Workshop concludes with vision for digital agricultural future in NE
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 09 2026: A two-day National Consultative Workshop on "Transforming Agricultural Extension Education and Advisory Service System in North-East India: Policy Perspectives for Viksit Bharat 2047" successfully concluded yesterday at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, Meghalaya.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of policymakers, scientists, academicians, and development practitioners to deliberate on strengthening agricultural extension services in the North Eastern region.

Discussions focused on crucial areas, including market-oriented extension strategies, value chain development, Governance reforms, institutional convergence and policy innovations.

Experts critically examined the current state of agricultural extension services and presented practical, farmer-centric policy recommendations aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 .

Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) at ICAR, New Delhi, served as the chief guest during the valedictory session.

He emphasized the urgent need to modernize agricultural extension systems through digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and collaborative frameworks to address emerging challenges.

He specifically highlighted initiatives like AgriStack and Bharat Vistaar, which aim to create an integrated digital ecosystem for farmers nationwide.

Dr Rajbir Singh proposed the creation of a national farmers' platform for experience sharing and the establishment of a "Farmer Youth Forum", expected to launch on March 12, to actively engage rural youth in agriculture and agrientrepreneurship.

A strong emphasis was placed on the need for capacity building in digital agriculture for farmers and professionals.

Suggestions included leveraging IITs and research institutions to develop suitable training modules to enhance digital literacy.

In his presidential remarks, Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, stressed the need for a futuristic agricultural extension strategy to support India's goal of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047 .

He noted that advanced technologies like remote sensing, satellite imagery, and AI offer new opportunities to strengthen extension services in allied sectors such as fisheries, animal husbandry, and horticulture.

Prof Sanasam Ranbir Singh from IIT Guwahati delivered an insightful invited lecture on "Strategizing Agriculture through AI Ecosystems: Architecting Viksit Bharat 2047", highlighting the transformative potential of AI, digital platforms, and data-driven advisory services.

The session also featured prominent speakers, including Dr M M Adhikary, former Vice Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal; Dr J P Sharma, former Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu; Dr V V Sadamate, former Adviser (Agriculture), Planning Commission; Dr K D Kokate, former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR; Dr P Das, former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR; and Prof D Basu, Vice Chancellor, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal.

The workshop ended with a vote of thanks by Prof L Devarani from CPGSAS, Umiam, appreciating the contributions of dignitaries, participants, and the organising team for a successful event.

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