ICAR 98th Foundation Day Highlights Agricultural Research Achievements
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day on July 16, 2026, in New Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to science-led, climate-resilient, and farmer-centric agricultural development aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The event was attended by multiple Union Ministers and senior government officials.
Research Output and Economic Impact
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops during the past year, with 94% being climate-resilient and 29 varieties biofortified. Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, reported that increased production in crops, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries generated an additional economic value of nearly ₹1.70 lakh crore during 2025-26. Agricultural research specifically contributed an estimated ₹55,000 crore, demonstrating substantial returns on investment in agricultural science.
Technology Dissemination and Outreach
Scientific technologies reached nearly one crore farmers directly and over five crore farmers through media and social media platforms. ICAR strengthened its global collaborations through 18 international Memoranda of Understanding. The organization signed 72 MoUs with 51 industry partners to accelerate technology commercialization and last-mile delivery to farmers.
New Technologies and Releases
During the event, 43 improved crop varieties, 17 advanced agricultural technologies, and 14 publications were released. Notable technologies included Basmati rice and climate-resilient rice varieties tolerant to saline and alkaline soils, export-oriented mango production technology, India's first indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine, a Digital Swine Disease Atlas, and an affordable cassava harvester for smallholders.
Ministerial Emphasis and Strategic Directions
Ministers emphasized several priority areas including demand-driven research, climate-resilient agriculture, self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, quality agricultural education, commercialization of technologies, and wider dissemination through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network. Specific technologies highlighted for promotion included sex-sorted semen, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, fisheries technologies, natural farming, micro-irrigation, and nano-fertilizers.
Employment and Institutional Recognition
The event included the distribution of appointment letters to 150 temporary daily-wage workers, regularizing their services. The celebration was attended by senior government officials, former ICAR leaders, agricultural university vice-chancellors, institute directors, scientists, innovators, industry representatives, farmer organizations, development partners, and students.