Ranchi, October 16 (India News Reporter): Marking the celebration of World Food Day 2025, the ICAR Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB), Ranchi organized a grand Farmer Workshop and Input Distribution Program at its campus. The event, dedicated to empowering Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers, focused on this year’s global theme ‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.’ The theme highlights the importance of collective action among farmers, scientists, and policymakers to ensure sustainable food systems and a prosperous agricultural future.
The event was graced by Smt. Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation, Government of Jharkhand, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished dignitaries present included Dr. A. Siddiqui, Secretary, and Shri Gopal Ji Tiwari, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation, Government of Jharkhand. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 1,000 farmers, including women farmer groups, young agri-entrepreneurs, and scientists from various districts of Jharkhand.
Empowering Farmers through Knowledge and Biotechnology
In her keynote address, Hon’ble Minister Smt. Shilpi Neha Tirkey commended ICAR-IIAB for its commendable efforts toward farmer development and innovation in agricultural biotechnology. She emphasized that the World Food Day theme ‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future’ reinforces the idea that the foundation of a self-reliant and prosperous agricultural ecosystem lies in the partnership between government institutions, scientists, and farmers.
The Minister appreciated the institute’s outreach initiatives for Scheduled Tribe farmers, noting that such programs significantly enhance their technical awareness and confidence. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring farmer welfare, providing technical support, and boosting rural incomes.
Science, Sustainability and Synergy
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gopal Ji Tiwari, Joint Secretary, highlighted that the integration of biotechnology with agriculture could revolutionize farming in Jharkhand. He lauded Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB, and his team for the institute’s rapid progress and contribution to agricultural innovation. Tiwari further emphasized the importance of synergy between government departments, research institutions, and farming communities to achieve long-term agricultural resilience.
Dr. S.C. Dubey, Vice-Chancellor, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, also addressed the gathering, underlining the transformative power of science in improving farmers’ lives. He urged farmers to stay connected with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for regular updates and to diversify their crops to reduce financial risks.
Two women farmers shared their personal success stories, appreciating ICAR-IIAB’s efforts in providing them quality seeds, vaccinations, and scientific training, which have significantly improved their productivity and livelihoods.
Director’s Vision: Farmers as Guardians of Food Security
Presiding over the program, Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB, expressed that every farmer is the guardian of the nation’s food and nutritional security. He reiterated that ICAR-IIAB is not only a hub of cutting-edge biotechnology research but also a catalyst for field-level transformation.
Dr. Rakshit emphasized that sustainable development in agriculture requires collaboration among farmers, scientists, and policymakers, echoing the spirit of this year’s World Food Day theme.
Technical Sessions and Input Distribution
The technical sessions conducted by ICAR-IIAB scientists covered a range of crucial topics, including:
- Advanced technologies for Rabi crops (pulses and oilseeds)
- Natural farming and ecological balance
- Horticultural opportunities in Jharkhand
- Enhancing rural livelihoods through duck and poultry farming
- Animal husbandry and fisheries management
- National Pest Surveillance System and Farmer Grievance Redressal Portal
- Key agricultural schemes of India and Jharkhand governments
In a significant gesture of support, advanced seeds, biofertilizers, planting materials, and other agricultural inputs were distributed among Scheduled Tribe farmers to help them adopt improved technologies and practices.
Building a Better Future Together
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Vijay Pal Bhadana, acknowledging the efforts of all dignitaries, scientists, staff, and farmers.
This initiative by ICAR-IIAB stands as a shining example of how collective action, scientific innovation, and policy support can empower farmers and strengthen the backbone of India’s food security system. On World Food Day 2025, the message from Ranchi was clear a better food future can only be achieved when we work ‘Hand in Hand.’
