Agriculture Science Centres to Play Key Role in Developed India: ICAR DDG"

Patna:A two-day national workshop hosted by ICAR-ATARI Patna Zone commenced on Wednesday at the BAMETI Auditorium, Patna. The event was jointly inaugurated by Dr. U.S. Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, and Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal and Fisheries Resources Department, Bihar. Over 100 agricultural scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country are participating.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gautam emphasized the importance of engaging rural youth in agriculture. He highlighted the ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture) project, launched in 2016, which aims to provide sustainable income opportunities for rural youth within their villages to reduce urban migration. Through KVKs, youth are receiving training and support to build careers in agriculture and allied sectors.

Speaking about the project, Dr. Gautam stated, “India has 52% of its population in rural youth, and through the ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture) project, ICAR aims to connect them with agriculture and agri-based enterprises. Initiated in 2016, this project seeks to create better income opportunities for rural youth in their villages, preventing migration to cities. Training and assistance are being provided through Krishi Vigyan Kendras to achieve this goal.”

Dr. Gautam also discussed strategies to combat climate change by implementing multi-layered income generation systems. He emphasized integrating modern farming with allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, and poultry to enhance farmers' incomes.

He announced plans to address vacant positions in KVKs and strengthen their responsibilities under a new policy framework. He remarked, “Agriculture Science Centres will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a developed India.”

Dr. Vijayalakshmi stressed the need to strengthen KVKs and highlighted the contribution of livestock and fisheries to 30% of agricultural GDP. She noted the potential of the dairy sector, mentioning that Bihar produces and processes 50 lakh liters of milk daily. She called for promoting agripreneurship through proper training, direction, and guidance for young people in agriculture.

Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR-ATARI Patna, delivered the welcome address, and agriculture expert Rakesh Kashyap moderated the event. Dr. Keshav, Principal Scientist, ICAR, New Delhi, gave the vote of thanks.

Senior officials, including Dr. R.K. Singh (Assistant Director General, ICAR-Agricultural Extension), Dr. Anup Das (Director, ICAR Patna), and Dr. Monobrullah (Principal Scientist, ICAR-ATARI), along with several agricultural scientists, were present at the workshop.