Kolkata, 10 November (H.S.) : Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) Kolkata Centre on Tuesday. During his visit, he called for robust cooperation between the central and state governments to accelerate agricultural growth, promote sustainable farming, and improve farmers welfare.

Addressing an event here, the Union Minister highlighted the necessity of coordinated efforts among the central government, state governments, agricultural research institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of agricultural development programs. He also underscored the importance of collaborative research, technology dissemination, capacity building, and institutional coordination in enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers livelihoods.

The Minister emphasized the significance of natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices for maintaining soil health, conserving natural resources, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. He encouraged agricultural scientists and institutions to develop and promote farmer friendly, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable technologies.

West Bengal Agriculture Minister Dudh Kumar Mondal attended the program as the guest of honor. Earlier, Dr. T. K. Ghoshal, Principal Scientist and Head of the ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration for the development of agriculture and allied sectors.

Various publications were also released during the event, and the chief guest and guest of honor were felicitated. On this occasion, a review meeting was also held with representatives of the West Bengal agriculture department and various ICAR institutes, including ICAR-CIFE, ICAR-NINFET, ICAR-ATARI, and ICAR-NBSSLUP. The meeting reviewed institutional activities and discussed in detail the opportunities to strengthen mutual coordination.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh