The three-day 22nd Annual Workshop of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Plastic Engineering in Agriculture Structure and Environment Management (PEASEM) commenced on 26th October 2026 at the College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (CAEPHT), Ranipool, Sikkim, under Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal. The workshop, scheduled from 26th to 28th October 2026, brings together eminent scientists, agricultural engineers, researchers, experts and representatives from various ICAR institutes and agricultural universities across the country to review research achievements, discuss future project proposals and deliberate on emerging technological interventions for sustainable agricultural development in the field of plastic engineering in agriculture structure and environment management.

The inaugural programme was graced by Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Engineering), ICAR, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. P. S. Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU), Jobner, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. T. R. Sharma, Director of Research, CAU, Imphal, attended as the Special Guest. Dr. K. Narsaiah, Assistant Director General (Process Engineering), ICAR, New Delhi, and Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, were the Co-Chairpersons of the inaugural session.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the National Song and the ICAR Song. Prof. N. S. Chauhan, Dean, CAEPHT, Ranipool, welcomed the distinguished dignitaries, participating scientists, researchers and other delegates. The inaugural session also included felicitation of the invited dignitaries.

Dr. Rakesh Sharda, Project Coordinator, AICRP on PEASEM, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, presented the Coordinator's Report, outlining the progress, research achievements and ongoing activities under the coordinated research project. The programme also provided an opportunity for farmers to share their perspectives on the practical application of agricultural engineering technologies.

The inaugural session featured addresses by distinguished experts, including Dr. T. B. S. Rajput, Former Project Director, Water Technology Centre, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, and Dr. Pitam Chandra, Former Director, ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal. The dignitaries highlighted the importance of research, innovation and coordinated efforts in advancing the application of plastic engineering technologies in agriculture, with particular relevance to protected cultivation, efficient water management, agricultural structures and sustainable production systems.

The workshop provides a national platform for reviewing the performance of participating centres, exchanging research experiences, identifying technological gaps and formulating future research priorities. Special emphasis is being laid on strengthening location-specific technologies, improving resource-use efficiency and promoting engineering interventions that can enhance agricultural productivity, farm profitability and environmental sustainability.

During the three-day workshop, scientists from participating ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities will present their research achievements, discuss new project proposals and deliberate on future research programmes. Technical sessions, industry presentations, discussions on administrative and financial matters, and field and laboratory visits are also part of the programme.

The deliberations are expected to strengthen collaborative research efforts and facilitate the development and dissemination of innovative, affordable and farmer-friendly technologies suited to diverse agro-climatic regions of India, including the North Eastern Himalayan region.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Deepak Jhajharia, Principal Investigator, AICRP on PEASEM, CAEPHT, Ranipool, followed by the National Anthem. The workshop is being hosted by CAEPHT, Ranipool, under the aegis of ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana.

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