During his visit to ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre, the Minister stresses natural farming, technology dissemination, collaborative research and capacity building to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and allied sectors.

Kolkata, November 10, 2026: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, has called for stronger coordination between the Central and State Governments to accelerate agricultural development, promote sustainable farming practices and improve farmers’ welfare.

The Minister made these remarks during his visit to the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Kolkata Centre, on November 10, where he emphasised collaborative research, technology dissemination and institutional coordination as key drivers of agricultural and allied-sector growth.

Addressing the gathering, Thakur highlighted the need for coordinated efforts involving government departments, agricultural research institutions and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of development programmes. He also encouraged scientists and research institutions to develop farmer-friendly, economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies.

Key Highlights

• Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur visits ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre.
• Calls for stronger Centre-State coordination in agricultural development.
• Emphasises natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Highlights collaborative research, technology dissemination and capacity building.
• Encourages development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies.
• Review meeting held with West Bengal Agriculture Department and multiple ICAR institutions.

Natural Farming and Sustainable Practices in Focus

A major focus of the Minister’s address was the promotion of natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices. He highlighted their role in maintaining soil health, conserving natural resources, reducing dependence on chemical inputs and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

He also urged agricultural scientists and institutions to prioritise research and technology development that can be effectively adopted by farmers while remaining economically viable.

ICAR Institutions and West Bengal Government Review Agricultural Initiatives

The programme was attended by Shri Dudh Kumar Mondal, Minister of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, as the Guest of Honour.

Dr. T. K. Ghoshal, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing agriculture and allied-sector development.

The programme also included the release of publications and the felicitation of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

A review meeting was subsequently organised with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, and ICAR institutions, including:

• ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE)
• ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET)
• ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ICAR-ATARI)
• ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR-NBSS&LUP)

The meeting reviewed institutional activities and explored opportunities to strengthen coordination between research organisations and the State Government.

Impact on Hospitality, Food and Tourism

1. Strengthening the Fisheries and Seafood Value Chain

The involvement of ICAR-CIFE brings attention to the role of fisheries research and technology in strengthening India’s aquatic food sector. Improved research, technology adoption and coordination can support fisheries productivity and the availability of quality seafood for hotels, restaurants and food service businesses.

2. Opportunities for Hotels and Restaurants to Source Sustainable Food

The emphasis on natural farming and environmentally responsible production aligns with the growing relevance of sustainable sourcing in hospitality. Hotels, restaurants and institutional kitchens can benefit from stronger agricultural practices that support responsible procurement and farm-to-table food initiatives.

3. Supporting Regional Food Tourism

West Bengal’s agricultural and fisheries sectors contribute to its distinctive culinary identity. Stronger agricultural and fisheries development can support regional food supply chains and create opportunities for culinary tourism built around local produce and seafood.

4. Technology and Research for Food Security

Greater collaboration between agricultural research institutions and government departments can improve the dissemination of farming and fisheries technologies. Over time, this can contribute to more resilient food supply chains, benefiting food processors, distributors and hospitality businesses.

Industry Takeaway

The visit to ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre highlights the importance of connecting agricultural research, fisheries development and government policy with practical implementation.

For India’s hospitality and food service industry, stronger agricultural and fisheries ecosystems can have implications for seafood availability, sustainable sourcing, regional culinary development and food supply-chain resilience.

While the visit does not announce a direct hospitality-sector initiative, its focus on sustainable production, technology dissemination and institutional collaboration is relevant to the long-term development of India’s food and allied industries.