed the vote of thanks.