Foundation Day Celebrated at ICAR–ATARI, Ludhiana with Focus on ‘Youth-led Agricultural Transformation’

11 January 2026, Ludhiana

ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana celebrated its Foundation Day today with a grand programme highlighting the institute’s pivotal role in frontline extension, agricultural innovation, and empowerment of the farming community. The event was organised around the theme ‘Youth-led Agricultural Transformation’, underscoring the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Rajeshwar S. Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (YSPUHF), Solan, emphasized the critical role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in promoting natural farming and adoption of good agricultural practices to ensure nutritional security and economic sustainability.

The programme was graced by distinguished Special Guests including Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Former Chairman, ASRB and Chairman, Gurbachan Singh Foundation for Research, Education and Development; Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR–Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana; and Padma Shri awardee Shri Hariman Sharma.

Dr. Gurbachan Singh highlighted the need for stronger policy interventions to promote crop diversification and improve water-use efficiency, while Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale stressed the urgency of value addition and strengthening post-harvest management systems to enhance farmers’ income.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. P. S. Birthal, Former Director, ICAR–National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, New Delhi, on the theme “KVKs’ Role in Transforming Indian Agriculture @ Viksit Bharat 2047”. He emphasized the need to strengthen extension systems through innovation, technological adaptability, digital extension, precision agriculture, climate-smart practices, and entrepreneurship to bridge the gap between research and farmers.

Earlier, Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Ludhiana, highlighted the major achievements of Zone-I and underscored the institute’s significant role in strengthening research–extension–farmer linkages across the region.
Other eminent participants included Dr. A. K. Mehta, Former Director, ICAR–ATARI, Ludhiana, and Directors of Extension Education from various State Agricultural Universities.

The celebration commenced with an exhibition showcasing innovative technologies and best practices through stalls set up by progressive farmers in collaboration with their respective KVKs and Directorates of Extension Education of State Agricultural Universities in Zone-I. The formal programme began with the rendition of the National Song, setting a solemn and inspiring tone.

During the event, five publications brought out by ICAR–ATARI and its KVKs were released, reflecting the institute’s commitment to effective knowledge dissemination. A prize distribution ceremony was also held to felicitate farm entrepreneurs, young scientists, and KVK Heads for their exemplary contributions.

The event witnessed the participation of over 200 agricultural scientists, extension professionals, and farm entrepreneurs. The Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed ICAR–ATARI, Ludhiana’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, strengthening extension systems, and empowering farming communities across the region.

(Source: ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana)