Workshop on “Strategies to boost farmers’ income through intervention of CGIAR technologies”

A high-level International Workshop on “Strategies to boost farmers’ income through intervention of CGIAR technologies” was jointly organized by U.P. Council of Agricultural Research, Lucknow, International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, and ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (ICAR-IISR), Lucknow at IISR on 25th April 2023. The crop-wise specific technological interventions from the perspective of CGIAR Institutions, benefits for agriculture sector to be achieved in the state with the activities of CGIAR and expectations of CGIAR organizations in terms of policy intervention by the State Government were discussed in detail. Sh. Surya Pratap Shahi, Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, UP graced the occasion and participated in the discussions.

At the outset, Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General, UPCAR, welcomed the guests and gave an overview of the programme. Dr. Singh stressed upon the mandate of UPCAR, viz., establishing linkages and collaborations among the national and international universities/institutions, line departments and other research organization for agricultural research, education and extension activities in Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Panjab Singh, Ex. Secretary, DARE &DG, ICAR and Ex. VC, BHU, Varanasi and Chairman of the programme highlighted the need of developing a module of all the technologies for adoption by the farmers, particularly for economic viability, profitability and sustainability of the small and marginal farmers. Dr. Singh urged all the researchers to provide technology modules for each zone of the State. He emphasized on the need for developing a well-structured and multifarious strategy for addressing the problem of the state, including those related to climate change, challenges in processing, value addition and marketing. Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Govt. of UP, highlighted the major achievements and major challenges being faced by the farm sector in the state.

Dr. Arvind Kumar, DDG (Research), ICRISAT highlighted the altered hydrological cycles, monocropping system leading to land degradation, salinity and various abiotic and biotic stresses resulting in decline in productivity, increasing cost of cultivation with high water-energy-carbon foot prints particularly in western Uttar Pradesh. To capitalize on the full potential of the state, landscape management is important as this can integrate various technologies including seed system, agro-forestry, productivity enhancement, value chain and market for better price realization. Dr. K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh highlighted the need for strong linkages and collaborations among UPCAR, SAUs, ICAR Institutes, KVKs and CGIAR Institutes. Dr. Arun Kumar, VC, SKRAU, Bikaner emphasized on the need of scientific dissemination of technologies developed by the research institutes or organizations. Highlighting the prospects for sugarcane cultivation in UP, Dr.R. Viswanathan, Director, ICAR-IISR, Lucknow presented the sugarcane scenario of UP and proposed Vote of thanks at the end of the introductory session. The technical session that followed, brought out the various interventions from different organizations that can help in bringing about an increase in production and productivity in agriculture and allied sectors. The scope for linkages among the various organizations was discussed in detail.

The Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture in his address urged the research scientists and managers from different SAUs, ICAR Institutes and CGIAR organizations to collaborate with UPCAR, to develop a blueprint for agricultural development in the state, which will ultimately lead to the prosperity of the farmers. UP being an important player in the national agricultural scenario, there is immense potential for development of agriculture and allied sectors. A roadmap for the state for the next 25 years need to be developed and implemented for which, rigorous training and development of skills, strengthening of extension system, proper utilization of mechanization etc., need to be ensured.

The prominent participants included senior officers from all the SAUs, ICAR Institutes located in UP, research managers from various CGIAR organizations like International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), International Potato Centre (CIP), International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and World Fish Centre (World Fish). The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ramesh Singh, Cluster Leader (IDC), ICRISAT, Hyderabad.