Special Reporter: The Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) has been actively promoting and refining Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for sustainable agricultural development in West Bengal. As part of these ongoing efforts, a team from BCKV, led by the Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok K. Patra, visited farm households in Housibad village, Chhatna Block, Bankura district, on Monday (22 October 2025) to observe the progress and impact of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming Systems (AICRP-IFS) being conducted by BCKV.

The delegation included Prof. Susanta Kumar De (Associate Dean, Bankura College of Agriculture), Sri Subhasis Batabyal (Chairman, West Bengal State Seed Corporation), Sri Swapan Kumar Chakraborty (Secretary, Gosaidihi Astha Co-operative Society), and Prof. Manabendra Ray (Chief Agronomist and Officer-in-Charge, AICRP-IFS, BCKV). The AICRP-IFS unit at BCKV, Mohanpur, has been conducting impactful on-farm research and technology demonstrations across Chhatna and Bankura-I blocks. The project primarily focuses on two thematic areas: Diversification and improvement of existing farming systems, and On-farm evaluation of sustainable management practices to enhance farm productivity, income, and climate resilience. During the visit, the dignitaries observed notable achievements of the IFS interventions implemented in the region. Progressive farmer Sri Gopal Mondal showcased his milk processing unit, established with technical and financial support from the project, demonstrating successful integration of livestock-based enterprises into farming systems. The team also witnessed crop diversification initiatives, including the introduction of blackgram (PU-31), arhar (Amaravati), groundnut (TAG-24), mosambi, and dragon fruit, along with improved fodder cultivation to strengthen livestock nutrition and enhance system sustainability.

An interactive session involving around 30 farmers followed the field visit, where participants shared their experiences and discussed the benefits of integrated farming practices. The event concluded with the distribution of mustard seeds for Frontline Demonstrations (FLD) and fodder oat seeds under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) program.
In his address, Dr. Patra lauded the efforts of the farmers and scientists for their dedication in implementing diversified, resource-efficient, and environmentally sound farming systems. He emphasized the importance of maintaining soil health and nutrient balance as key pillars of long-term agricultural sustainability. He also assured farmers of continued technological, institutional, and extension support from BCKV to strengthen farming resilience and rural livelihoods. Sri Subhasis Batabyal reaffirmed the State Seed Corporation’s commitment to ensuring the regular supply of high-quality seeds and planting materials to farmers for accelerating the adoption of improved crop varieties.

1. The visit concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Manabendra Ray, who acknowledged the cooperation of farmers and the valuable support extended by ICAR, BCKV, and local institutions in advancing the mission of integrated farming for enhanced livelihood security in the semi-arid regions of Bankura.