The Annual Zonal Review Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Bihar and Jharkhand, organised by ICAR–ATARI, Patna, was held at Ranchi from 17th January to 19th January, with the participation of scientists and representatives from 66 KVKs across the two states.

During the two-day programme, each KVK presented its annual report along with key innovations and latest technologies being promoted for farmers at the district level.

The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of several eminent dignitaries from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities, and allied institutions. The Chief Guest, Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Extension), ICAR, highlighted the critical role of KVKs in strengthening India’s agricultural extension system.

Other dignitaries present included Dr Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Patna; Dr Abhijith Kar, Director, ICAR–NISA, Ranchi; Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi; Dr Indrajeet Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour; Dr M. M. Adhikari, Former Vice Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia; and Dr S. C. Dubey, Vice Chancellor, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi.

During the workshop, Dhanuka Agritech Limited showcased its growing engagement with India’s agricultural research and extension ecosystem. Dr P. K. Chakrabarty, Chief Scientific Advisor, Dhanuka Agritech and Former Assistant Director General (Plant Protection), Government of India, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the company’s collaborative work with ICAR institutions and KVKs aimed at strengthening last-mile technology dissemination and improving on-farm outcomes.

Dr Chakrabarty elaborated on Dhanuka Agritech’s science-led approach, underlining its Memorandum of Understanding with ICAR and partnerships with 15 State Agricultural Universities across the country. He emphasised that these collaborations focus on translating validated research into field-level impact through KVK-led demonstrations, farmer training programmes, and technical backstopping, with special attention to crop protection, resistance management, precision application technologies, and farmer awareness against spurious and counterfeit agricultural inputs.

On the second day, Dhanuka Agritech made a detailed technical presentation on its product portfolio and service offerings, covering advanced crop protection solutions, integrated pest and disease management approaches, and emerging technologies designed to enhance productivity and sustainability. The presentation generated active interaction with KVK scientists and extension professionals, reflecting strong interest in collaborative demonstrations and adaptive trials in Bihar and Jharkhand.

The deliberations during the workshop reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between ICAR institutions, KVKs, and responsible agri-input companies in addressing regional productivity gaps and accelerating the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. The programme underscored the growing role of industry–research partnerships in strengthening India’s agricultural innovation and extension framework.