ICAR 98th Foundation Day: Strategic Roadmap for Agricultural Transformation
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented a comprehensive roadmap for 'Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan' as a key pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047 during ICAR's 98th Foundation Day celebrations at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in New Delhi. The minister announced seven major strategic goals aimed at transforming India's agricultural research ecosystem.
The centerpiece financial announcement was the target for ICAR to generate ₹10,000 crore of internal resources by 2029 through commercialization of its technologies, crop varieties, vaccines, and licensing initiatives, while reducing dependence on government funding. The organization released 43 new crop varieties, 17 technologies/products, and 14 publications covering high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties, nutrient-rich crops, vaccines for livestock and fisheries, and digital agricultural solutions. The event also witnessed the signing of more than 70 Memorandums of Understanding and technology licensing agreements with private sector and startups to accelerate technology transfer.
Seven Strategic Goals for Agricultural Development
The minister outlined seven specific targets: development of 100 Climate Smart Villages demonstrating climate-smart agriculture and integrated farming systems; the 'One Institute-One Grand Innovation' initiative requiring each ICAR institute to deliver one transformational innovation within two years; reaching 100 million farmers with ICAR technologies by the organization's centenary year; transforming Krishi Vigyan Kendras into innovation hubs and climate advisory centers; creating an ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform for mobile access to scientific advisories; implementing stronger laws against counterfeit seeds and pesticides; and achieving financial self-reliance through the ₹10,000 crore internal generation target.
Administrative and Operational Updates
In a significant administrative development, over 150 ICAR employees received regular appointments for the first time, correcting what the minister described as a long-standing injustice. The minister emphasized the need to shift focus from quantity to quality in agricultural production to ensure better public health and global competitiveness, particularly given challenges posed by El Niño and climate change. He called for accelerated work on climate-resilient agriculture, district-specific planning, and agricultural risk management.
The minister stressed that scientific research should be treated as a national mission, with scientists making farmers' aspirations their personal mission. The event was attended by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairy and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministers of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, and senior ICAR officials including Secretary, DARE and Director General Dr. M. L. Jat.