TThe ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, organized a one-day workshop on “Connecting Science, Technology and Farmers for Sustainable Agriculture” at the M. S. Swaminathan Hall. The workshop brought together scientists, KVK officials, and other stakeholders involved in agricultural research, extension, and technology dissemination to deliberate on strengthening linkages among science, technology, and farming communities for sustainable agricultural development in the North Eastern Region.
        Delivering the welcome address, Dr. B. P. Singh, Principal Scientist and Head, DTAC, ICAR-RC NEH, Umiam, highlighted the importance of strengthening the KVK system as an effective mechanism for agricultural extension, technology dissemination, and direct interaction with farming communities.
        Dr. Alpana Das, I/c Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati, emphasized the crucial role of KVKs in strengthening the agricultural extension system and facilitating the dissemination of appropriate agricultural technologies to farmers across the region.
        Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among KVKs, ICAR institutes, and other stakeholders to strengthen farming communities and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
        Addressing the gathering, Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-RC NEH, Umiam, highlighted the importance of KVKs as a vital interface between agricultural research institutions and farming communities. He emphasized the need for region-specific approaches, stronger research–extension–farmer linkages, and an end-to-end approach for developing commercially viable products from horticultural and allied crops.
        He also highlighted the Institute’s focus on expanding natural farming across the North Eastern states, with a target of bringing approximately 2 lakh hectares under natural farming. He appreciated the leadership of Dr. Rajbir Singh in initiating innovative and non-planned schemes aimed at strengthening agricultural extension and expanding technology outreach.
        In his address as the Chief Guest, Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, emphasized that KVKs are a key institutional mechanism for effective agricultural extension and technology dissemination. He stressed the need for greater efficiency, wider outreach, and farmer-centric functioning of KVKs, along with stronger coordination among ICAR institutes, ATARIs, KVKs, and other stakeholders.
        Dr. Singh also highlighted the importance of developing and promoting location-specific and climate-resilient technologies for the North Eastern Region. Expressing concern over the impact of climate variability on agricultural productivity, Dr. Singh noted that the North Eastern Region is currently experiencing a significant rainfall deficit, reported to be around 49%. He stressed the urgent need to focus on climate-smart and hill-specific crops and production technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region.