January 20, 2026 : On the occasion of its 39th Foundation Day, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, inaugurated the newly redesigned Product Sale Centre on its campus. The event marked another step by the university towards strengthening market linkages for farmers and farmer collectives.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Dr Girish Chandel, Vice Chancellor of the university, who attended as the chief guest. The function was graced by distinguished guests including Shri Gyanendra Mani, Chief General Manager of NABARD, and Shri Suresh Chandravanshi, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Farmers Welfare Council, Government of Chhattisgarh.
Presiding over the programme, Dr S.S. Tuteja, Director of Extension Services, explained that the centre has been developed to provide a dedicated sales platform for products prepared by Farmer Producer Organisations and Self Help Groups that receive technical support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Along with these, products developed by the university itself will also be made available for sale through the centre.
Shri Suresh Chandravanshi emphasised that along with timely availability, product quality must remain a key focus. He also suggested that similar product sale centres should be established in other districts of the state to benefit a larger farming community.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel stated that the centre will operate on a commercial business model, offering grocery and non-grocery items along with university products to local consumers. He highlighted the importance of maintaining product quality and efficient supply chain management, which will be closely monitored by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Efforts are also being made to promote and publicise the products available at the centre.
Shri Gyanendra Mani of NABARD described the initiative as an important step towards providing market access to farmers. He noted that facilitating the sale of products developed by farmer groups would encourage collective farming in the future. He also stressed the need for adopting online sales platforms and proper packaging to enhance market reach.
Several senior university officials and faculty members were present at the event, including Dr V.K. Tripathi, Director of Research; Dr Sanjay Sharma, Dean of Student Welfare; Dr (Mrs) Aarti Guhe, Dean of the College of Agriculture; Dr Ajay Verma, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering; Dr A.K. Dave, Director of Education; and Dr Kapil Dev Deepak, Registrar. Representatives of various Farmer Producer Organisations also attended the programme.
On this occasion, the guests also released the special issue on oilseed crops related to Chhattisgarh farming and the university newsletter. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Gautam Roy, Senior Scientist and Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raipur.
Later in the day, a delegation of Brazilian citizens visited the university under a friendship exchange programme organised through the Rotary Club of Raipur. The visitors toured the university farm, the Rice Biodiversity Conservation Centre, the Agriculture Museum, and the R.H. Richharia Laboratory, where they were introduced to the agricultural systems and practices of Chhattisgarh.
