The new administrative building of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Pune was inaugurated by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare virtually today.

In his inaugural address, Shri Tomar said that KVKs are playing an important role in agriculture. He accentuated 731 KVKs in the country are working for enhancing the prosperity of the farmers. He said that ICAR has developed many climate-resistant and biofortified varieties to face the climate change situation. He urged the KVK scientists to work more seriously in the present situation.

Shri Choudhary also inaugurated a Workshop on Natural Farming and Millets.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) conveyed through a message that ATARI Pune addressed the diversified issues of agriculture for the farmers of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa through 82 KVKs. The technological dissemination for soil & water conservation, precision farming, sericulture, bamboo farming, hi-tech agriculture, improved dairy, goat rearing, poultry farming, IFS models, women entrepreneurship, etc. under diverse agro-climatic conditions were carried out to help the farmers, he added. Dr. Pathak said the KVKs of the Zone also worked with a large number of FPOs, women SHGs, and farmer’s groups and established active linkages with line departments.

Dr. U. S. Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agril. Extension), ICAR in his welcome address appreciated the timely completion of the administrative building and highlighted the achievements of the ATARI during the last five years. He urged the KVKs to reach maximum number of farmers by using the digital platforms.

P.P. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swami, Chairman, Kaneri Math, Kolhapur urged to promote indigenous cow, natural farming, integrating traditional wisdom with modern science, processing, and value addition for enhancing farmers' income.

Dr. P.G. Patil, Vice Chancellor, MPKV, Rahuri stressed adopting integrated farming system model, hi-tech farming, and making millets a component of the existing cropping system.

Dr. Lakhan Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI, emphasised close convergence, digital agriculture, showcasing successful IFS models, soil health, and human health through nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Vice-Chancellors of SAUs, Senior Officials of ICAR, Directors of ICAR Institutes were present on the occasion.

A short film on five years journey of ATARI Pune and book entitled ‘Accomplishments of ATARI Pune - Five Years Glorious Journey’ were also released by the dignitaries. More than 500 participants including the Vice-Chancellor's of SAUs, Chairmen of NGO KVKs, Directors of ICAR Institutes, Directors of Extension Education, and Heads of 82 KVKs from the zone participated in Workshop on Natural Farming and Millets.