Dhemaji (Assam): More than 1,500 farmers, farm women, rural youth, entrepreneurs and stakeholders from across the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region participated in Kisan Mela 2026, organised by ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam, at its campus in Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, on Saturday.
The mega event was held under the theme “Natural Farming for Sustainable Farming.”
The programme began with registration and inauguration, followed by a visit to 32 exhibition stalls set up by institutions and organisations from Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and other states.
The stalls showcased natural farming technologies, organic inputs, millet-based innovations, farm mechanisation tools, value-added products and drudgery-reduction technologies, drawing strong interest from visiting farmers and stakeholders.
The inaugural session featured ceremonial rituals and the release of institute publications. Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Patron, in his welcome address, underlined the importance of natural farming in ensuring ecological sustainability and enhancing farmers’ incomes, while reaffirming the institute’s commitment to strengthening agriculture in the North-East.
An overview of the event was presented by Dr. L.K. Baishya, Head (NRM) and Chairman of the Kisan Mela, and Dr. A.K. Balange, CIC & Head (APF) and Convener, highlighted the institute’s key initiatives and achievements.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Narendra Shivaji Patel, Minister of State for Public Health and Medical Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh; Krishnakantha Borah of Bharatiya Kisan Sangha; Rahul Javir, District Commissioner of Dhemaji; and Jadav Pegu, ACS, Principal Secretary, Mising Autonomous Council.
The guests commended the farmer-centric initiatives of IARI Assam and stressed the importance of scientific farming, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), value addition and community participation in agricultural development.
The Chief Guest, Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Education and Welfare of Plain Tribe and Backward Classes, Government of Assam, praised ICAR–IARI Assam for promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
ALSO READ: Assam down town University honoured at ET TechEDU Awards 2026
He highlighted opportunities created by the institute for local youth through diploma programmes and agri-startups, and encouraged farmers to actively participate in agricultural fairs and community plantation initiatives.
The programme also included felicitation of innovative farmers and symbolic distribution of agricultural inputs.
A post-lunch Farmers–Scientist Interaction Session facilitated direct dialogue on crop production, natural farming practices, millet mechanisation and sustainable technologies.
The event concluded with valedictory remarks and a cultural programme.
Kisan Mela 2026 was described by organisers as a major platform for technology dissemination, strengthening farmer–scientist linkages and promoting sustainable agricultural development across the NEH region, reinforcing Gogamukh’s growing role as a hub for agricultural innovation in Assam.
