October 2026, Barrackpore : Reaffirming its commitment to farmer welfare, sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, celebrated PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas alongside the nationwide KhetBachaoAbhiyan – Rabi 2026 on 30 October 2026. The programme featured the live telecast of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, ShriNarendraModi, releasing the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme. The event brought together 199 farmers, fishers and stakeholders from Chamardaha, Barti, Singrani and Duma wetland areas of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, and Rohtas, Bihar, reflecting strong grassroots participation in initiatives aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods.
The programme was graced by Shri Anjan Ghosh, Additional Deputy Magistrate and Shri Y.S. Achchhelal, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Barrackpore, who interacted with farmers and highlighted the importance of science-led agriculture, sustainable fisheries and technology-driven rural development.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Anjan Ghosh stressed the importance of climate-resilient technologies, efficient water management, integrated farming systems and scientific livestock and fisheries practices for ensuring sustainable productivity and livelihood security.Shri Y.S. Achchhelal emphasized that PM-KISAN is a landmark initiative in farmer welfare, providing direct financial assistance to over 9.34 crore farmers and strengthening the rural economy through enhanced income security and financial inclusion. He encouraged farmers to maintain close linkages with ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and extension agencies to access scientific technologies, innovations and timely agricultural advisories.
In his welcome address, Dr.PradipDey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the importance of major Government initiatives, including PM-KISAN, PradhanMantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY), PradhanMantriFasalBimaYojana (PMFBY), Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), Digital Agriculture Mission (AgriStack), National Mission on Natural Farming and PM Dhan-DhaanyaKrishiYojana. He emphasized that income support, crop-risk protection, sustainable production, digital agriculture and improved fisheries infrastructure are essential pillars of resilient rural livelihoods. Underscoring the role of ICAR institutions and KVKs, he called for translating scientific innovations into practical, farmer-oriented solutions to enhance productivity, sustainability and income security, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
A major highlight of the programme was the awareness campaign conducted under KhetBachaoAbhiyan – Rabi 2026, centred on the theme “Healthy Soil, Healthy Crops, Prosperous Farmers.” Farmers were sensitized to the critical importance of soil health management, balanced fertilizer application, soil-test-based nutrient management and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Experts emphasized the need to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, particularly DAP and urea, and encouraged the adoption of alternative nutrient sources to sustain soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
The discussions also highlighted the potential of natural farming practices and locally prepared bio-inputs, including Jeevamrit, GhanJeevamrit, Beejamrit and Neemastra, along with mulching and other soil-conservation measures. These practices were presented as practical approaches to improve soil health, reduce cultivation costs, enhance resource-use efficiency and strengthen the long-term sustainability of farming systems. Farmers actively participated in the technical interactions and appreciated the initiative's focus on promoting environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
The enthusiastic participation of farmers, fishers and other stakeholders from West Bengal and Bihar underscored the importance of connecting national welfare programmes with scientific institutions and farming communities. Participants witnessed the Prime Minister's address and expressed appreciation for the Government's continued efforts to empower farmers through direct financial assistance, technological interventions and institutional support.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to healthy soils, sustainable farming, resilient fisheries and prosperous farming communities. Through the combined observance of PM-KISAN UtsavDiwas and KhetBachaoAbhiyan, ICAR-CIFRI reinforced its role in translating national priorities and scientific knowledge into tangible field-level benefits, strengthening the bridge between policy, research and farming communities.
