NewzVille Desk
Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 culminated today at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR- IARI), New Delhi. The three-day mega event drew scientists, policymakers, extension personnel, agri-entrepreneurs, progressive farmers, women farmers, rural youth, students and stakeholders from across the country.
The Mela served as a vibrant platform for showcasing innovative agricultural technologies, strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages, and promoting agri-entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth.
The final day witnessed the Technical Session on “Entrepreneurship Development of Women and Youth,” chaired by Dr. N. P. Singh, President, ASEED-IDMAT, Noida, with Dr. Anupama Singh, Dean & Joint Director (Education), IARI, as Co-Chairperson.
Experts delivered lectures on diversified enterprise opportunities, including vertical farming and hydroponics, floriculture and landscaping, mushroom cultivation, apiculture, dairy enterprises, and value addition and food processing.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt innovative, technology-driven enterprises for sustainable income enhancement.
The next technical session on Innovative Farmers’ Meet was chaired by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, with Dr. R. K. Singh, ADG (Extension), ICAR, as Co-Chairman.
PadmaShri awardee Bharat Bhushan Tyagi attended as Guest of Honour. Innovative farmers shared their success stories, highlighting adoption of IARI technologies, productivity enhancement, and income growth. Speakers encouraged farmers to embrace scientific practices and continue grassroots innovation.
The Valedictory Function marked the successful culmination of the mela, featuring addresses by eminent dignitaries, distribution of awards, release of publications, and concluding remarks.
The function was graced by Dr. R. S. Paroda, Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), along with the Director and Joint Director (Extension) of ICAR- IARI, and the awardee farmers.
On this occasion, a total of 36 farmers were conferred the IARI Innovative Farmers Award, one farmer was recognised as the IARI- Young Innovative Farmer and seven distinguished farmers were awarded with IARI Fellow Farmers, representing 25 states. On the occasion, three publications were released.
Dr. Paroda appreciated IARI for developing improved crop varieties, climate-resilient technologies, and promoting diversification in farming systems.
He noted that these efforts have helped transform India from an import-dependent nation to an export-oriented country, securing leading positions in several agricultural commodities and contributing to enhanced farmers’ incomes.
He also highlighted that agricultural research is truly meaningful only when it is practically applicable to local field conditions. He urged farmers to take full advantage of IARI’s handholding support to further improve their income and livelihoods.
The Institute’s Director, Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, stated that this year the number of stalls and participating organizations was higher than before. On the occasion of International Women’s Year, a special technical session was organized for women.
“The three-day fair was successful for farmers, attracting over 100,000 visitors. Key highlights included live demonstrations of improved crop varieties, display and sale of advanced seeds and plants by Pusa and other companies, stalls showcasing new technologies from government and private companies, exhibitions and sales of products, special displays for FPOs and startups, free soil and water testing, farmer consultancy services, technical sessions and evening cultural programme by All India Radio”, he added.
