Directorate of Extension (Agriculture)

Bamboo plantation in Assam is critical for economic growth, environmental sustainability; and rural livelihood support. As a fast-growing renewable resource, bamboo serves as an exceptional tool for climate mitigation due to its rapid carbon sequestration capabilities and its extensive root systems that control soil erosion along the flood-prone Brahmaputra riverbanks. Economically, the state's thriving paper, handicraft, and emerging bio-ethanol industries rely heavily on a steady supply of this” green goId.”Bamboo is rapidly emerging as a premier green building material due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which rivals mild steel, and its remarkable carbon-capturing growth rate. As global timber and concrete shortages persist, bamboo provides a highly renewable, low-cost structural alternative for residential and commercial construction.Expanding organized bamboo plantations empowers indigenous communities and rural farmers by generating sustainable income, promoting green entrepreneurship, and replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. By scaling up bamboo cultivation, Assam can protect its rich biodiversity while building a resilient, bio-based economy.During the last few years, Assam Agricultural University, with financial assistance from Assam State Bamboo Mission has developed nine bamboo nurseries producing QPM in addition to block/boundary plantation in 100 ha of land in the districts of Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Morigaon, Chirang and Udalguri. Building on this success, the proposed bamboo plantation program aims to transition bamboo cultivation from traditional forest foraging to structured, high-yield agroforestry.

The Government of India has sanctioned a new mission namely "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses" as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Lentil. One of the interventions for increasing the pulse production in Assam under the Mission is Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs). CFLDs are a unique approach to provide a direct interface between researchers and farmers as the scientists are directly involved in planning, execution and monitoring of the demonstrations for the technologies developed by them and get direct feedback from the farmers. The objectives of CFLD are mentioned as follows:• To demonstrate improved crop production technologies of pulses on the farmers’ fields• To popularize the newly notified and improved varieties/technologies for varietal diversification and efficient management of resources• To bring synergy among planners, researchers, farmers and industry for parable interface through seminars/symposium on emerging themes of importance in the field of pulses production for deciding strategies for development of pulsesCrops identified: The following crops has been identified for implementing the CFLD programme. However, summer pulse programme may also be conducted under this proposal.Kharif Pulses : Blackgram, greengram and arharRabi pulses : Lentil, Pea and Gram

• Seed treatment: with fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both, to seeds so as to disinfect and disinfect them from seed-borne or soil-borne pathogenic organisms and storage insects. • Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): INM includes application of N, P, K along with micronutrients like Sulphur, Zinc and bio-fertilizers like Phosphorous and Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria, N-fixing bacteria etc. In CFLD Pulses, this approach is followed with application of soil test based fertilizers, soil and foliar application of micro nutrients like Boron and Zinc and incorporation of different bio-fertiliser in soil.• Nutrient management of utera crop after harvest of rice: NPK @ 5:13:15 kg/haIntegrated Pest and disease Management: A. Diseases:a) Leaf spot (Cercospora spp.): Spray copper oxychloride @ 3 g/litre of water at an interval of 7-10 days. Alternatively, Tebuconazole 25 EC @ 1 ml/ litre of water.b) Web Blight (Rhizoctonia solani): Spray tebuconazole 25 EC @ 1 ml/liters of water three times starting from the appearance of the disease at 10 - 15 days interval.B. Insect Pests:a. Against all the insects such as aphids, jassids, flea beetle, pod borers, pod bug sand leaf folder, spray chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3 ml per litre of water.b) The spread of yellow mosaic virus (YVM) can be checked by controlling white fly(Bemisia tobacci) by applying thaimethoxam 25 WG @ 0.3g/lc. Nematode:For control of nematode Meloidogyne incognita, seed soaking with carbosulfan 25EC @ 0.01% for 6 hrs should be done.d. Protection against Storage Pests:Properly dried black gram seeds should be mixed thoroughly with black pepper seed powder @ 3 g/kg of seed, against bruchid infestation during storage. Treated seeds should be kept in poly bags with outer covering of gunny bags.(For proper management practices, the PoP, 2023 of respective crops should be followed)

The programme, funded by Assam State Bamboo Mission aims at planting of bamboo in Block and/or boundary of farmers’ fields with a view to promote agro-forestry, support cottage industries apart from bamboo’s potential to combat climate change. Block/Boundary plantation of bamboo was conducted in eight districts in two phases (28.5 ha in Phase I and 71.5 ha in Phase II). The districts involved were Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Udalguri, Morigaon and Cachar. Focus was given to those areas which are vulnerable to flood and erosion. Awareness camps and training programmes were also organized to emphasize the importance of bamboo in erosion control and its potential to combat climate change through carbon sequestration.

A five day training programme, sponsored by Extension Education Institute, AAU on the above subject was organized involving 30 entrepreneurs involved in the production of Bio-Inputs from across NE India w.e.f. 18th to 22nd January, 2024. The training focused on production, use and marketing of bio-inputs in the farms and include production of vermicompost, enriched compost, biopesticides. The training also focused on creating a network of entrepreneurs of the region.

A training for Master Trainers was held on 08th March, 2024 with an initiative of Setting up of Mushroom Cultivation and Packaging unit was organized in collaboration with Krishtir Kothia, NGO. The progrtamme was sponsored by ONGC under its CSR Programme.

Since decades, Radio has proved to be an effective tool in dissemination of agricultural technology to the farming community. To mark this, a Radio Kisan Diwas was organized on 15th January 2024 involving Farmers, Rural Youth and Entrepreneurs. The programme was organized buy All India Radio, Jorhat in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension Education, AAU, Jorhat and the tota number of participants was 40.

A 21 days training programme from 4th to 26th April, 2024 on Mental Health Counselling in the online mode was participated by 21 Extension personnel under this Directorate. The programme was organized by Centre of Social Change, Noida.

As per MoU with BKWAC, a two day hands on training programme was organized successfully from 04-05^th July, 2024 to selected master trainers of Burhabhokot, Jaljali, Ghorapar, Halikuchi, Sisupani and Uriamghat. These master trainers will train fellow farmers and rural youth and start mushroom production in those areas.

A Refresher Training programme to Scientists was held under the sponsorship from the project funded by ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi, wherein 19 SMS, Programme Assistants and Farm Managers actively took part. Focus on establishment of fodder cafeteria in KVK, poularization of fodder species through distribution and cultivation of fodder planting material was emphasized during the programme. Accordingly fodder cafeteria were established in the project implementation districts. Another training was also organized for the farmers and entrepreneurs on 26.09.2024 on the same subject. These farmers will act as master trainers for training of fellow farmers, rural youth and farm women in this initiative of fodder popularization.

A quarterly monitoring visit of the KVK scientists was done by DoEE scientists to KVKs. Two groups were assigned different KVKs to visit. Dr. Rupjyoti Borah and Dr. Bhrigu Neog visited Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Barpeta, Chirang, Kokrajhar, Dhubri and Bongaigaon KVKs in the month of September. The scientists visited the demonstration sites, office farms, project sites, interacted with farmers & scientists and extended suggestions for improvement, wherever required.

• Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan 2025

  The VKSA programme was successfully conducted by the KVKs of Assam at each district level in coordination with state departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fishery and Veterinary from 29th May to 12th June, 2025 with the following specific objectives. •To create awareness among farmers about improved agricultural technologies. •To make aware farmers about various government schemes and policies on agricultural development. •To mobilize the scientific fraternity to have reciprocal learning with farmers and to document grassroots insights for strengthening agricultural research. •To understand local-level needs and gather farmer feedback on improved technologies.

  Sl.No	Particulars	Assam
  1	No. of Teams Visited the Villages	606
  2	No. of programs Covered	1338
  3	Average no. of participants per program	338
  4	No. of Villages Covered	8794
  5	No. of Participants	452700

  Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhyan (VKSA) has been targeted to reach and covered maximum number of farmers in the country so as to create awareness among farmers about improved agricultural technologies,government schemes and policies on agricultural development, and to understand local-level needs of the farming fraternity.
• • Within 2 years of notification, Submergence tolerant rice varieties Ranjit Sub-1 and Bahadur Sub 1 have spread in an estimated area of about 2 lakh ha with a productivity of about 40 q/ha
• • Spread of new Medium duration varieties like Shraboni, Numoli and mustard and toria varieties like TS 36, TS 38, TS 46, TS 67, NRCHB 101 contributed to spectacular increase in double cropped area.
• • New Poultry breeds like Kalinga Brown, Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster, Kamrupa, BV-300 & 380, Duck breeds like Khaki Campbell an White Pekin, Sara Chemballi, Turkey, Cross Bred Beetal Goat and Pig Breeds like HDK-75, Hampshire and Yorkshire etc. have spread very extensively throughout the state
• • Significant increase in the production of bioinputs in agriculture, particularly vermicompost
• • Production and dissemination of quality seed of crops and livestock and planting materials : enhanced farmers’ access to improved varieties and quality seeds
• • New Fruit crops like Dragon Fruit, Strawberry and Apple ber have been introduced and popularized throughout the state
• • Altogether 18 FPO/FPC are being mentored by the KVKs as local CBBO (part of AAU as CBBO). Besides, AAU has entered into MoU with 34 different FPOs/FPCs being promoted by APART for providing technical support by the KVKs. Besides 25 nos. of new FPOs have been established with financial support of NABARD. In addition, the KVKs also helped several other FPCs/FPOs for their registration and management.
• Programme in connection with Bhasa Gaurav Week organized

  Celebrated Bhasa Gaurav Week in our Directorate on 6th November, 24, wherein number of scientists and employees took part and presented poetry, short stories, shared experiences while working with various communities and performed cultural programmes highlighting our Assamese language. The programme started with Bia naam recital of Aroti Nath and Manjula Baruah, followed by delivery of a para of a novel of Anuradha Sarma Pujari and recited poetry of Smritirekha Bhuyan by Dr. Rupjyoti Borah, a poetry recital by Jiten Das, short story by Dr. M.K. Chouhan and first-hand portrayal of Mising Culture by Dr. Arifa M. Begum. Dr. M. Neog, Director of Extension Education also recited a poetry composition of Dr. K.N. Das.

• NABARD sponsored collaborative training on Apiculture held

  A collaborative training of 3 days duration on Apiculture was organized from 18th to 20th September, 2024 at DoEE and Department of Entomology. The training was jointly organized by Rupjyoti Sangha and DoEE, coordinated by Senior Scientist Dr. Rupjyoti Borah. Dr. Mukul Deka, Professor and Dr. PG. Das, Junior Scientist, AICRP on Honey Bee and Pollinators acted as resource persons. The participants were also led to C.K. Udyog, wherein Mr. Leelacharan Dutta, Entrepreneur and Proprietor, C.K. Udyog elaborated on various value-added product manufacture and marketing aspects. 25 participants including 12 women participated in the programme. These participants will act as master trainers in the Upcoming Honey Bee Village in Kokila, Dakshinpara.

• Training on Urban Agriculture imparted to Civil Society

  In its continued commitment to extend agricultural Technology to the society, the Directorate of Extension Education organized a one day training programme on Urban Agriculture in collaboration with Progoti Sangha, Choladhara, Jorhat. Dr. Bikash Hazarika, Dr. Kankana Deka and Dr. Rupjyoti Borah acted as resource persons in the training. The aspects covered were nursery raising of rabi vegetables, Kitchen gardening, Care and management of potted plants, hydroponics and compost preparation from household waste etc. Thirty participants including 26 women participated in the training programme held in the Horticultural Orchard, AAU.

• Workshop on Vermicomposting at Borholla College

  Dr. Rupjyoti Borah, Assoc. Prof., Directorate of Extension Education attended a day long workshop on Vermicomposting organized by ASTEC in collaboration with Eco-Club, Borholla College at Borholla College on 14.06.2024. The day-long programme was attended by 150 students from nine High and Higher Secondary schools of Borholla and nearby areas. During the programme, Dr. Borah emphasized the importance of Mission Life and how we can integrate ourselves to be a part of it. He elaborately discussed about ways of efficient recycling of agricultural wastes and converting it to vermicompost. The students actively participated in the demonstration programme that followed.

Training Programmes

Workshops/Seminars

Exhibitions

The Government of India has sanctioned a new mission namely "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses" as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Lentil. One of the interventions for increasing the pulse production in Assam under the Mission is Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs). CFLDs are a unique approach to provide a direct interface between researchers and farmers as the scientists are directly involved in planning, execution and monitoring of the demonstrations for the technologies developed by them and get direct feedback from the farmers. The objectives of CFLD are mentioned as follows:• To demonstrate improved crop production technologies of pulses on the farmers’ fields• To popularize the newly notified and improved varieties/technologies for varietal diversification and efficient management of resources• To bring synergy among planners, researchers, farmers and industry for parable interface through seminars/symposium on emerging themes of importance in the field of pulses production for deciding strategies for development of pulsesCrops identified: The following crops has been identified for implementing the CFLD programme. However, summer pulse programme may also be conducted under this proposal.Kharif Pulses : Blackgram, greengram and arharRabi pulses : Lentil, Pea and Gram

• Seed treatment: with fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both, to seeds so as to disinfect and disinfect them from seed-borne or soil-borne pathogenic organisms and storage insects. • Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): INM includes application of N, P, K along with micronutrients like Sulphur, Zinc and bio-fertilizers like Phosphorous and Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria, N-fixing bacteria etc. In CFLD Pulses, this approach is followed with application of soil test based fertilizers, soil and foliar application of micro nutrients like Boron and Zinc and incorporation of different bio-fertiliser in soil.• Nutrient management of utera crop after harvest of rice: NPK @ 5:13:15 kg/haIntegrated Pest and disease Management: A. Diseases:a) Leaf spot (Cercospora spp.): Spray copper oxychloride @ 3 g/litre of water at an interval of 7-10 days. Alternatively, Tebuconazole 25 EC @ 1 ml/ litre of water.b) Web Blight (Rhizoctonia solani): Spray tebuconazole 25 EC @ 1 ml/liters of water three times starting from the appearance of the disease at 10 - 15 days interval.B. Insect Pests:a. Against all the insects such as aphids, jassids, flea beetle, pod borers, pod bug sand leaf folder, spray chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3 ml per litre of water.b) The spread of yellow mosaic virus (YVM) can be checked by controlling white fly(Bemisia tobacci) by applying thaimethoxam 25 WG @ 0.3g/lc. Nematode:For control of nematode Meloidogyne incognita, seed soaking with carbosulfan 25EC @ 0.01% for 6 hrs should be done.d. Protection against Storage Pests:Properly dried black gram seeds should be mixed thoroughly with black pepper seed powder @ 3 g/kg of seed, against bruchid infestation during storage. Treated seeds should be kept in poly bags with outer covering of gunny bags.(For proper management practices, the PoP, 2023 of respective crops should be followed)

Bamboo plantation in Assam is critical for economic growth, environmental sustainability; and rural livelihood support. As a fast-growing renewable resource, bamboo serves as an exceptional tool for climate mitigation due to its rapid carbon sequestration capabilities and its extensive root systems that control soil erosion along the flood-prone Brahmaputra riverbanks. Economically, the state's thriving paper, handicraft, and emerging bio-ethanol industries rely heavily on a steady supply of this” green goId.”Bamboo is rapidly emerging as a premier green building material due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which rivals mild steel, and its remarkable carbon-capturing growth rate. As global timber and concrete shortages persist, bamboo provides a highly renewable, low-cost structural alternative for residential and commercial construction.Expanding organized bamboo plantations empowers indigenous communities and rural farmers by generating sustainable income, promoting green entrepreneurship, and replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. By scaling up bamboo cultivation, Assam can protect its rich biodiversity while building a resilient, bio-based economy.During the last few years, Assam Agricultural University, with financial assistance from Assam State Bamboo Mission has developed nine bamboo nurseries producing QPM in addition to block/boundary plantation in 100 ha of land in the districts of Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Morigaon, Chirang and Udalguri. Building on this success, the proposed bamboo plantation program aims to transition bamboo cultivation from traditional forest foraging to structured, high-yield agroforestry.

Promotion of Pulses in NEH Region

Funding Agency: Indian Institute of Pulse Research, Kanpur (IIPR-NEH Component)

Introduction

With funding from IIPR, Kanpur under IIPR-NEH Component, a total of 155 ha of area has been targeted to be covered under demonstration under the programme “Promotion of Pulses in NEH Region”. The crops included are Blackgram and Greengram.

District-wise Breakup of Area

In total 13 (thirteen) districts have been included in the Kharif season, the details of which is shown below. The demonstration is being conducted through the Krishi Vigyan Kendras operating in these districts.

Progress so far:

In Assam, sowing of kharif blackgram and greengram is mostly done in the months of August-September. Selection of beneficiaries and distribution of seeds have been done in the first part of the month. Presently, training programmes are going on, the report of which is shown in the following table.