ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: NIE
Context: The 97th Foundation Day of ICAR was celebrated in New Delhi, where Union Agriculture Minister addressed scientists and farmers.
About ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research:
• What is ICAR? The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous apex body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, responsible for coordinating agricultural education, research, and extension across India.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous apex body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, responsible for coordinating agricultural education, research, and extension across India.
• Founded: 16 July 1929 (as Imperial Council of Agricultural Research).
• Reconstituted under: Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
• Parent Body: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE).
• President (Ex-Officio): Union Minister of Agriculture.
• Key Functions:
• Promote Education & Research: Plan, fund, and coordinate R&D in agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, agroforestry, home science, and allied fields. Technology Transfer & Extension: Act as a central knowledge hub for farmers through publications, exhibitions, and technology outreach programs. Capacity Building: Support skill development and higher agricultural education through competitive examinations and recruitment (ASRB). Consultancy & Collaboration: Partner with national institutions like CSIR, BARC, and international bodies for integrated rural development and post-harvest solutions. Policy Advice: Guide government on sustainable practices, innovation, and food security.
• Promote Education & Research: Plan, fund, and coordinate R&D in agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, agroforestry, home science, and allied fields.
• Technology Transfer & Extension: Act as a central knowledge hub for farmers through publications, exhibitions, and technology outreach programs.
• Capacity Building: Support skill development and higher agricultural education through competitive examinations and recruitment (ASRB).
• Consultancy & Collaboration: Partner with national institutions like CSIR, BARC, and international bodies for integrated rural development and post-harvest solutions.
• Policy Advice: Guide government on sustainable practices, innovation, and food security.
• Major Initiatives Announced at ICAR’s 97th Foundation Day:
• Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Largest farmer-scientist dialogue, 500 research areas identified for region- and crop-specific needs. Field-Guided Research Agenda: Farmer-driven research priorities and teams to adopt “One Team, One Goal” model. Natural Farming Push: Focus on chemical-free, sustainable agriculture for long-term environmental health. Fertilizer Testing Kits: Portable kits to help farmers verify soil and input quality, curb adulteration. Toll-Free Grievance Helpline: To report fraud in seeds and fertilizers, crackdown on 30,000+ unregulated bio-stimulants. Ethical MoUs and Pricing Oversight: Mandatory price fairness in ICAR-industry collaborations to protect farmer interests.
• Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Largest farmer-scientist dialogue, 500 research areas identified for region- and crop-specific needs.
• Field-Guided Research Agenda: Farmer-driven research priorities and teams to adopt “One Team, One Goal” model.
• Natural Farming Push: Focus on chemical-free, sustainable agriculture for long-term environmental health.
• Fertilizer Testing Kits: Portable kits to help farmers verify soil and input quality, curb adulteration.
• Toll-Free Grievance Helpline: To report fraud in seeds and fertilizers, crackdown on 30,000+ unregulated bio-stimulants.
• Ethical MoUs and Pricing Oversight: Mandatory price fairness in ICAR-industry collaborations to protect farmer interests.