IARI ASSAM

ICAR IARI Assam Newsletter volume 3 issue 1 (January- March, 2026)

Compiled and Edited by: Arpan Bhowmik, Kishore Chandra Sahoo, Chethan C., R., Abhijith K. P., M. B. Choudhary and Bhagirath Das

Technical Assistance: Chandan Maji

Guidance and advisory: Viswanathan Chinnusamy, JD( R), IARI and Dr. A. K. Balange, Campus -in-charge, IARI Assam

Published by: Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, IARI

Indian Council of Agricultural Research
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Kvk Dhemaji
KVK Lakhimpur,Assam
ICAR ATARI, Zone-VI
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India
Icar RC Neh Region
Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur

The 4th Institute Research Council (IRC) Meeting of ICAR–IARI Assam was held successfully during 24–25 May, 2026 in the Board Room of IARI Assam under the chairmanship of Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Hon’ble Director, ICAR–IARI, New Delhi. The meeting served as an important platform for reviewing and strengthening the research agenda of the institute in alignment with the agricultural and allied developmental priorities of North East India.

During the two-day meeting, more than 30 ongoing, completed, and newly proposed research projects were discussed in detail. The projects addressed several critical thematic areas including climate-resilient agriculture, natural resource management, crop improvement, horticulture, livestock and fisheries development, livelihood diversification, agri-entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming systems relevant to the North Eastern Region.

Dr. A. K. Balange, Campus In-charge, IARI Assam, along with all Heads of Divisions and scientists of the institute actively participated in the deliberations. Dr. Viswanathan Chinnusamy, Hon’ble Joint Director (Research), ICAR–IARI, served as the Co-Chairman of the meeting and provided valuable scientific guidance during the technical discussions.

Dr. Arpan Bhowmik, In-Charge, Priority Setting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Cell, coordinated the programme and served as the Member Secretary of the IRC meeting.

The meeting concluded with constructive recommendations for strengthening region-specific research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology-led agricultural development for the North East region.

A meeting of a committee constituted to screen different institutional awards/appreciation/recognition of IARI Assam for outstanding achievements in the year 2025-26 was held under the chairmanship of Hon'ble director, IARI

A Review meeting with NPCC officials has been held on 24.05.2026 under the chairmanship of Director, IARI to review the progress of ongoing work activities at IARI Assam.

Carp seeds were released today on 25th May 2026 in the newly developed fish ponds of ICAR-IARI Assam by the Hon'ble Director and VC, IARI Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao. This is the maiden effort in the process of developing an integrated fish farm unit at IARI Assam campus. The inauguration program was graced by the HoDs along with the scientific team, administrative officers and staffs. Recreational facilities are also promoted in these aquatic resources. Later, fruit plants were planted on the banks of the fish ponds.
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Kvk Dhemaji
KVK Lakhimpur,Assam
ICAR ATARI, Zone-VI

Today, Dr. Ranuj Pegu, Hon'ble MLA, Dhemaji visited ICAR-IARI-Campus and interacted with the scientists. He has given valuable inputs on researchable issues in Assam and North east region for Agriculture, dairy, fisheries and animal husbandry.

On 06 May 2026, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam organized an awareness campaign on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers” and “Soil Health Management” at Betani hula village in Gogamukh as part of its outreach activities for promoting sustainable agriculture and scientific farming practices.
The programme was conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Akkalareddy Sumalatha, Dr. Madhav Chaudhary, and Mr. Bhagirath Das. A total of 16 farmers (5 male and 11 female) actively participated in the interaction and field-level discussions.
During the field visit, the team observed that farmers are practicing diversified farming systems involving the cultivation of red rice, lemon (Kazi Nemu), arecanut, and mustard, along with dairy farming and backyard poultry. Farmers were found to be partially following natural farming practices and utilizing locally available farm resources for crop production.
The scientific team emphasized:
 Importance of soil testing and obtaining Soil Health Cards
 Adoption of recommended fertilizer dosages for balanced nutrient management
 Strengthening natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices
 Use of quality planting materials for better productivity
 Application of essential micronutrients for improving soil fertility and crop health
 Establishment of kitchen gardens for household nutritional security and dietary diversification
Special emphasis was also given to scientific management of lemon orchards, where the team advised timely pruning and training operations along with proper micronutrient application to minimize fruit drop and improve yield and fruit quality.

On 05 May 2026, an expert team comprising Dr. Deepjyoti Baruah, Dr. Sunil Mandi, Dr. Ch. Jamkhokai Mate, Mr. Da U Ruhi Pde, and Dr. Abhijith K.P. conducted field-based awareness campaigns under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG)” initiative in Ghilamara and Batoumari villages.

At Ghilamara, the team focused on arecanut management practices with special emphasis on the balanced use of fertilizers for sustainable production, soil health, and improved crop quality. Farmers were also guided on scientific cultivation practices for vegetable crops, particularly pumpkin, including proper spacing and seasonal pest management.

At Batoumari, the scientists interacted with tea growers and provided technical guidance on scientific tea garden management for enhancing productivity and crop health. Demonstrations were also conducted on bottle gourd cultivation, highlighting trellis preparation and balanced nutrient management.

The campaign emphasized the importance of scientific and sustainable farming practices to improve productivity, maintain soil health, and enhance farmers’ income through diversified farming systems.

On 04 May 2026, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam conducted an awareness campaign on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers” and “Soil Health Management” at the MGMG village of Garpara (Mohari Camp), Dhemaji district, Assam.

The programme was led by Dr. Rahul Singh, Dr. Chethan C. R., Dr. P. K. Mishra, and Dr. Bornalee Handique. A total of 18 farmers (7 male and 11 female ST farmers) actively participated, with most engaged in rice cultivation.

The scientific team emphasized:
✔ Importance of soil testing-based nutrient management
✔ Balanced application of NPK and micronutrients
✔ Adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices
✔ Use of FYM, compost, green manures, and biofertilizers
✔ Vermicomposting and livestock-based nutrient recycling for sustainable farming

During the interaction, farmers expressed interest in developing the village as a Seed Village for quality seed production. The team also interacted with the Gaon Budha, Shri Deepak Chhetri, and highlighted the need for regular awareness programmes, field demonstrations, and farmer capacity-building initiatives to strengthen scientific and sustainable agriculture in the region.

On 04 May 2026, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam organized a Field Day on “Reducing Fertilizer Use and Dependence through the Adoption of Natural Farming-based Integrated Farming System” at Rabha Gaon, Dhemaji district, Assam.

The programme was conducted by the MGMG Team-2 led by Dr. Lohit K. Baishya, along with Dr. Dibyendu Deb, Dr. Alemwati Pongener, Mr. Arunjyoti Baruah, and Dr. Azhaguraja M. A total of 60 farmers (50 male and 10 female) actively participated in the programme.

The scientific team emphasized:
✔ Balanced and judicious use of fertilizers
✔ Adoption of natural farming and integrated farming systems
✔ Nutritional security through local fruits and vegetables
✔ Scientific fishery and backyard poultry practices for income enhancement
✔ Sustainable farming for long-term soil and environmental health

The programme also included scientist–farmer interactions, field visits to kitchen gardens, fish ponds, and piggery units, along with distribution of vegetable seed kits to participating farmers for year-round vegetable cultivation.

The farmers appreciated the initiative and expressed keen interest in adopting sustainable and integrated farming practices for improving livelihood and farm resilience.