Foundation Day is celebrated with the theme “Youth-led Agriculture Transformation”
Ludhiana
January 11, 2026
ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Ludhiana, celebrated its Foundation Day on 11th January 2026 with a grand event showcasing its significant contributions to frontline extension and empowerment of the farming community. Prof. Rajeshwar S. Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, YSPUHF, Solan, was the Chief Guest, and the Special Guests included Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Former Chairman ASRB and Chairman, Gurbachan Singh Foundation for Research, Education and Development, and Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, and Padma Shri awardee Shri Hariman Sharma. Other esteemed invitees included Dr. A. K. Mehta, Former Director, ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, and Directors of Extension Education from State Agricultural Universities.
The celebration commenced with an exhibition, featuring stalls set up by progressive farmers in collaboration with their respective Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Directorates of Extension Education of SAUs in Zone-I, highlighting innovative technologies and best practices. The formal programme began with the National Song, setting an inspiring tone for the occasion.
In his address, Prof. Rajeshwar S. Chandel emphasized the role of KVKs in promoting natural farming and good agricultural practices to achieve nutritional and economic sustainability. Dr. Gurbachan Singh stressed the need for stronger policy interventions to support crop diversification and enhance water-use efficiency, while Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale highlighted the urgent need for value addition and improved post-harvest management of agricultural produce.
Dr. P. S. Birthal, Former Director, ICAR–National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP), New Delhi, delivered the key address on the theme “KVKs’ Role in Transforming Indian Agriculture @ Viksit Bharat 2047”. He emphasized the need to strengthen extension systems through innovation, technological adaptability, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the importance of digital extension, precision agriculture, and climate-smart practices in bridging the gap between research and farmers through technology-driven platforms.
Earlier, Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, highlighted the major achievements of Zone-I, underscoring the institute’s pivotal role in strengthening agricultural research–extension linkages.
During the event, five publications from ICAR-ATARI and its KVKs were released, reflecting the institute’s commitment to effective knowledge dissemination. A prize distribution ceremony was also organized, wherein farm-entrepreneurs, young scientists, and KVK Heads were felicitated for their outstanding contributions. The event witnessed the participation of over 200 agricultural scientists and farm-entrepreneurs. The Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed ICAR-ATARI’s unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural research, promoting sustainability, and empowering farming communities across the region.
