A meeting of the quinquennial review team (QRT) was held at Farm Varsity, Palampur, to discuss the “All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming System” and the “All India Network Programme on Organic Farming.” Dr. Arvind Kumar, former Deputy Director General (ICAR) and former Vice-Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, chaired the meeting.
Scientists from various universities and institutes participated, including Palampur University, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu; Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar; Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana; Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, and ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (ICAR-IASRI), New Delhi.
Prof. DK Vatsa, Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, presided over the inaugural function. He emphasized the need to develop integrated farming system models to ensure sustainable production and long-term environmental conservation. Prof. Vatsa highlighted the importance of these models in maintaining a balance between productivity and ecological health.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, the event chairman, stressed the importance of nutritional security for India’s large population through highly productive farming system components and the adoption of bio-fortification approaches. He called for innovative strategies to improve the nutritional quality of crops to address malnutrition.
Other notable attendees included Dr. VS Thakur, former Vice-Chancellor of Solan University; Dr. AK Singh, former Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Agriculture University; and Dr. Kusumakar Sharma, former Assistant Director General of HRD (ICAR). These dignitaries underscored the need for collaboration and innovation in agricultural research to develop sustainable farming practices that can withstand the challenges of climate change and ensure food security for future generations.
The meeting concluded with a strong call to action for developing and implementing integrated farming systems that promote sustainability, enhance productivity, and conserve the environment.