HRD Programme on Integrated Resource Management Organised to Strengthen Farm Productivity and Sustainable Livelihoods

30 September–1 October 2026, Kalyani

A two-day Human Resource Development (HRD) Programme on “Integrated Resource Management for Increasing Farm Productivity, Profitability & Sustainable Livelihoods” was organised by the Directorate of Extension Education (DEE), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Mohanpur, in collaboration with ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, for the Heads, Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) and Farm Managers of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of South Bengal. The programme aimed to enhance the professional competencies of KVK personnel through updated technical knowledge, skill development and improved operational efficiency to address emerging challenges in agriculture, particularly those arising from escalating climate threats.

Dr Ashok Kumar Patra, Vice Chancellor, BCKV, commended the organisers for conducting the HRD programme and highlighted its significance in strengthening rural development. He emphasised the need for an integrated approach to farm resource management, combining scientific knowledge, efficient utilisation of natural resources and location-specific agricultural technologies to enhance farm productivity, profitability and the sustainability of farming systems.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, emphasised soil health management as a cornerstone of sustainable, climate-resilient and profitable agriculture. He stressed the importance of balanced nutrient management, soil-test-based fertiliser recommendations, integrated nutrient management and judicious use of organic and biological inputs to improve productivity, resource-use efficiency and farmers’ income.

Dr Dey highlighted the role of KVKs as district-level hubs of agricultural innovation, technology dissemination and convergence. He called upon SMSs and technical personnel to emerge as technology leaders and catalysts of transformation by promoting digital agriculture, climate-smart technologies, entrepreneurship and farmer-centric capacity building. He also emphasised strengthening the science–technology–farmer interface, empowering rural youth and women, and promoting resource-efficient and self-reliant farming systems towards achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Dr B.C. Patra, Registrar, BCKV, deliberated on holistic crop management strategies in the context of emerging agricultural challenges, while Dr M. Roy, Director, DEE, BCKV, highlighted the importance of HRD programmes in strengthening the technical knowledge and field-level effectiveness of KVK personnel.

During the valedictory session, Prof. P. Sanyal, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, delivered an insightful address on soil quality, emphasising its significance for maintaining soil health, sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

The technical sessions focused on strengthening the knowledge and skills of KVK personnel in integrated resource management, with emphasis on soil health management and sustainable agricultural production. The programme also provided a platform for professional interaction, knowledge exchange and sharing of practical approaches to address location-specific agricultural challenges in South Bengal.

A total of 24 Heads, SMSs and technical personnel from 10 KVKs of South Bengal, including five BCKV-hosted KVKs, participated in the programme and actively engaged in the technical deliberations and interactive sessions. The experts provided practical, field-oriented guidance on best management practices for enhancing the quality, resilience and profitability of farm production systems.

The enthusiastic participation of the KVK personnel reflected a coordinated effort to strengthen the agricultural extension system by enhancing technical support to farmers, promoting efficient and judicious use of agricultural resources, improving farm income and fostering sustainable livelihoods across the region.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)