96th foundation day of ICAR observed at Lamphelpat, KVK IE
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2024: The 96th foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), also known as Technology Day, was observed today at ICAR RC, NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat.

The ceremony was organised by ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat in collaboration with ICAR - Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK ) (Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal West, Tamenglong & Ukhrul) and ICAR Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone VII with RK Dinesh, Commissioner (Agriculture) Government of Manipur attending as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering RK Dinesh stated that ICAR was established on July 16, 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.

96th foundation day of ICAR observed at Lamphelpat, KVK IE

Highlighting the monumental role of ICAR in the agricultural development of the country, he pointed out that ICAR was a pioneer of the Green Revolution which brought food self-sufficiency in India.

Currently, there are 113 institutes and 74 agriculture universities under ICAR scattered across India.

Speaking as the functional president Dr Ramgopal Laha, HORC (Head of Regional Centre), ICAR Research Centre for NEH Region Manipur Centre, informed that the occasion was previously celebrated as foundation day but now it is observed as 'Technology Day' .

Stressing on the enormity of ICAR, he stated that it has more than 100 institutes with Krishi Vigyan Kendras set up in every district and numerous State universities.

At the time of independence, India's population was 33 crores.

Now it has crossed over 133 crores.

With a burgeoning population, the amount of arable land grows smaller.

ICAR has been working consistently to grow enough crops to feed this ever growing population.

So far, ICAR has produced many varieties of rice, poultry, fish, crops, technology etc, he said.

Other dignitaries including K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation; AK Chittaranjan, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Former Principal scientist, former Principal Scientist, ICAR Research Centre for NEH Region Manipur Centre were present as guests of honour.

As a part of the observation, a technology showcase cum exhibition was also conducted.

Additionally, material inputs were distributed to farmers from different districts.

Separately, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal also celebrated the 96th foundation day of ICAR at their conference hall today.

According to a statement issued by S Molibala Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Imphal East, the programme was graced by Professor Th Robindro, Deputy Director of Extension Education, CAU as the chief guest.

The 96th foundation day programme was attended by roughly sixty farmers from different corners of the district.

Professor Th Robindro emphasized the need of monitoring the fields frequently by the KVK experts after the extreme incidents of hailstorm and recent flood as there is high chances of insect, pest and disease incidence.

Chief guest also mentioned about the need, scope and popularization of oilseed crops like sesame, sunflower, safflower, etc in the district.

Professor Robindro also urged the farmers to promote farm mechanization which is the need of the hour and they can acquire the necessary implements and machineries through minimum payment custom hiring service of the KVK.

During the programme DFI farmers were also honoured for their remarkable contribution in the field of agriculture and allied industries.

Further, a technology showcase was also organized and inputs (maize seed, soybean seed and fertilizers) were distributed to farmers.