- Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated new ICAR-IIAB facilities through video conferencing
- A new Guest House foundation was laid at the institute, worth Rs 119 crore
- About 1,500 farmers attended the Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti on 8 October 2026
- Chouhan urged a nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan in the coming days
- Farmers were warned to guard against fake seeds, counterfeit fertilizers and substandard pesticides
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated new facilities at ICAR-IIAB in Ranchi through video conferencing. The event was part of a Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti held on 8 October 2026.
New buildings and facilities
The facilities opened were the Admin-cum-School Building, Birsa Munda Multipurpose Hall, Jaipal Singh Munda Sports Complex and NEXTGEN Breeding Facility. Chouhan also laid the foundation for a new Guest House, worth Rs 119 crore.
The institute’s Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan programme drew around 1,500 farmers from Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Ramgarh districts. It aimed to bring farmers, scientists and policymakers together.
Focus on seeds, soil and fake inputs
Chouhan stressed scientific farming, improved seeds, integrated farming and balanced nutrient management for Jharkhand. He said traditional knowledge still matters, but farmers must adopt technology suited to local conditions.
He warned that farmers must be protected from fake seeds, counterfeit fertilizers and substandard pesticides. He also asked that welfare schemes reach every village.
Chouhan praised scientists for taking technologies from ‘Lab to Land’. He urged them to launch a nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan in the coming days to prepare farmers for the Rabi season.
Speakers urge wider adoption of new methods
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary called farmers central to food security. He encouraged natural farming on part of their land and stronger Farmer Producer Organisations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
ICAR Secretary and Director General M. L. Jat highlighted eastern India’s potential for agricultural transformation. He called for wider adoption of Rice-Fallow Intensification and research on acidic soils and phosphorus deficiency.
Deputy Director General (Crop Science) D. K. Yadav said research must match farmers’ needs and reach the last mile.
Farmers receive inputs
Farmers received Nano Urea, Nano DAP, mineral mixture, improved seed kits and high-yielding tomato and brinjal seeds. A milk can cooler was also distributed. Institute publications and technologies were released at the event.
Four former officials, including Dr. Arunnava Patanayak, the first regular Director, were honoured for their contributions. Director Sujay Rakshit proposed the vote of thanks.
