Agartala, 13th September 2026 : Dr. Utpal Dey, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sepahijala, CAU (I), Tripura, has been conferred with the prestigious Best Extension Award (Faculty) in recognition of his outstanding professional excellence and exemplary contributions to the dissemination of location-specific, science-based and cutting-edge natural farming technologies among farming communities.
The award acknowledges Dr. Dey’s sustained efforts in promoting climate-resilient and ecologically sustainable agricultural practices, fostering farmer-led innovations, strengthening technology transfer, and delivering impactful extension interventions for enhancing farm productivity, soil health and livelihood security in Sepahijala district of Tripura.
The award was presented during the National Conference on “Natural Farming: Pathways to Self-Reliant Farming and Rural Prosperity,” held from 9–11th September, 2026 at College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS), Umiam, Meghalaya. The conference was organized by Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi; DST- North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Shillong; Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University (RLBCAU), Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, Bihar; and Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, Halol, Gujarat.
The award ceremony was graced by several distinguished agricultural scientists and dignitaries, including Dr. RajbirSingh, Hon’ble Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi; Shri Dinesh Kulkarni, All India Organizing Secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh; Dr. AnupamMishra, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal; Dr. PuranjanDas, Former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. P. S. Pandey, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar; Dr. Amulya Kumar Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam; and Dr. Alpana Das, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati, along with other eminent experts and delegates.
In another significant achievement, Dr. Dey also received the Best Research Paper Award (Oral Presentation) for his research paper entitled “Jeevamrit-Mediated Modulation of Soil Fertility, Bacterial Microbiome Diversity, Disease Suppression and Productivity of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in the North Eastern Himalayan Region of India.” The paper was presented under Theme 5: “Natural Farming for Food, Nutritional and Environmental Security.”
The study highlights the potential of Jeevamrit as a biologically enriched natural farming input for influencing soil fertility, beneficial bacterial community structure, disease-suppressive potential and crop productivity in sesame-based production systems. The findings assume particular significance for the North Eastern Himalayan Region, where sustainable, low-input and ecologically compatible agricultural technologies are essential for improving soil health, strengthening farm resilience and promoting environmentally responsible food production.
Dr. Dey’s dual recognition in extension excellence and scientific research underscores his integrated approach to agricultural technology development and dissemination, particularly in translating scientific knowledge into practical, farmer-centric solutions. His contributions are expected to further strengthen the adoption of sustainable natural farming practices and support the goal of self-reliant, resilient and prosperous farming communities.
