Welcome to

12 May 2026, Jodhpur   A Farmers awareness program for Balanced use of fertilizers under Intensive awareness campaign on the science-based, balanced, and judicious use of fertilizers was successfully organized today by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-II, Jodhpur. Aligned with the objectives of the Bhumi Suposhan and Samrakshan Jan Abhiyan, the programme underscored the critical importance of soil health management and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices through the judicious use of fertilizers.   Dr J P Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI-II, Jodhpur, emphasized the need for a convergent, science-based approach to nutrient management, anchored in soil test-based recommendations and the use of Soil Health Cards. He highlighted the importance of enhancing soil organic matter through practices such as green manuring, and advocated for integrating organic inputs with bio-fertilizers under the framework of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). He further stressed the need to promote balanced fertilizer application including NPK complexes, SSP, and micronutrients—while discouraging the indiscriminate use of urea and DAP to safeguard long-term soil health and sustainability. The scientists of the institute, Dr. P P Rohilla, Dr. M S Meena, Dr. B L Jangid, Dr. H N Meena and Dr. Ganga Devi also shared their thought on the balanced use of fertilizers and its various aspects. The programme also brought attention to the emerging concerns associated with the imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. While acknowledging their significant role in boosting crop productivity, experts noted that unscientific application has led to declining soil health, reduced nutrient-use efficiency, and increasing environmental risks. If such practices persist, they may adversely impact long-term agricultural sustainability as well as farm profitability. The programme witnessed the active participation of 35 farmers from Phalodi and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.   (Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-II, Jodhpur)

KVK, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan 23^rd March, 2026   One day meeting has been organized today at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jhunjhunu , Rajasthan to discuss the action plan of 2026-27 of 10 KVKs falling in the jurisdiction of SKRAU, Bikaner. Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur mentioned about importance of the planning and emphasized that KVKs should plan keeping in view the priorities set is at national and state level such as nature positive and gender positive. He also emphasized for diversification towards shrimp culture and date palm in potential districts of the region. Grass root innovations are to validated and documented and to be considered in action plan with value proposition, transformation, incubation and reorientation. The frontline extension is to be reviewed and KVKs should provide their feedback on value proposition. Skill trainings for 200 hours in each district is to be incorporated in action plan for 30 rural youth in 2026. The KVKs of this zone are exposed to climatic challenges and also included in PMDDKY. All the KVKs should focus on convergence for PMDDKY achievements. Dr. Deepali Dhawan, Director of Extension Education, SKRAU, Bikaner mentioned that the year 2026 being the International Year of the Women Farmer, the action plans must include gender friendly activities for empowering women farmers. In the meeting 10 KVKs (Bikaner-I, Bikaner-II, Jaisalmer-I, Jaisalmer-II, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh-I, Hanumangarh-II, Churu-I, Churu-II and Jhunjhunu) presented their action plans for the year 2026 which were thoroughly discussed and finalized. Source : ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-II, Jodhpur.

The Division of Agricultural Extension of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi put a stall at 5th Chief Secretaries Conference held during 26-28 December 2025 at NASC Complex Pusa, New Delhi. The ICAR stall highlighted the impactful outcomes of ICAR and skill development achievements of KVKs under its flagship programs of ARYA and SKILLING programs of Agricultural Skill Council of India (ASCI). The specific attraction of the stall was agripreneurial development by KVKs and quality products developed by them along with the recent varieties developed by IARI such as genome edited rice, double zero mustard, short duration pigeon pea, bio-fortified lentil, mustard, high yielding chickpea, mothbean, sunflower, etc. The state specific cases for protected cultivation of Rajasthan, mushroom farming of Andhra Pradesh, floriculture of NEH states, canopy management of Telangana, honeybee rearing of Tamil Nadu and crop residue management of Punjab, were special attraction for the Chief Secretaries of the States. Chief Secretary of Odisha, Karnataka, Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Odisha and several other states visited ICAR exhibition and discussed about KVKs activities of their States. They appreciated the work of KVKs. Fig- Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary to Government of Odisha had discussion with Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR and DDG, Agricultural Extension Ms Yogita Rana, Secretary, higher education Government of Telangana had discussion in the presence of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR and DDG, Agricultural Extension about the development of course curriculum on SKILLING and inclusion of agriculture in secondary agriculture courses. The stall also exhibited recent publications of ICAR revealing its achievements and also exhibited popular publications viz. Indian farming, Indian Horticulture, Kheti and Phal-phool etc. which also attracted the visitors. On the concluding day, CEO NITI AAYOG Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam visited the stall along with senior officers of NITI aayog and appreciated the exhibition and contribution of ICAR in organizing the CS Conference. Fig. CEO NITI AAYOG Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam visited the stall It has been a promising event which could happen with Team ICAR efforts under the dynamic and inspiring leadership of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR and DDG, AE, ICAR. The exhibition was coordinated by ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur supported by all the ATARIs, and SMDs.

A 3-day Annual Zonal Review Workshop of KVKs of Rajasthan, Haryana & Delhi under ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur has been inaugurated today at MPUA&T, Udaipur.   Prof. Pratap Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, MPUA&T, Udaipur & Chairman of the workshop highlighted the activities of the University on natural farming, smart villages, community radio stations, FPOs with Seed Banks, Custom Hiring Centres, Kharif Abhiyans, consultancies and sales, etc. He also referred to the MoUs with Agricultural Universities, KVKs promotion policies, budgetary provisions, etc. for relook. He also exhorted to improve technology scalability through KVKs. The social assessments of technology should be analysed, documented and should be highlighted. Dr. Dheer Singh, Director, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal Chief Guest, stated that role of KVK is very important and recognized well nationally. They are involved at ground level and is a major medium for transfer of technologies from Lab to Land. He also applauded that mandate of KVKs and observed additional activities to be conducted by KVKs. The involvement of youth is very essential for developing models at village levels with market implementation. He said that capacity building along with confidence building will play a greater role to cater the needs of fodder throughout the year by implementation of fodder silage technology and CSR funding for KVKs which should be explored for development of infrastructure and creating model KVKs. Dr. M. M. Adhikary, Former Vice Chancellor, BCKV, West Bengal observed that the KVKs are working for the development of the Nation. He highlighted the importance of local technology, capacity building, FPOs and extension advisory system, climate resilient technology, digital transformation, documentation, etc. He highlighted importance of vertical farming, precision farming, peri-urban agriculture, quality seed and planting materials and diversification of rice-wheat system particularly in Haryana.   Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur presented the overview of Zone-II consisting of 66 KVKs. He highlighted the importance of the Zone in production in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, seed spices, dairying and others. He also highlighted scalable technologies of NICRA project, achievements of CRM, CFLDs, natural farming, farmer solving technologies, revolving funds of the KVKs, quality seed and   planting materials and standardizing external funding through CSR, sponsored projects and convergence, etc. Dr. Mishra also highlighted impactful outcomes of KVKs for mass technology demonstrations, seed and planting materials and crop residue management. He also emphasized to develop KVKs as one stop solution for technology transfer, skill and entrepreneurship development.   In the workshop 10 publications were released. The progress of 66 KVKs and Directorate of Extension Education of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi will be presented, discussed and reviewed by expert panels.   Source : ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-II, Jodhpur

ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur organized the farmers’ meeting on 11 October, 2025 to mark the launch of Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses and the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojna by Hon’ble PM’s. The livestreaming of the programme was done before farmers. The ‘Pulses Mission has been launched to empower farmers with scientific knowledge and technology to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses’ stated Hon’ble Prime Minister in his speech. He called for all round development of farmers, youth, women and entrepreneurs through PM-Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana which is a convergence of schemes of agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and research and extension. The Pulses mission aims at increasing area and yield through improved high yielding varieties; minimize dependence on chemical inputs; demonstrate efficient crop management techniques, reduce post-harvest losses and provide remunerative price through assured procurement. PM Dhan-Dhanya Yojna is aimed at development of agriculture in aspirational districts by targeting productivity, technology and resource management. In today’s programme at ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur scientists and progressive farmers interacted with the participants about Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses and the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojna. They were also given agro-advisories about rabi crops,   details   about FPOs, grassroot innovations and government schemes. Total 150 farmers, farm women and members of women SHGs and others participated along with scientists, administrative and finance staff of ATARI. Dr. D. Kumar, Former Project Coordinator (Arid Legumes), Dr. Sanjay Jakhar, Director of FPO, Shri Shyam Sundar Sharma, Progressive Farmer and Shri Dilip Singh Gehlot, Innovator also joined the program and shared their experiences with the farmers. Speaking at the occasion Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur remembered Loknayak Jay Prakash Narayanji and Nanji Deshmukh for their contribution in making the country and asked farmers to take advantage of the schemes for the development of agriculture in Rajasthan. He complimented all the participants for being part of the historic day. The progressive farmers of Phalodi and Jodhpur districts and members of women SHGs of Barmer interacted with the scientists and narrated the issues in agriculture and successes in farming and agro-processing. Dr B L Jangid, Principal Scientist (AE) anchored the programme and Ms Nistha Arya, AF&AO proposed the vote of thanks to all the participants.

जोधपुर 30 सितम्बर 2025 भाकृ अनुप-कृ सि प्रौद्यौसिकी अनुप्रयोि अनुिन्धान िंस्थान, क्षेत्र-II, जोधपुर में सिनांक 13 सितम्बर िे 30 सितम्बर तक सिन्दी पखवाड़ा मनाया िया, आज इि पंद्रि सिसविीय पखवाडा का िमापन िमारोि काययक्रम हुआ। काययक्रम के मुख्य असतसथ आचायय मसिपाल सिंि राठौड़, सवभािाध्यक्ष, सिन्दी सवभाि, जय नारायण व्याि सवश्वसवद्यालय, जोधपुर नेकाययक्रम मेंअपनेउद्बोधन मेंकिा सक सिन्दी न के वल िमारी राजभािा बल्कि िमारेसिल की धड़कन िैऔर कायायलय और िैसनक जीवन मेंसिन्दी का प्रयोि करते िमय िमेंिवयकी अनुभूसत िोनी चासिए। सिन्दी एक िरल और िरि भािा िै, और आम आिमी की भािा िै। उन्ोंनेकिा की आजािी के िमय िेिी राष्ट्सपता मिात्मा िााँधी नेकिा था सक सिन्दी िी के वल राजभािा और राष्ट्भािा िो िकती िै। सिन्दी न के वल रासष्ट्य स्तर बल्कि अतरराष्ट्ीय स्तर पर भी अपना प्रभाव लिातार बढ़ा रिी िैऔर आज सिन्दी सवश्व मेंिबिेअसधक बोली जानेवाली तीिरी िबिेलोकसप्रय भािा िै। उन्ोंनेसिन्दी को बढ़ावा िेनेके सलए भारत िरकार के सवसभन्न प्रयािोंकी भी िरािना की और किा सक इि िंस्थान मेंभी सकिानोंतक कृ सि की नवीनतम तकनीकोंकी जानकारी को पहुंचानेके सलए असधक िेअसधक सिन्दी भािा का प्रयोि िोना चासिए। इि अविर बोलतेहुए िंस्थान के सनिेशक डॉ जय प्रकाश समश्र नेकिा सक िम राजभािा के अनुिार क्षेत्र विीकरण में‘क’ क्षेत्र मेंआतेिै, इिसलए िमेंकायायलय काययऔर िैसनक जीवन मेंसिन्दी के प्रयोि को और असधक बढ़ाना चासिये। सिन्दी मेंिी पत्राचार और फाइल पर सिप्पणी को यसि सनयसमत रूप िे करेंिेतो सनसित रूप िेिम सिन्दी की बेितर िेवा कर पाएं िे। उन्ोंनेकिा की यसि िम सिन्दी का एक शब्द रोज अपनेशब्दकोि मेंजोड़ेतो एक वियमेंिम 365 नए शब्द जोड़ लेंिे। इि अविर पर कायायलय के राजभािा असधकारी डॉ प्रेम पाल रोसिल्ला, प्रधान वैज्ञासनक (पशुधन उत्पािन एवं प्रबंधन) नेस्वाित उद्बोधन सिया और सिन्दी पखवाड़ा मेंआयोसजत सवसभन्न प्रसतयोसिताओंका सववरण प्रस्तुत सकया। मुख्य असतसथ और काययक्रम अध्यक्ष नेसवसभन्न प्रसतयोसिताओं के सवजेताओं को प्रमाण पत्र और स्मृसत सचन् प्रिान सकए. काययक्रम मेंिंस्थान िभी कमयचाररयोंऔर असधकारीयों नेउत्साि िेभाि सलया, िञ्चालन डॉ बाबूलाल जांसिड़, प्रधान वैज्ञासनक (कृ सि प्रिार) नेसकया और अंत मेंधन्यवाि प्रस्ताव राजभािा िसचव, राजेंद्र बैंिा, ििायक प्रशािसनक असधकारी (प्रभारी) नेपेश सकया। स्रोत: भाकृ अनुप-कृ सि प्रौद्यौसिकी अनुप्रयोि अनुिन्धान िंस्थान, क्षेत्र-II, जोधपुर

Secretary DARE & DG ICAR visited ICAR-ATARI-II, Jodhpur  Jodhpur 20 th September, 2025 Dr. M. L. Jat, Hon’ble Secretary DARE & DG-ICAR visited ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur,  He visited the exhibition displayed by the KVKs and interacted with progressive and innovative farmers present on the occasion. He appreciated the innovations made by the progressive farmers and also emphasized the need to validate the innovations scientifically. He also interacted with the staff of ICAR-ATARI-II, Jodhpur. Secretary DARE & DG-ICAR emphasized to work passionately for the farming community which is a rare opportunity to all those working in National Agricultural Research System. The ICAR-Institutes, ATARIs, SAUs, KVKs and farmers are one family and all should work together in harmony to realize the dream of Hon’ble Prime Minister of achieving Viksit Krishi and Viksit Bharat by 2047. He lauded the efforts of the ICAR-SAUs-KVK system in Rajasthan for doing exceedingly well during 29 May to 12 June, 2025 under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025. He stated that one should feel proud for getting opportunity to interact with farming community and work for them through Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and resolving their some of the problems. The motto of the agriculture scientist should be to see a smile at the face of the Annadata. VKSA has given opportunity to work as One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team. He stressed upon the demand-driven research suitable for resolving the problems of farmers. Secretary DARE & DG-ICAR specifically stressed for better system in data capturing and quality of data being collected. The data collection must be taken up with the utmost accuracy. He observed that all the issues related to Krishi Vigyan Kendra are in his knowledge and all efforts are being made to resolve them in totality as early as possible. Every effort will be made to make the KVKs a strong institution at district level with their strengthening, he stated. Dr. A. K. Nayak, DDG (NRM), ICAR also joined Secretary DARE & DG-ICAR at this. Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur in his welcome address mentioned about the importance of the Zone-II including states of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi and highlighted about the contribution of the states in production system of major crops. The session was anchored by Dr B L Jangid, Principal Scientist (Agril. Extn.) and vote of thanks proposed by Dr. M. S. Meena, Principal Scientist (AE), ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur. Source: ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur

हिन्दी राजभाषा समिति की त्रैमासिक (अक्टूबर से दिसम्बर 2025) समीक्षा बैठक का आयोजन दिनांक: 07 जनवरी 2026 संस्थान की हिन्दी राजभाषा समिति की त्रैमासिक (अक्टूबर से दिसम्बर 2025) समीक्षा बैठक का आयोजन आज संस्थान के निदेशक महोदय की अध्यक्षता में सभा कक्ष में किया गया। बैठक की शुरुआत में समिति के सदस्य एवं प्रधान वैज्ञानिक डॉ. बाबु लाल जांगिड़ ने बैठक के अध्यक्ष एवं संस्थान निदेशक डॉ. जय प्रकाश मिश्र, समिति के अध्यक्ष एवं प्रधान वैज्ञानिक डॉ. प्रेम पाल रोहिल्ला एवं अन्य समिति सदस्यों एवं प्रतिभागियों का स्वागत किया और बैठक के उद्देश्य और कार्यसूची के बारे में जानकारी दी। तत्पश्चात डॉ. रोहिल्ला ने सभी सदस्यों और प्रतिभागियों को राजभाषा की संसदीय समिति की 21 जनवरी 2026 को जैसलमेर में होने वाली बैठक और उसके बारे में संस्थान द्वारा अभी तक की गई तैयारी और की जा रही तैयारी की जानकारी दी। उन्होंने सभी से आग्रह किया कि संस्थान में दैनिक कार्य अधिक से अधिक हिन्दी में करने में सहयोग करे और इसे अपनी व्यैक्तिक जिम्मेदारी की तरह लेकर अपना सम्पूर्ण योगदान दें। संस्थान निदेशक एवं बैठक के अध्यक्ष डॉ जय प्रकाश मिश्र ने संस्थान में अभी तक राजभाषा में काम करने कि स्थिति की समीक्षा करते हुए कहा कि हमें कार्यालय का सभी कार्य हिन्दी में कार्य करने के लिए और अधिक प्रतिबद्धता दिखानी होगी। उन्होंने कहा कि हमें हिन्दी में कार्य को बढ़ावा देने के लिए मासिक स्तर पर कार्य करना होगा विभिन्न गतिविधियों का मासिक कैलेंडर बनाकर इसे व्यवस्थित रूप देना होगा। उन्होंने प्रशासन और वित्त शाखा के अधिकारियों को निर्देशित किया कि उनकी तरफ से सभी प्रस्ताव, टिपण्णी अधिक से अधिक हिन्दी में ही आनी चाहिए। कार्यालय की सभी मोहरें द्विभाषी नहीं है तो उन्हें द्विभाषी बनाया जाय, इसी तरह सभी फाइल पर नाम द्विभाषी करने के निर्देश दिए। उन्होंने परियोजना स्टाफ और वैज्ञानिकों से आग्रह किया कि वे सभी एक- एक आलेख हिन्दी में लिखें जिसमें कृषकों के लिए उपयोगी जानकारी का समावेश हो। उन्होंने निर्देश दिया कि कार्यालय के सभी संगणकों में हिन्दी में कार्य करने के लिए सुविधा होनी चाहिए। उन्होंने संस्थान से पूर्व प्रकाशित राजभाषा हिन्दी की अर्धवार्षिक पत्रिका ‘कृषि ज्ञान गंगा’, का प्रकाशन नियमित करने का भी निर्देश दिया। बैठक का समापन समिति सचिव एवं सहायक प्रशासकीय अधिकारी श्री राजेंद्र बेंदा के धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव के साथ हुआ।

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Jodhpur, successfully organised one day National Sensitisation Workshop on Fermented Organic Manures (FOM)/Liquid FOM)- Nature Positive Agriculture: Towards Healthy People and Planet at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, Jaipur on 20^th March, 2025. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur and Co-chaired by Dr Harphool Singh (Director, RARI, Durgapura) and Dr Pratap Singh (DEE, Agriculture University, Kota). The concluding session was Chaired by Dr. Balraj Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKNAU, Jobner. Total 137 participants took part in the workshop. They included CBG representatives, nodal officers and Sr. Scientists & Heads of 25 KVKs of Rajasthan and Haryana, researchers of RARI, Durgapura and farmers of various KVKs. Director, ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur in his address detailed out the concept, design and implementation strategy of project, awareness and demonstration on FOM/LFOM through KVKs’ in which 25 KVKs of Rajasthan and Haryana are partners. Dr. H.N. Meena, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer of the project gave a broader outline of the project. Several KVKs highlighted the presence of non-functional CBG units in the district and requested change of CBGs. The discussions highlighted the prospects of FOM/LFOM and potential in enhancing crop yields, challenges and implementation issues in the project. All the three major stakeholders-researchers, extension personnel and representatives of CBG plants highlighted their experiences, challenges and scope of FOM/LFOM in agriculture with a broader aim of sustainability and profitability to farmers. The local coordination for the workshop was done by Dr. D.S. Bhati, Head, KVK, Ajmer in coordination of Team RARI, Durgapura. (Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan).

In the inaugural session Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur mentioned that the project of Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan is being implemented by ICAR-ATARI-II, Jodhpur since the year 2019-20 for scheduled caste dominating districts. He also focussed the demand of farmers vis-à-vis implementation of scheme by the system and stressed that footprint of KVK should deeply penetrate through intervention. The output analysis to be documented to exhibit footprint of KVKs with collaboration of ATARI/SAU/ICAR Institutions. The success stories are to be compiled, collated and interpreted with conversion to case studies by designing the same with objectives which are to be exhibited by 2025 for earmarking the 10 years of establishment of ATARI, he mentioned. The scheme need to focus more on to community-centric actions rather than individual centric interventions. Dr. Pradeep Pagaria, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, Agricultural University, Jodhpur mentioned the importance of the day, i.e., Kisan Diwas on which the review meeting is organised. He stated that there are about 17 per cent of scheduled caste population in the country. He informed the KVKs has to document the results of their activities in a proper way for providing inputs to policy makers. In the Annual Review Meeting Sr. Scientists & Heads of 17 KVKs (11 from Rajasthan and 6 from Haryana) and presented the progress made during 2023-24 and 2024-25 and Annual Action Plan for the year 2025-26. Source ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur

In the inaugural session Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur mentioned that the Tribal community is the most disadvantaged and focus should be given on output and outcome of the DAPST project and the same should be analysed and inferences drawn/meaningful recommendations from the same must be reported for further improvement and implementation.

Sufficient fund flow is there for the project and the same must be utilised keeping in view of value for money and there should be tangible outcome with betterment of livelihood of the community.

Case studies of the project must be documented, he added. He also applauded that SAUs/ICAR Institutes and KVKs should work in convergence mode for implementation of the project..

Dr. R. L. Soni, Director of Extension Education, MPUAT, Udaipur gave an overview of tribal community of the Country, State and Districts of Rajasthan by mentioning that there is a total of 10.4 crore tribal population in India which is about 8.6% of total population and in Rajasthan with tribal population of 92.38 lakhs (13.8%) with 5700 villages in 24 districts of Rajasthan.

He emphasised on preparation of Annual Action Plan 2025-26 as per needs of the districts of Rajasthan particularly on Southern districts of Rajasthan.

Dr. P. Pagaria, Director of Extension Education, AU, Jodhpur mentioned that the project should execute extension programmes as per emphasis of recommendations of Government of India.

In the Annual Review Meeting 24 KVKs and two Directors of Extension Education will present their progress made during 2023-24 & 2024-25 and annual action plan for the year 2025-26 which will be thoroughly discussed and finalized.

Source ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur

Prof. B. R. Kamboj, Vice Chancellor and Chief Guest elaborated the importance of vast network of KVKs. He expressed concern about the challenges in extension systems, which can be streamlined by development of multi-disciplinary expertise of each SMS of KVKs. He asked KVKs to think beyond boundaries with science remaining in the centre. Dr. M. M. Adhikary, Former VC, BCKV stated that KVKs are working 24 x 7 and are knowledge and information centre for agriculture of the district. The capacity development of KVK should be prioritized. He emphasized that the KVKs must take up efforts on agri-start ups, entrepreneurship development, feasibility study of trainings, climate resilient agriculture, drone application and FLD monitoring. Dr. S. K. Malhotra, VC, MHU, Karnal mentioned that KVKs should be treated a one stop solution of the district and KVKs should focus on knowledge depository, market/trade issues, high value crops/export potential crops, soil carbon improvement, etc. He also emphasized on validation of ITKs through KVKs. Dr. R. K. Singh, ADG (AE), ICAR emphasized upon cluster FLDs with role of KVKs in augmentation of production, removal of constrains in implementation of ARYA project, FPOs, introduction of climate resilient varieties through NICRA TDC, seed chain management, CRM, etc.. Dr. Ram Chand, Former ADG (AE), ICAR mentioned his concerns on competency development of KVKs, knowledge enhancement of KVK personnel, database development, feedback analysis, etc. Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur welcomed the delegates and provided an overview. He highlighted his views on reducing chemical and carbon footprints, enhancing oilseeds and pulses production, identification of districts for implementation of PPV&FRA. He also mentioned that KVK system is the largest extension network in the country which is celebrating golden jubilee of its establishment of first KVK in the country. As most of the KVKs have completed their 40 years of establishment, there is a need for making analysis of KVK’s impact on growth of agriculture in the district and social benefits. Dr. R. G. Agrarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech mentioned that the problems of small and marginal farmers are to be addressed on priority. To reduce the gap in implementation help of ICT is required. To this regard, Public-Private-Partnership can play a great role. In the workshop a total of 23 publications of ATARI and KVKs were released. In the 3 days Annual Zonal Workshop 66 KVKs of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi and 7 Directors of Extension of SAUs will present the progress made by them during 2023.

Zonal Virtual Review Meeting of Farmer FIRST Programme was organized by ICAR-ATARI-II, Jodhpur on 29 July 2024 on major theme of integrating technologies and enriching knowledge under the Chairmanship of Dr RR Burman, Assistant Director General (Agil. Extn.), ICAR New Delhi. The major objective of meeting was to review the on-going programme mainly on various approaches, processes, methodology and indicators, physical and financial progress, and also to discuss the operationalization mechanism.

Dr JP Mishra, Director, ATARI, Jodhpur in his statement discussed the diversified interventions implemented under various modules of technologies for efficient resource use to enhance income for sustainable livelihood of farm families and establishment of need based Integrated Farming System in prevailing situations. He stated that FFP is unique programme, holistic in nature, consisting of key constituents of Integrated Farming System which makes it inclusive programme. He stressed for coming out with scalable and bankable models out of FFP.

Dr RR Burman, ADG (AE) in his concluding remarks emphasised upon adoption and horizontal diffusion of technologies or successful models emerged out of FFP in convergence mode with State Agriculture Department in the selected villages. There is need to focus on impact assessment studies and institutionalization of FFP before closing the project. The appropriate process and products of FFP needs to be documented and evaluated, he stated.

Dr PP Rohilla, Nodal Officer, ATARI Jodhpur briefed about the major achievements during 2023 and urged that the documentation of seven years’ achievements projecting concrete outcomes to be provided to DKMA, New Delhi. The PIs from ICAR Institutes viz.; Dr(Mrs) Nishi Sharma, IARI New Delhi, Dr NK Jat, CAZRI, Jodhpur, Dr SS Dangi, CSWRI Avikanagar, Dr Ashok Boora, CIRB Hisar, Dr Rajkumar, CSSRI Karnal, Dr Gopal Sankhla, NDRI KarnaI, Dr Mukesh Kumar, IASRI New Delhi, Dr Shiv Kumar, NIAP New Delhi, Mrs Mitali Ghosh, DKMA New Delhi, Dr P. Venkatesan, NAARM Hyderabad and two State Agricultural Universities viz,; Dr Pradeep Pagaria, AU Jodhpur, Dr Bhupender Singh, CCSHAU along-with other Co-PIs attended the online meeting. Dr BL Jangid, Pr. Scientist proposed vote of thanks.

Two days Zonal Review Workshop of National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture Project for the Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s of Haryana and Rajasthan was jointly organized by ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-II, Jodhpur and ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad.

The achievements for the year 2023-24 and action plans for 2024-25 of 18 KVKs having NICRA projects in Haryana and Rajasthan were reviewed during the programme. The Chairman, Dr. JP Mishra, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-II, Jodhpur emphasized upon initiating new interventions models which have direct effect in the climate vulnerability of the given district. He highlighted that soil testing is crucial for climate-friendly agriculture, setting targets, educating farmers, and providing training to farmers, farm women, and youth can help to promote awareness and encourage sustainable agriculture practices. Further he opined that livestock based farming system and resource conservation technologies must be focused in arid region under NICRA-TDC. These interventions under NICRA should be aligned with existing cropping practices of the region based on vulnerability. Dr (Mrs) G. Pratibha. National Coordinator, NICRA-TDC elaborated how to proceed step by step for implementation of different modules and ways for developing district adaptation plan and procurement of those equipment’s which are more in demand by the farming community under CHC for adopted villages. Dr. Sudesh Kumar, Director Extension, SKNAU, Jobner, highlighted the NICRA project, which has been operating in climate-vulnerable districts of Haryana and Rajasthan since 2011, aiming to promote climate-resilient agricultural technologies. He appraised that deterioration of natural resources due to changing climate is to be taken care, especially land and water. Dr. P.P. Rohilla, Principle Scientist (LPM), ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur coordinated the zonal review workshop. Dr. A.K. Indoria, Co-PI, NICRA, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad and Sr. Scientist & Head and Subject Matter Specialist of 18 KVK of Rajasthan and Haryana participated in the review workshop.