HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, July 20: The 95th ICAR Foundation Day and Technology Day were joyously observed during a three-day program at KVK Sonitpur campus from July 16 to 18, 2023. The event commenced with the inauguration of an agricultural technology exhibition, drawing the participation of farmers from various districts.
Dr Ranjit Bordoloi, the in-charge head of KVK Sonitpur, inaugurated the program and delivered a warm welcome address, encouraging the farmers to adopt a more scientific approach to agriculture, particularly through cluster-based farming by forming Farmer Producer Companies (FPC). Over the course of the three days, numerous programs showcasing agricultural technologies were conducted.
One such program involved a method demonstration by Dinku Bora, subject matter specialist (agronomy), who demonstrated seedling root dip treatment using liquid phosphate-solubilising bacteria. This innovative technique has the potential to enhance phosphorus uptake by crop plants, thereby increasing crop yields. Another technology showcased was fish smoking using the CIFTEQ fish smoking kiln. Additionally, participants were introduced to the scientific cultivation of mushrooms. To promote awareness about farm mechanisation, various agricultural machinery, including paddy transplanters, potato graders, drum seeders, reapers, and weeders, were showcased.
In alignment with the Chief Minister’s Institutional Plantation Programme (CMIPP), a sapling distribution program for mahogany and segun saplings was conducted, followed by a plantation event. More than 150 farmers representing different FPCs and SHGs, alongside officials from KVK Sonitpur, actively participated in the program.
Traditionally, ICAR has celebrated its foundation day on July 16 each year. However, from this year onwards, the event has been expanded to include the ‘Foundation and Technology Day’, featuring a diverse range of programs aimed at promoting agricultural advancements and technological innovations.
