THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 16: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Monday stressed the need for diversification in agriculture by integrating sectors such as livestock rearing, horticulture, poultry farming, fisheries, beekeeping and mushroom cultivation to reduce risks for farmers and ensure sustainable production and income.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the three-day Agrotech Farmers’ Fair at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, the Governor said Jharkhand should aim to become self-reliant in food and nutritional security and also emerge as an exporter of horticultural crops.
He urged agricultural scientists to work with greater dedication and take modern technology directly to farmers.
Scientists Must Work in Fields, Not Just Laboratories
Gangwar said scientists and students must step out of laboratories and regularly visit farmers’ fields so that research results can be effectively implemented on the ground.
He also highlighted the importance of nutritious crops like millets, including ragi (mandua), sorghum and pearl millet, along with drumstick (moringa) fruits and leaves in daily diets.
The Governor suggested organising similar agricultural fairs at district and block levels so that new technologies reach farmers in remote areas.
ICAR Institutes Supporting Farmers
Director of the Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Dr Sujay Rakshit, highlighted the role of about half a dozen ICAR institutes in Jharkhand working to improve farmers’ productivity and income.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, Dr Nitin Madan Kulkarni, was also present on the occasion.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr S.C. Dubey delivered the welcome address and outlined the university’s achievements and the objectives of the Agrotech fair.
ALSO READ: Suvendu to contest against Mamata as BJP releases first Bengal poll list
Progressive Farmers Honoured
The Governor honoured six progressive farmers for their contributions to innovative agriculture:
- Ravindra Mahto and Umesh Kumar Mahto (Dhanbad)
- Kalyan Kumar and Satish Devgam (Seraikela-Kharsawan)
- Sajal Sahay (Ranchi)
- Dilip Baraik (Jari, Gumla)
He also released a souvenir titled “Climate-Resilient Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture.”
IILM Kanke Wins 18 Awards in Horticulture Exhibition
During the three-day horticulture exhibition, the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Kanke secured the highest number of awards — 18, including seven first prizes.
- Naresh Kumar Mahto (Dhanbad) finished second with 12 awards, including five first prizes.
- Ram Kumar Sahu (Hochar, Kanke) secured third place with eight awards.
The exhibition received 1,115 entries from 236 farmers, showcasing fruits, flowers, vegetables, spices, ornamental, medicinal and aromatic plants, and processed horticultural products.
Best Theme Pavilions and Institutional Stalls
Among theme pavilions:
- Animal Production and Management – First Prize
- Crop Improvement – Second Prize
- Agricultural Mechanization, Value Addition and Energy Management – Third Prize
Among government institutions:
- IFFCO – First
- State Fisheries Directorate – Second
- National Seeds Corporation – Third
Among Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs):
- Divyayan Ranchi
- Bokaro
- Khunti
Among ICAR institutes:
- Research Centre Palandu – First
- National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Namkum – Second
- Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Institute, Hazaribagh – Third
The stall of the Regional Research Station, Chianki (Palamu) was also awarded.
Farmers from Across Jharkhand Participate
The fair witnessed active participation of farmers from almost all districts of Jharkhand, with support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Zonal Research Stations, Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMAs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), NGOs and state government departments.
The event was coordinated by BAU Director of Extension Education Dr Rekha Sinha, while the programme was conducted by Shashi Singh.