Union Agriculture Minister Inaugurates ‘Kshamata Bhawan’ at ICAR-NAARM

Hyderabad witnessed a significant milestone in agricultural research and capacity building as Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the newly constructed “Kshamata Bhawan” at ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) on Saturday.

The inauguration ceremony, held amid the Academy’s Golden Jubilee Year celebrations, marked a major step towards strengthening institutional infrastructure for advanced training and capacity development in the agricultural sector.

Strengthening Capacity for Future Agriculture

The newly established “Kshamata Bhawan” is designed to expand NAARM’s capabilities in organizing a greater number of capacity-building programmes for stakeholders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and students, particularly those pursuing agribusiness management. The state-of-the-art facility aims to serve as a hub for innovation, leadership development, and skill enhancement in agricultural research management.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for research institutions to align their goals with national priorities. He called upon ICAR institutes to prepare comprehensive roadmaps to achieve self-sufficiency in critical sectors such as oilseeds and millets, while ensuring enhanced profitability for farmers.

“India must not only be self-reliant in food production but must also empower farmers with better income opportunities,” the Minister stated, urging scientists and administrators to focus on practical, outcome-driven research.

Review of ICAR Institutes in Hyderabad

During his visit, the Minister reviewed the progress and future plans of various ICAR institutes located in Hyderabad. He appreciated the collective efforts of scientists and administrators in advancing agricultural research and innovation.

Earlier, Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, interacted with scientists and encouraged them to adopt “out-of-the-box” thinking to effectively utilize ideas and resources for impactful agricultural research.

Also present on the occasion was Joy Krishna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries and Agricultural Education), who underscored the importance of integrating fisheries and agricultural education into holistic development models.

The programme was organized under the leadership of Gopal Lal, Director, ICAR-NAARM, who briefed the Minister on the Academy’s extensive capacity-building initiatives and its expanding role in agricultural research management.

Golden Jubilee Year Celebration

As NAARM celebrates 50 years of service, the inauguration of Kshamata Bhawan symbolizes a renewed commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural research ecosystem. The facility is expected to host national and international training programmes, policy dialogues, and leadership workshops that will shape the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The event concluded with an interactive session between the Minister and scientific staff, reaffirming the government’s resolve to promote innovation-led growth in Indian agriculture.