Farming Issues Need Attention: ICAR-RCER Director, Dr. Kokate, Proposes Research Prioritization
In a significant gathering, the 21st meeting of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER) was held in Patna on July 2, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Dr. K.D. Kokate, Former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi, brought together distinguished members including Dr. Masood Ali, Dr. S.D. Singh, Dr. K.N. Tiwari, and Dr. S. Kumar.
During the meeting, several key recommendations and focus areas for agricultural research were highlighted. Dr. K.D. Kokate emphasized that research should concentrate on providing practical, scalable solutions to strengthen farmers' livelihoods, addressing challenges such as climate change, limited natural resources, unstable markets, and fragmented landholdings.
One of the main focus areas was solving farmers' problems. Dr. Kokate also highlighted the importance of scientific waste management, which can boost productivity, contribute to environmental protection, and support sustainable development goals. There was a strong emphasis on incorporating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to make agricultural research more effective and future-oriented.
Dr. S. Kumar proposed adopting a System Productivity Optimization Index, while Dr. Masood Ali emphasized the need for enhancing green cover in rice-fallow areas. He also proposed the implementation of integrated farming system models across eastern districts.
Dr. A. Velmurugan, Assistant Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi, joined the meeting virtually and commended the institute's ongoing work. He recommended further research in key areas such as developing farmer-centric economic models, studying soil nutrient and moisture profiles in rice-fallow areas, enhancing value chains, and exploring waste-to-wealth initiatives.
The meeting also featured updates from various divisions and centers, showcasing ongoing research initiatives and recent achievements. An exhibition was organized during the event, and a Memorandum of Understanding related to mushroom research was exchanged. The committee toured the institute's experimental fields, research trials, and laboratories.
Chairman Dr. Kokate appreciated the research efforts of the institute and emphasized that research should focus on strengthening farmers' livelihoods by providing practical, scalable solutions. Dr. S. Kumar acknowledged the Silver Jubilee of the institute.
The meeting concluded with the release of two extension folders, underscoring the commitment to continuous research and development in the agricultural sector. The recommendations made during the meeting aim to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability while addressing the complex challenges faced by farmers and the agricultural sector.
- Dr. S. Kumar emphasized the crucial role of incorporating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into agricultural research, to make it more effective and future-oriented.
- Dr. A. Velmurugan, in his recommendation, suggested further research in exploring waste-to-wealth initiatives and developing farmer-centric economic models, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.
