Strengthening Agriculture: ICAR DG Inaugurates Key Facilities at KVK, Cuttack
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), inaugurated several key agricultural facilities at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Cuttack, on February 8, 2025. The newly constructed farmers’ hostel, a state-of-the-art seed processing unit and a Kisan Mela were dedicated to the district’s farming community, aiming to enhance agricultural infrastructure and support systems.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pathak underscored the importance of innovative research, sustainable agricultural practices, and farmer-centric approaches to enhance productivity and resilience against climate change. He highlighted ongoing efforts to transform ICAR, streamline uniform rules for KVKs, and reinforce ICAR’s pivotal role in shaping Indian agriculture. Reaffirming his commitment to advancing agricultural research, he emphasized, “Bhartiya Krushi Ka Aadhar – ICAR” (Indian agriculture is built on the foundation of ICAR), inspiring researchers, scientists, and staff to continue their dedicated efforts in fostering scientific excellence and innovation in Indian agriculture. He also expressed satisfaction with the progress of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in development of infrastructure and advised the Directors and Heads of Regional stations of Odisha to join hand in shaping the KVK as Model Farm Science Centre.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata, who attended as a Guest of Honour, assured full support for Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Dr. Amaresh Kumar Nayak, Director of ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, emphasized the vital role of KVK in agricultural development and encouraged farmers to visit the center and participate in various skill-oriented training programs to enhance their economic well-being.
As part of the program, outstanding farmers from the district were felicitated, and extension bulletins were released to disseminate valuable agricultural insights. The newly inaugurated farmers’ hostel aims to provide accommodation for visiting farmers attending training programs and workshops. The seed processing unit is expected to improve seed quality and availability, contributing to higher productivity. Meanwhile, the Kisan Mela served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovative agricultural technologies, improved crop varieties, and best farming practices to benefit the farming community. A farmer-scientist interactive technical session was organized addressing various aspects of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry livelihood management.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries’ notable attendees included Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director of ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar; Dr. A. Sarangi, Director of ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar; Dr. R.P. Singh from ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar; Dr. G.C. Acharya, Head, CHES, Bhubaneswar, Dr. D.R. Pani, Head, NBPGR Base Centre, Cuttack, Dr. A.K. Panda, I/c Director, ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar. The event was also participated by Heads of Divisions, officials from CRRI, Cuttack, representatives of CPWD, officers from District Line Departments, ATMA, KVK ring partners, and over 200 progressive farmers and farm women from the region. Dr. Pathak also addressed all the staff, scientists and students of the institute.
Dr. Shyamaranjan Das Mohapatra, Head Crop Protection Division and Nodal Officer of KVK, Cuttack delivered welcome address and Dr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanta, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK, Cuttack proposed vote of thanks.
In the afternoon, a felicitation ceremony was held at the ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack to honor Dr. Himanshu Pathak for his contributions. During the event, Dr. Pathak addressed the institute’s staff, scientists, and students, sharing his insights and vision for agricultural research and innovation.
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