ICAR–NIBSM, PRADAN sign MoU to drive rural transformation in C’garh

 

 

 

In a significant step to connect agricultural research with rural practice, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR–NIBSM), Raipur, and the development organisation Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up Bio-Resource Centres (BRCs), promote bio-input technologies, and develop model villages across Chhattisgarh. The collaboration will extend across seven blocks in five districts, covering 25 Bio-Resource Centres and nearly 75 villages.

 

The agreement focuses on the establishment and scientific validation of Bio-Resource Centres, field-level experimentation with bio-inputs, promotion of plant protection technologies, and adoption of stress management practices by farmers. It also aims to strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), document grassroots experiences, build value chain frameworks, and provide students of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management with rural field exposure in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Dr P K Rai, along with the Institute’s Joint Directors. Representing Professional Assistance for Development Action were State Lead Mr. Manoj Kumar and Integrator Mr. Kunthal Mukherjee.

 

The proceedings were facilitated by Dr. Amarender Reddy, Joint Director (Policy), Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management. Expressing optimism, Dr. Rai said the collaboration would bridge the gap between “science and practice” and ensure that agricultural research delivers direct, meaningful impact for farmers in Chhattisgarh.