Eastern Zone Regional Agriculture Fair 2024-25: Advancing 5G-Enabled Climate-Smart Farming
The Eastern Zone Regional Agriculture Fair 2024-25 commenced today at the ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, marking the beginning of a three-day (from February 27 to March 1, 2025) event focused on “5G Enabled Climate-Smart Agriculture: Transforming Agri-Ecosystems for Sustainability and Resilience.” Farmers, researchers, policymakers, Agri-entrepreneurs, and industry experts from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra gathered in large numbers, eager to explore advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices.
The day begins by setting the stage for a series of insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting climate-smart solutions in rice-based farming systems. Experts introduced participants to innovative 5G-enabled digital tools, precision farming techniques, climate-resilient crop varieties, and smart irrigation systems that can enhance productivity while mitigating climate change impacts. A highlight of the day was the Kisan Gosthi, where farmers had direct interactions with scientists, addressing their queries on modern agricultural practices and emerging challenges in the field.
The exhibition stalls showcased cutting-edge agricultural inputs, machinery, processing technologies, and marketing solutions, providing farmers with first-hand exposure to tools that can improve efficiency and profitability. The fair also featured a prize-winning spot quiz programme, encouraging active participation and knowledge-sharing among attendees.
In the afternoon, a National Seminar on “Innovations in Regenerative Agriculture for Higher Production and Profitability” was organized, where the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Arjamadutta Sarangi, Director, ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar, on “Farmer-Friendly 5G Technologies,” followed by presentations from four lead speakers. Dr. Rabindra Sahoo, Director of Odisha Project & Marketing Development Centre (OPMDC), Odisha, delivered a lecture on “Scope and Initiatives in the Food Processing Sector,” highlighting the vast opportunities and emerging trends in food processing. He emphasized the importance of value addition, post-harvest management, and market linkages to enhance farmers’ income and reduce post-harvest losses.
As the event progresses, participants eagerly look forward to engaging in specialized crop seminars, panel discussions, and hands-on training sessions, designed to bridge the gap between research advancements and practical field applications. The day concluded with a cultural program, adding a celebratory touch to this grand gathering of agricultural innovators and stakeholders.
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