Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey on Wednesday underscored the need for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger local institutions and community-led development to build a prosperous rural economy in the state. She was addressing the Jharkhand Chapter of the India Rural Colloquy 2026, organised by Transform Rural India (TRI) at the Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said Jharkhand’s abundant natural resources, fertile landscapes and resilient communities provide a strong foundation for sustainable rural growth. She stressed that investments in climate-resilient farming, empowered Panchayats and farmer-centric initiatives would help create sustainable livelihoods while conserving the state’s natural heritage for future generations.
Calling agriculture the backbone of Jharkhand’s development, Tirkey advocated closer collaboration among the government, local communities, research institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen water security, improve farm productivity and build resilient rural economies. She said climate resilience, empowered Panchayats and community leadership would be key to ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across rural Jharkhand.
The Jharkhand Chapter of the India Rural Colloquy 2026 brought together policymakers, researchers, development practitioners and community leaders to deliberate on the vision of Ulgulan 2050, focusing on climate adaptation, water stewardship, rural entrepreneurship, place-based economies and collective action for rural transformation.
Explaining the theme, Shila Matang, Associate Director of Transform Rural India, said the term Ulgulan, inspired by tribal icon Birsa Munda, signifies a vision of transformative change centred on a knowledge-driven economy, sustainability and inclusivity.
The event concluded with recommendations aimed at strengthening collaboration among government, academia, civil society, the private sector and community institutions to accelerate rural transformation in Jharkhand.
Panel discussions featured Prerna Dixit, Additional Secretary, Department of Rural Development; water conservation expert Dinabandhu Karmakar; environmentalists and community leaders Chami Murmu and Jamuna Tudu; along with representatives from academic, research and grassroots organisations.
