Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Visits ICAR–NIASM, Baramati

27 June 2026, Baramati

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, visited the ICAR–National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Pune to review the Institute's research and outreach initiatives on climate-resilient agriculture, natural farming, and sustainable resource management.

The Minister planted a Peepal (Ficus religiosa) sapling on the Institute campus and visited the Natural Farming Project demonstration, where scientists showcased natural farming input production, farmer-led field demonstrations, and climate-resilient farming practices being implemented in Baramati. He also visited the Institute's Water Treatment Plant and appreciated the sustainable water management practices adopted by ICAR–NIASM.

During the interaction programme, Dr K. Sammi Reddy, Director, ICAR–NIASM, presented the Institute's major research achievements and highlighted the ongoing "Khet Bachao Abhiyan", which has reached 2,501 farmers across 70 villages by promoting balanced nutrient management and the judicious use of chemical fertilizers. He also informed that 500 field demonstrations are being planned to encourage the use of biofertilizers and reduce phosphorus fertilizer consumption.

Addressing the scientists, staff, students, and stakeholders, Shri Ram Nath Thakur appreciated the Institute's farmer-centric research and technologies addressing abiotic stresses in agriculture. He encouraged scientists to strengthen field outreach, develop practical solutions for farmers, and expand technology dissemination for sustainable agricultural development. He also motivated students to promote scientific farming practices in their villages and appreciated the vision behind establishing ICAR–NIASM for addressing emerging challenges in Indian agriculture.

On the occasion, the Minister released the ICAR–NIASM Annual Report 2025, the publication "Technologies for Mitigation of Abiotic Stress in Agriculture", and the booklet "Fish Rearing in Farm Ponds."

The programme was attended by scientists, technical officers, staff, students, representatives of KVKs, State Agricultural Universities, farmers, and other stakeholders.

(Source: ICAR–National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Pune)