Indian Council of Agricultural Research

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences in the country. The ICAR was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Objectives

The primary objectives of ICAR are:

• To plan, undertake, coordinate, and promote research and education in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences.
• To act as a clearinghouse of research and general information relating to agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences through its publications and information system.
• To provide consultancy services on matters related to agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences.
• To promote partnership and collaboration with national and international organisations for fostering agricultural research and education.

Organisational Structure

ICAR is headed by the Director General, who is also the Secretary of DARE. The governing body of ICAR is the General Body, which is chaired by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The General Body is assisted by the Governing Body, which is responsible for the overall management and administration of ICAR.

ICAR has a vast network of research institutions, including:

• 102 ICAR institutes
• 71 agricultural universities
• 11 deemed universities
• 6 national bureaux
• 13 national research centres
• 17 all-India coordinated research projects
• 25 directorates/project directorates

Research and Achievements

ICAR has made significant contributions to agricultural research and development in India. Some of its key achievements include:

• Development of high-yielding varieties of crops, such as wheat, rice, and pulses, which have contributed to India’s Green Revolution.
• Development of improved breeds of livestock and poultry, such as the Sahiwal and Red Sindhi cattle, and the Kadaknath chicken.
• Development of sustainable farming practices, such as integrated pest management, organic farming, and precision farming.
• Promotion of agricultural mechanisation and post-harvest technologies for reducing crop losses and improving food processing.

• Establishment of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), which includes ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, and other research organisations.

Education and Extension

ICAR plays a crucial role in agricultural education and extension in India. It has established a network of agricultural universities and colleges across the country, which offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in various disciplines of agricultural sciences. ICAR also conducts various capacity-building programmes for farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

ICAR’s extension activities include:

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): These are district-level farm science centres that provide training and demonstrations to farmers on improved agricultural practices.
• Agricultural Technology Information Centres (ATICs): These centres provide information on agricultural technologies, inputs, and markets to farmers and other stakeholders.
• Agricultural Extension Services: ICAR provides technical support and guidance to state agricultural departments and other extension agencies for disseminating improved agricultural technologies and practices to farmers.

International Collaboration

ICAR has established partnerships and collaborations with various international organisations for promoting agricultural research and education. Some of its key international partners include:

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
• International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
• International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
• International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Through these collaborations, ICAR has been able to access and adapt advanced agricultural technologies and practices from around the world for the benefit of Indian farmers.

Future Prospects

India’s agriculture sector faces several challenges, such as climate change, declining soil health, water scarcity, and increasing population pressure. To address these challenges, ICAR has identified the following priority areas for research and development:

• Development of climate-resilient and nutritionally enhanced crop varieties.
• Promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices, such as organic farming, conservation agriculture, and integrated farming systems.
• Development of precision farming technologies, such as remote sensing, GIS, and drone-based applications, for improving crop productivity and resource-use efficiency.
• Strengthening of agricultural value chains and promotion of agri-entrepreneurship for doubling farmers’ incomes.
• Capacity building of farmers and extension workers through digital platforms and ICT-based tools.

With its vast network of research institutions, trained manpower, and partnerships with international organisations, ICAR is well-positioned to address these challenges and contribute to the sustainable growth and development of India’s agriculture sector.