ICAR‑IVRI Winter School on Digital Extension and Smart Farming 2026

Join the ICAR‑IVRI Winter School on Digital Extension and Smart Farming 2026 to explore cutting-edge digital tools and smart farming technologies.

The ICAR‑IVRI Winter School on Digital Extension and Smart Farming 2026 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, on 15 January 2026. This 21-day ICAR-sponsored program is designed to equip scientists, academicians, and professionals with advanced knowledge of digital extension tools, smart farming technologies, ICT applications, and data-driven decision-making, empowering them to tackle modern agricultural challenges.

Inaugural Session Highlights

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr Ajit Singh Yadav, Assistant Director General (Education Quality Assurance & Reforms), ICAR, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest, and Dr Triveni Dutt, Director and Vice-Chancellor of ICAR-IVRI, presided over the event. Dr Rupasi Tiwari, Joint Director (Extension Education) and Course Director, welcomed the participants and highlighted IVRI’s pioneering efforts in digital extension and smart livestock farming technologies.

Participants from diverse agricultural institutions across India expressed keen interest in hands-on exposure to digital tools and smart farming innovations. The session emphasized the growing importance of integrating ICT solutions in agricultural extension to support sustainable farming practices.

Visionary Insights from ICAR Leadership

Dr Triveni Dutt underlined ICAR-IVRI’s 136-year legacy in agriculture and livestock research, focusing on mobile applications and chatbots developed to assist farmers and entrepreneurs. He stressed the institute’s commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and quality education, reinforcing the pivotal role of modern technologies in agricultural extension.

Chief Guest Dr Ajit Singh Yadav shared his insights on ICAR’s policies for undergraduate and postgraduate education, highlighting the importance of proactive disease prevention strategies in animal husbandry. He emphasized how timely dissemination of information using digital extension methods could significantly reduce livestock-related losses and enhance farmer profitability. Dr Yadav also discussed ongoing reforms in agricultural education, integrating smart farming technologies and data analytics to strengthen farmer-centric advisory systems.

Hands-On Learning and Practical Applications

The Winter School curriculum focuses on practical exposure to:

• Digital tools for precision livestock farming
• Smart farming technologies for improved productivity
• ICT-enabled advisory and extension services
• Data-driven decision-making for agricultural sustainability
• Innovative extension methodologies for effective stakeholder engagement

Participants benefit from expert lectures, case studies, and interactive sessions, providing them with skills to implement modern agricultural practices using digital technologies. These insights are particularly useful for agricultural scientists and educators aiming to transform extension systems in India.

Empowering Agricultural Professionals

By participating in this ICAR-sponsored Winter School, professionals gain knowledge to:

• Deploy digital tools in farm management and advisory services
• Enhance operational efficiency using smart farming techniques
• Utilize ICT applications for real-time monitoring and decision support
• Foster innovation in agricultural extension to improve rural livelihoods

This program is a significant step toward modernizing agricultural education, offering participants an opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.

Expert Insights on Digital Agriculture

Experts highlight that digital extension platforms and smart farming solutions are critical for sustainable agricultural growth. By adopting ICT-enabled interventions, farmers can access timely information on crop management, livestock health, and market trends. Moreover, integrating data analytics and predictive modeling helps in anticipating challenges and optimizing resource utilization.

According to Dr Triveni Dutt, “Digital tools and smart farming technologies are no longer optional; they are essential for enhancing productivity and ensuring the welfare of farmers and livestock entrepreneurs.”

Benefits of ICAR-IVRI Winter School

The Winter School equips participants with:

• In-depth knowledge of ICT and smart farming applications
• Strategies for effective data-driven agricultural decision-making
• Exposure to innovative digital extension models
• Opportunities to network with leading professionals and researchers

Such programs play a critical role in promoting scientific temperament, innovation, and technological adoption in agriculture, supporting India’s vision of sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector.

Closing Remarks

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Bablu Kumar, Course Coordinator, emphasizing the program’s aim to enhance professional capabilities and promote knowledge sharing. A group photograph marked the successful start of the Winter School, reflecting the commitment of ICAR-IVRI and ICAR to future-ready agricultural education.

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10 FAQs

1. What is the ICAR‑IVRI Winter School on Digital Extension and Smart Farming 2026?
   A 21-day ICAR-sponsored program focusing on digital tools, ICT applications, and smart farming technologies for agricultural professionals.
2. Who can participate in the ICAR-IVRI Winter School 2026?
   Scientists, academicians, and professionals from agricultural institutions across India.
3. What are the key topics covered in the Winter School?
   Digital extension tools, smart farming technologies, data-driven decision-making, ICT applications, and innovative extension approaches.
4. How does the Winter School promote smart farming practices?
   By providing hands-on training with digital tools and ICT-enabled advisory systems for sustainable agriculture.
5. Who inaugurated the Winter School at ICAR-IVRI?
   Dr Ajit Singh Yadav, ADG (Education Quality Assurance & Reforms), ICAR, with Dr Triveni Dutt, Director of ICAR-IVRI, presiding.
6. What practical skills do participants gain?
   Skills in precision livestock farming, smart farming techniques, ICT-enabled extension, and data-driven decision-making.
7. How does the Winter School benefit farmers?
   It enhances farmer profitability through timely disease prevention, advisory services, and smart farming interventions.
8. What role does ICT play in this Winter School?
   ICT applications are used for real-time monitoring, data analytics, and efficient communication with stakeholders.
9. How does the Winter School align with ICAR’s educational reforms?
   It strengthens human resource development and integrates digital innovations in agricultural education.
10. Where can I learn more about related NCERT courses and materials?
    You can explore NCERT Courses, Current Affairs, and NCERT Notes.