21 August 2026, Motihari
ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, celebrated its 12th Foundation Day today with enthusiasm and active participation of scientists, academicians, officials from line departments, Heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), progressive farmers, representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and other stakeholders. Participants from different parts of the country also joined the programme through online mode.
The programme was graced by Dr D. C. Rai, Vice-Chancellor, BRABU, Muzaffarpur, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished participants included Dr Bikas Das, Director, ICAR–NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur; progressive fish farmer, besides scientists and officials from various institutions.
Dr D. C. Rai, congratulated ICAR–MGIFRI on its 12th Foundation Day and emphasised stronger linkages among agricultural education, scientific research, innovation and farming communities.
The programme commenced with Vande Mataram, the ICAR Song and ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The institutional journey was also commemorated through Foundation Day cake cutting. The dignitaries were formally welcomed and felicitated with saplings, angavastram and mementoes, symbolising respect, gratitude and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR–MGIFRI, presented the Institute’s progress report, major research achievements and future roadmap. He highlighted the need for research-led solutions tailored to the unique challenges of northern Bihar, particularly flooding, waterlogging, small and marginal landholdings and resource constraints. He elaborated on the Institute’s efforts in developing and validating crop–fish–livestock–horticulture-based integrated farming systems, natural resource management, water and nutrient management, farmer-centric technology transfer and capacity building.
Dr Singh also outlined emerging research priorities, including climate-resilient agriculture, digital and precision agriculture, carbon and ecosystem services, agroecology, socio-economic impact assessment, technology scaling and capacity building. He emphasised that the Institute aims to move beyond research stations and laboratories by translating scientific outputs into practical and economically viable solutions at farmers’ fields.
Shri Prafull Kumar, Commandant, 71st Battalion, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), highlighted the role of SSB in border areas and its engagement with rural communities. He emphasised the importance of collaborative initiatives for strengthening the livelihoods and well-being of farmers residing in border regions.
Dr Bikas Das, Director, ICAR–National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, emphasised multidisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration for addressing complex agricultural challenges. He highlighted the potential of integrating horticulture and fruit-based enterprises within farming systems and promoting location-specific technological innovations for enhanced farm income and sustainability.
He underscored that the true relevance of scientific research lies in translating knowledge and technologies into solutions that reach farmers’ fields and contribute to addressing local challenges and strengthening rural livelihoods. He also encouraged young scientists and students to focus on farmer-centric research addressing real-world agricultural problems.
The occasion also recalled the historical significance of Champaran, where Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha brought farmers’ concerns to national attention. Inspired by this legacy, the Institute reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenges of flood- and waterlogging-affected agroecosystems of northern Bihar through science-led interventions and integrated farming approaches.
Six Important Publications Released: The publications document the Institute’s research achievements and provide knowledge on standardised laboratory procedures, water-resource management, livelihood diversification in waterlogged areas, farmer–scientist engagement and science-based agricultural management.
Progressive and innovative farmers were felicitated by the Institute in recognition of their contribution to agricultural innovation, technology adoption and sustainable farming. Scientists, officials, staff members, FPO representatives and members of SHGs were also recognised for their contributions.
Representatives from the State Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry/Livestock and Horticulture Departments, PD-ATMA, BTM, ATM and National Seeds Corporation (NSC) also participated, reflecting the importance of institutional convergence in agricultural research, extension and farmer services.
The 12th Foundation Day reaffirmed ICAR–MGIFRI’s commitment to the guiding vision of “Research to Solutions, Farmers to Prosperity, and Integrated Farming to a Vibrant Rural Economy,” with a continued focus on developing scientific, sustainable and farmer-centric solutions for flood- and waterlogging-affected agricultural ecosystems.
Dr. S. K. Purbey, Organizing Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished guests, scientists, officials, staff, farmers and all stakeholders for their participation and support. The programme concluded with the National Anthem and a group photograph.
(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)
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