ICAR Regional Committee-II Meeting Inaugurated

In his address, he said West Bengal and other states of this region have huge agricultural potential which need to be harnessed with effective synchronization of research and development departments. He emphasized upon the need of location specific technological interventions for the farmers. Shri Roy suggested the research priorities on standardization of location specific seed production technologies for rice alternate cropping patterns and crop diversification.

In his Presidential address, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR said that the region offers tremendous scope and opportunities for multifaceted growth of agriculture sector, including animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, sericulture and others. He mentioned that this region has potential for various high value agricultural commodities like aromatic and designer rice, pulses, maize, oil-palm, short duration crops like ragi especially in dry situations, fish, poultry and livestock.

Earlier, Dr. B. Meenakumari, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Sciences), ICAR and Nodal Officer ICAR RC-II welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the role of fisheries for livelihood improvement in the region.

Sixteen progressive farmers from four different states and Andaman and Nicobar islands were felicitated for their contribution and achievements in increasing agricultural production and productivity.

Vice Chancellors of the State Agricultural Universities, Directors of ICAR research institutes, senior officials of state line departments and progressive farmers from West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Andaman & Nicobar islands participated in the meeting.

Prof. A.P. Sharma, Director, CIFRI proposed vote of thanks.