A two-day “Technology and Knowledge Sharing Workshop under the NEH Component” commenced at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna on September 22, 2025, jointly organized by ICAR-RCER, Patna, and ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari.

The programme was honored by the esteemed presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Honourable Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal, while Dr. Rakesh Kumar, ADG (AAF & CC), NRM, ICAR, New Delhi, joined the session virtually. The event was further enriched by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna; Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Patna; Dr. Bikash Das, Director, ICAR-NRC on Litchi; Dr. S.K. Purbey, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari; Dr. H. Kalita, HoRC, ICAR RC for NEHR, Nagaland Centre; Dr. L.M. Garnayak, Director of Research, CAU Imphal; and Dr. R.K. Jat, Sr. Cropping System Agronomist & In-charge, BISA, Pusa. Scientists and Heads from various ICAR institutes across the NEH region also participated actively.

Honourable Vice Chancellor underscored the vital role of system knowledge sharing and cross-learning in strengthening agriculture while calling for urgent adoption of resource conservation technologies and ensuring efficient drainage management to tackle challenges of waterlogged areas. He emphasised the inclusion of makhana and water chestnut in the wetland ecosystem of the NEH region.

During the event, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, ADG, ICAR, New Delhi, congratulated the ICAR-RCER, Patna team, along with the ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari team, for the innovative initiative of organizing the workshop, stating that it will foster research exchange and capacity building and enable the Eastern region to benefit from NEH’s vast germplasm resources through material transfer and MoUs.

During the welcome address, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, stated that the NEH region is rich in unique germplasm and home to an extensive range of biodiversity, which holds immense potential for agricultural advancement. He emphasized that this workshop will strengthen knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and technology adaptation to benefit not only the NEH but also the entire Eastern region and beyond.

Experts in the workshop highlighted innovative agricultural solutions for the NEH region. Dr. Anjani Kumar stressed capacity building, while Dr. Bikash Das focused on germplasm diversity and bioprospecting. Dr. S.K. Purbey showcased location-specific IFS models for flood-prone areas, and Dr. H. Kalita emphasized altitude-wise cropping systems and agroforestry innovations. Dr. L.M. Garnayak highlighted stress-tolerant varieties, smart farming, and low-cost feed solutions, while Dr. R.K. Jat shared RCT techniques for evaluating interventions.

Earlier, the NEH team, led by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, visited the fields to observe ongoing research activities. During the workshop discussions, prioritized research areas were identified for each state, appropriate technological interventions were proposed as solutions, and one extension folder was also released. The workshop successfully provided a platform for sharing innovative agricultural technologies, promoting collaboration, and strengthening the resilience and sustainability of farming systems in the NEH region. Participants emphasized that such initiatives are vital for enhancing farmer livelihoods, optimizing resource use, and harnessing the region’s vast biodiversity for inclusive agricultural development. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by the Organizing Secretary, Dr. Biswajit Debnath.

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