Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Ram Nath Thakur visits ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre

November 10, 2026

Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare

Calls for Stronger Centre-State Coordination to advance Agricultural Development and Farmers’ Welfare

Highlights Natural Farming, Sustainable Practices and Technology Dissemination

प्रविष्टि तिथि: 10 NOV 2026 3:44PM by PIB Kolkata

Kolkata, November 10, 2026

Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Kolkata Centre, today. During his visit, Shri Thakur called for stronger collaboration between the Central and State Governments to accelerate agricultural development, promote sustainable farming practices and improve farmers’ welfare.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among the Central Government, State Governments, agricultural research institutions and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of agricultural development programmes. He also underlined the importance of collaborative research, technology dissemination, capacity building and institutional coordination in improving agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.

The Minister highlighted the importance of natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices in maintaining soil health, conserving natural resources, reducing dependence on chemical inputs and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. He even encouraged agricultural scientists and institutions to develop and promote farmer-friendly, economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies.

Shri Dudh Kumar Mondal, Minister of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal attended the programme as the Guest of Honour.

Earlier, Dr. T. K. Ghoshal, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing agricultural and allied-sector development.

The programme also featured the release of publications and the felicitation of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour. A review meeting was organised with representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal and ICAR institutions, including ICAR-CIFE, ICAR-NINFET, ICAR-ATARI and ICAR-NBSS&LUP, to review institutional activities and discuss opportunities for strengthening coordination.