The 46th edition of the Sri Ramakrishna Farmers’ Fair was held on January 30, 2025, at Getalsud, Angara, Ranchi. Organized by Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agricultural Science Center) in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Morabadi, Ranchi, and Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Ranchi, the two-day fair focused on the theme “Income Generation through Natural Resource Management.”
Partnerships and Collaborations:
The fair was organized with the financial support of several esteemed organizations, including:
- ICAR ATARI, Patna
- Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Ranchi
- ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), Ranchi
- Department of Welfare, Government of Jharkhand
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
Inauguration and Key Highlights:
The event commenced with the traditional worship of Swami Vivekananda and Vedic chanting. The fair was inaugurated by Mrs. Nisha Oraon, Director of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand, and Swami Satsangananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission TB Sanatorium, Tupudana, Ranchi.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist at Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of natural resource management for income generation. He also elaborated on various agricultural programs conducted by the center, including the Arya project, natural farming, and the preservation of traditional crops.
Inspiring Addresses:
- Smt. Nisha Oraon emphasized the importance of preserving natural resources and integrating modern agricultural techniques with traditional farming practices. She also highlighted the documentation efforts underway to preserve tribal culture and heritage.
- Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, referred to farmers as “divine messengers” and stressed the pride associated with farming. He advocated for healthy soil, crops, society, and the environment, encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming methods.
- Swami Satsangananda, who presided over the event, urged farmers to maintain soil fertility through natural farming and the use of improved crop varieties. He encouraged them to actively engage in farming and tree planting.
Exhibition and Activities:
The fair featured 45 stalls related to agriculture and a crop exhibition with 392 registered crops. Mr. Parmeshwar Mahto, a progressive farmer of Angara block, was awarded the “Best Farmer” award. A farmer’s workshop was also organized, with the participation of 250 farmers.
Community Participation:
The fair witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, with over 2500 farmers attending, including representatives like Mrs. Deepa Oraon, Mrs. Nirmala Bhagat, Mrs. Anuradha Mandal, Mr. Rajendra Shahi Munda, and Mr. Bhuvneshwar Bedia. Children from coaching centers in Angara presented a colorful cultural program.
Conclusion:
The 46th Sri Ramakrishna Farmers’ Fair was a resounding success in promoting sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. The event fostered knowledge sharing, encouraged the adoption of innovative practices, and celebrated the invaluable contribution of farmers to society.
