Patna: In a significant milestone for the agricultural sector, the foundation stone for the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute Region-IV in Patna was laid by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, on August 19, 2015. This institute has been dedicated to the advancement of agricultural practices in the region and began its full-fledged operations in April 2017.

The primary mission of this institute is to implement, evaluate, and fund the activities of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centers) across the region. Under its jurisdiction, there are a total of 68 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, spread across the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. Out of these, 44 Krishi Vigyan Kendras are actively functioning in Bihar, while 24 are serving the state of Jharkhand. Bihar Agricultural University, State Agricultural University, and Central Agricultural University each host 23, 17, and 17 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, respectively. Additionally, four Krishi Vigyan Kendras are affiliated with various Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutes, and eight operate under NGO supervision.

The institute has been actively involved in executing several significant research projects through these Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Some of these projects include advanced pest detection in pulses and oilseeds, innovations in climate-friendly agriculture, and various community-focused initiatives such as the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, Tribal Sub Plan, and promotion of natural farming. Notably, the institute has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of Bihar State's ambitious climate-friendly agriculture scheme.

During its brief existence, the institute has achieved several notable milestones. These accomplishments include the Nari Shakti Puraskar awarded by His Excellency the President to one Krishi Vigyan Kendra for Best Krishi Vigyan Kendra, three Krishi Vigyan Kendras receiving the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Award, and nine Krishi Vigyan Kendras being honored with the Jagjivan Ram Abhinav Kisan Award. In addition, six Krishi Vigyan Kendras have received the Innovative Farmer Award, while one has been recognized for its work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Furthermore, ten farmers have been honored with the Mahindra Samridhi Puraskar. Notably, Mrs. Rajkumari Devi (Farmer Aunt) of Muzaffarpur, Mr. Jamuna Tuddu (Lady Tarzan) of Singhbhum, and Mr. Simon Oraon Minj (Waterman of Jharkhand) of Bero, Ranchi have been bestowed with the prestigious 'Padma Shri' award.

To celebrate its Foundation Day, the institute hosted a grand event attended by distinguished guests and dignitaries. Dr. A.O.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Rani Laxmibai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, and former Deputy Director General of Agricultural Extension at ICAR, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He emphasized the importance of adopting modern farming techniques and climate-friendly practices and urged farmers to diversify their agricultural activities, providing much-needed employment opportunities for rural youth. Dr. Singh also highlighted the need to develop Krishi Vigyan Kendras as one-stop information centers for farmers, ensuring easy access to valuable agricultural knowledge.

Agriculture Secretary Mr. Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal also shared his insights during the event, focusing on the welfare of farmers. Distinguished directors from various ICAR institutes also took the stage to discuss their perspectives.

In the second session of the event, a scientific farmers' dialogue and a farmer's seminar were conducted. Renowned scientists and experts, including Dr. RK Sohane, Dr. M.S. Kundu, Dr. J. Oraon, Dr. A.K. Thakur, Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Dr. Manubrullah, Dr. Abhay Kumar, and Dr. Pragya Bhadauria, participated and addressed issues concerning agriculture. The session was moderated by Dr. Pragya Bhadauria, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Amarendra Kumar, Principal Scientist at the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute Region-IV.

This event underscored the institute's commitment to advancing agricultural practices, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable and climate-friendly agriculture across the region.