Imphal, April 28, 2025 — The Indian Council of
Agricultural Research – Agricultural Technology Application
Research Institute (ICAR-ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, has
announced the sanctioning of funds for the establishment of seed
and quality planting material hubs at all Krishi Vigyan Kendras
(KVKs) under its jurisdiction. This significant announcement was
made by Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI Zone VII,
during the inaugural session of a three-day workshop on the
“Action Plan for KVKs under ICAR-ATARI Zone VII for the year
2025–26,” held at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural
University (CAU), Iroisemba, Imphal.
The workshop was jointly organized by ICAR-ATARI
Zone VII and CAU, Imphal, and was attended by several
dignitaries including CAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra as Chief Guest and former Union Minister Thounaojam Chaoba
as Special Guest. Also present were CAU College of Agriculture Dean Prof. Indira Sarangthem, ICM Director Kh Rangalimai
Aimol, and CAU Extension Education Director Prof. Ph Ranjit Sharma.
Dr. A. K. Mohanty also informed that a Rural Ethnic Business Incubation Centre would be launched as a pilot
project at KVKs in Imphal East and Thoubal districts. These centres aim to support innovative agricultural enterprises and
value-added rural business initiatives, particularly in the tribal and ethnic communities of the region.
Highlighting the broader efforts of ICAR-ATARI and its partners, Dr. A. K. Mohanty emphasized ongoing training
programs targeting rural youth and KVK specialists. These efforts are designed to build capacity in modern agricultural
practices and improve the transfer of technologies from research institutions to the grassroots
In his remarks, Dr. Anupam Mishra discussed the growing impact of climate change on agriculture and underscored
the importance of integrating AI, IT tools, remote sensing, and GIS into farming practices. He called for accurate and sciencebased planning in the development and implementation of agricultural strategies.
As part of the event, a publication and a video film related to the new incubation initiative were also released.
This collaborative initiative reflects a strategic push towards innovation-driven rural development and the
strengthening of agricultural value chains in the North Eastern Region.
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