The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, organized a field day on “Water-Smart and Regenerative Farming” at its Sabajpura research farm. The event aimed to showcase innovative agricultural technologies designed to improve water-use efficiency, enhance soil health, reduce cultivation costs, increase farmers' income, and strengthen climate resilience. Shri Narmadeshwar Lal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, attended as the chief guest.

During his visit, Shri Lal observed various technology demonstrations and agricultural models developed by the institute. These included water-smart farming practices, conservation-oriented raised and sunken bed systems, integrated crop-aquaculture systems, micro-irrigation, direct-seeded rice, climate-resilient rice varieties, rice fallow land management, integrated farming system models, crop diversification through fruit and vegetable cultivation, agroforestry, and resource conservation technologies. He lauded these initiatives for their significant potential to boost water productivity, conserve natural resources, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agricultural production.

Shri Lal emphasized the need for widespread dissemination of these technologies among farmers and assured full support from the State Agriculture Department to facilitate their adoption. He also toured the research farm's infrastructural facilities, including the seed processing unit, where he observed seed grading, sorting, and quality assurance processes.

Farmers present shared their experiences of receiving advanced technologies, quality seeds, and capacity-building support from the institute, highlighting the importance of scientific guidance for efficient water management and increased agricultural productivity. Dr. Anoop Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, underscored the significance of water-smart and regenerative farming in addressing challenges like climate change and rising cultivation costs. The field day saw participation from over 100 farmers and other stakeholders, who visited various research units and observed field demonstrations. Fruit plants and quality vegetable seeds were also distributed to the participating farmers.