Kisan Mela and Exhibition at Jhalda, Purulia Organized by ICAR-CRRI
A Kisan Mela and Exhibition was organized on 23 June 2025 at Jhalda, Purulia, West Bengal by ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), in collaboration with PRADAN NGO. The event aimed to promote high-yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties among tribal women farmers and foster direct interaction between scientists and the farming community.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), graced the occasion as Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of region-specific agricultural innovation in his keynote address. Dr. G.A.K. Kumar, Director, ICAR–CRRI, Cuttack along with other dignitaries including Dr. M.J. Baig, Former Director, ICAR-CRRI; Dr. P.K. Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata; and Mr. Debasish De, Team Coordinator, PRADAN, stressed technology dissemination and capacity building among tribal farmers.
Over 500 tribal women farmers actively participated, visiting exhibition stalls showcasing improved rice technologies and engaging in discussions with scientists. Highlights included a farmer quiz competition and distribution of seeds of high-yielding rice varieties to promote field-level adoption.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Pratap Bhattacharya, Coordinator, TSP, followed by an overview of TSP activities presented by Dr. Mridul Chakraborty, Nodal Officer, TSP. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Biswajit Mondal, Principal Scientist and TSP member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
