one-day training and exposure programme on “Scientific rice cultivation and improved agricultural technologies” under the Krishi Road Map initiative of Madhya Pradesh 
A group of around 18 farmers from Vidisha, Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh visited ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute (ICAR–CRRI), Cuttack, on 14th October 2026 for a one-day training and exposure programme on “Scientific rice cultivation and improved agricultural technologies” under the Krishi Road Map initiative of Madhya Pradesh.
The programme aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge of improved rice production practices, quality seed production, biofortified rice, integrated rice–fish farming, biofertilizers and farm mechanization.
The programme commenced with a formal welcome by Dr. Sushanta Kumar Naik, Principal Scientist, ICAR–CRRI. Dr. Pratap Bhattacharya, Director-in-Charge, ICAR–CRRI, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of adopting scientific, resource-efficient and climate-resilient rice cultivation practices to improve productivity and farmers’ income. Dr. Meera Kar, Head, Crop Improvement Division (CID), highlighted the objectives and importance of the training programme.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Sushanta Dash, Principal Scientist, emphasized scientific practices for quality seed production, while Dr. Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, Principal Scientist, discussed biofortified rice varieties, their nutritional importance and seed production techniques. Dr. Raghabendra Gouda and Dr. Sushanta Kumar Naik explained scientific rice cultivation practices integrated with fish farming, highlighting opportunities for diversification and improved farm income.
Dr. Upendra Kumar introduced the farmers to various liquid microbial inoculants and biofertilizers developed by ICAR–CRRI. He explained their application methods and potential to improve nutrient availability, enhance soil health and reduce dependence on inorganic fertilizers. Dr. Prakash Jena highlighted the role of farm mechanization in improving the timeliness, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of rice cultivation operations.
A key highlight was a virtual interaction with the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG (Agril. Extension), ICAR, New Delhi. The farmers interacted with the dignitaries, shared their experiences and expressed satisfaction with the scientific practices and improved rice technologies learned during the training.
The programme also included a guided field visit coordinated by Dr. Gayatri Sinha and Dr. P. K. Sahu, who familiarized the farmers with various farmer-friendly rice production technologies and their practical applications. The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening farmer–scientist interaction and promoting the adoption of improved, sustainable and climate-resilient rice production practices.
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