A large-scale Farmer–Scientist Interaction and Awareness Programme was organized on 17th June 2026 at Naubatpur, Patna, under the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”. The programme was jointly organized by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar; ATARI, Patna; and ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna. The primary objective of the programme was to promote soil health conservation, balanced nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, stated that “the Earth is our mother, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it.” Referring to traditional farming practices, he emphasized the importance of organic sources of nutrients, including farmyard manure, and observed that the decline in livestock population has increased dependence on chemical fertilizers. He urged farmers to use chemical fertilizers only in recommended quantities based on soil testing and to adopt balanced nutrient management practices. The Hon’ble Minister also directed ICAR to develop location-specific Integrated Farming System (IFS) models to enhance the income of small holders.
The Union Minister advocated the adoption of Integrated Farming Systems as an effective strategy for increasing farmers’ income. He emphasized that a coordinated model integrating crop production, livestock rearing, fisheries, horticulture, and other farm-based enterprises can serve as a viable pathway for income enhancement among small and marginal farmers. He also encouraged the adoption of scientific technologies such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), drought-tolerant crop varieties, rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation, and other water- and crop-productivity-enhancing technologies to make agriculture more profitable and resilient under changing climatic conditions.
Presiding over the programme, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, called upon farmers to protect “Dharti Mata” through sustainable agricultural practices. He urged them to follow the principle of “the right fertilizer, in the right quantity, based on the right advice” and stressed the need to transfer scientific technologies from laboratories to farmers’ fields. He stated that the Government of Bihar is committed to promoting natural and organic farming and appreciated the efforts of ICAR scientists working closely with farming communities.
Dr. R. K. Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi, presented an overview of the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” and highlighted the activities carried out under the campaign so far. He emphasized that soil testing, balanced fertilizer use, scientific interventions, and farmer awareness are key to conserving soil health and improving agricultural productivity.
During the programme, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted a mango sapling at the farm and actively took part in demonstrations of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and millet nursery management along with the team of ICAR-RCER, Patna. On this occasion, he also appreciated the polyfilm-based biodegradable litchi storage technology developed by ICAR–National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur. This innovative technology enables the storage of litchi fruits under normal conditions for up to 10 days, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and helping farmers obtain better market prices.
A Kisan Chaupal was also organized during the programme, where the Hon’ble Minister engaged in a cordial interaction with farmers. He listened carefully to their concerns, experiences, and expectations and assured them of all possible support for the holistic development of the agricultural sector and the prosperity of farming communities. An agricultural drone demonstration was also conducted by ICAR-RCER, Patna during the event.
The programme was attended by Shri Narmdeshwar Lal, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar; Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna; and officials from ICAR, the State Government, and agricultural universities.
More than 2,500 farmers participated in the programme, along with ICAR scientists, officials from the State Agriculture Department, agricultural extension personnel, and other stakeholders. On this occasion, the Government of India, the Government of Bihar, and ICAR reaffirmed their shared commitment to soil conservation, balanced fertilizer use, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and farmers’ prosperity.
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