ICAR-ATARI Hosts State-Level Pre-Kharif CSISA-Convergence Platform Meeting

To fortify agricultural resilience and optimize production efficiencies ahead of the Kharif season, the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kanpur, played host to a significant State-Level Pre-Kharif Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA)-Convergence Platform meeting. Held against the backdrop of evolving agricultural dynamics, the gathering served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to deliberate on challenges and devise strategic interventions aimed at bolstering pest and water management practices.

Dr. S.K. Dubey, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur, set the tone for the meeting by highlighting ongoing initiatives, particularly the comprehensive survey within the Rice-Wheat cropping system and the progressive implementation of the LDS Pulses initiative. Dr. Dubey elucidated on the concerted efforts aimed at identifying rapidly developing districts across India, fostering advancements in pulse farming techniques, and scaling up agricultural endeavors. Emphasizing collaborative partnerships, gender-inclusive technology adoption, and equitable resource allocation for farmers, Dr. Dubey underscored the multifaceted approach required to address pertinent issues encompassing payment mechanisms, innovation adoption, and quality assurance.

The meeting witnessed valuable insights and recommendations from esteemed dignitaries including the Director of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, and the Secretary of UPCAR, Lucknow. Additionally, experiences and best practices were shared by representatives from KVK Gorakhpur-I, Kushinagar, Mahrajganj, and Deoria, providing invaluable grassroots perspectives to inform strategic planning.

Director Extension, CSAUAT, Kanpur; Heads of the Division of Crop Production and Division of Social Sciences from ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur; as well as representatives from prominent industry stakeholders such as ITC, Reddy Labs, and Bayer India Ltd, actively participated in the deliberations, offering their expertise and insights.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the development of five information packages tailored for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), intended for widespread dissemination among paddy growers across the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh, in preparation for the upcoming Kharif 2024 season.

The convergence of diverse stakeholders including representatives from the State Department of Agriculture, ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur, CIMMYT, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and UPCAR Lucknow, underscored a collaborative approach towards fostering agricultural innovation and resilience in the region.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kanpur)