Kisan Diwas (National Farmers’ Day) was observed at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR–IIHR), Bengaluru, on 23 December 2025 at the Dr. G. S. Randhawa Auditorium to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh and to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of farmers to the nation’s agricultural development. The programme was organised with the objective of strengthening farmer–scientist interaction, creating awareness about government initiatives, and disseminating ICAR–IIHR technologies for sustainable and profitable farming.

The programme commenced at 11.00 AM with an online address to farmers by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who highlighted the pivotal role of farmers in ensuring food and nutritional security and emphasized the adoption of modern, climate-resilient agricultural technologies. This was followed by a welcome address and an explanation of the significance of National Farmers’ Day by Dr. Ramya H. R., who underlined the relevance of celebrating Kisan Diwas as a means of recognizing farmers and empowering them through knowledge and innovation.

An introduction to Swachhata Pakhwada and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was presented by Dr. B. Balakrishna, Officer-in-Charge of the SBA Campaign, emphasizing cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental responsibility within agricultural institutions and farming communities. Subsequently, Dr. T. H. Singh and Dr. R. Senthilkumar, Nodal Officers, briefed the participants on the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) programmes of the institute and explained their role in enhancing livelihoods, improving access to technologies, and supporting inclusive agricultural development.

Progressive farmers were felicitated during the programme in recognition of their achievements and contributions to agriculture. The felicitation ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. K. Narayana Gowda, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, and Prof. Tushar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru. This was followed by an interactive session between farmers and scientists, during which Heads of Divisions and scientists of ICAR–IIHR addressed farmers’ queries related to crop production, pest and disease management, improved varieties, and other horticultural technologies.

In his address, Dr. K. Narayana Gowda emphasized the importance of research-led agricultural development, farmer-centric extension approaches, and strong linkages between research institutions and farming communities. The Presidential Remarks were delivered by Prof. Tushar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR–IIHR, who highlighted the institute’s mandate and its ongoing efforts in developing farmer-friendly horticultural technologies and promoting sustainable production systems. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Atheequlla G. A.

Following the formal session, farmers visited the Mushroom Laboratory and Seed Processing Unit of ICAR–IIHR, where they were exposed to practical aspects of mushroom cultivation and quality seed processing. Post-lunch, a farmers’ training programme and field visit were conducted from 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM on various technologies developed by ICAR–IIHR. Scientists including Dr. B. L. Manjunath, Dr. S. Shankara Hebbar, Dr. Chandrashekara C., Dr. Ramya H. R., and Dr. Atheequlla G. A., along with the TSP and SCSP Nodal Officers, explained improved horticultural practices and demonstrated their field-level applications.

The observance of Kisan Diwas concluded successfully, fostering meaningful knowledge exchange and reinforcing the commitment of ICAR–IIHR towards farmer welfare and sustainable agricultural development.