Advances in Agricultural Research: Overview

Advances in Agricultural Research: Overview

Question: ICAR has recently outlined its vision. Discuss the advances that have occurred in the field of agricultural research in recent times.

- Department of Agricultural Research and Education/Indian Council of Agricultural Research aims to strengthen the depth and complexity of research in the agricultural sector

- Emphasis is on boosting productivity, resource use efficiency and farm revenues

- Different institutes of ICAR and centres of All India Coordinated Research Projects have worked to ensure sustained profitability and productivity of different sectors of farming

Aim is on the following:

- Developing skilled HR through quality agricultural education

- Need based training

- Use of ICT in agricultural sector

- Promotion of PPP and vision oriented market led intelligence

- ICAR works in close partnership with the following departments:

- Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Govt. of India,

- Department of Animal Husbandry Dairy and Fisheries and

- Ministry of Food processing Industries

- ICAR is partnering international agencies in the field of research as well

- It aims on science and technology led agricultural farming

- Special thrust has been provided on the following by ICAR:

- Integrated farming systems,

- Conservation agriculture,

- Climate resilient agriculture,

- Abiotic stress management,

- Solid waste management, and

- Improving water and nutrient use efficiencies.

- Efficient agriculture,

- Research programmes on increasing water productivity,

- Nutrient use efficiency,

- Improving soil health,

- Minimisation of soil and environment pollutants,

- Access to mechanisation, post-harvest management,

- Value addition and food safety

- Focused Publicity Campaigns,

- Kisan Call Centres (KCCs),

- Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) of entrepreneurs,

- Agri Fairs and exhibitions,

- Kisan

- SMS Portal ,

- DD Kisan TV Channel

- Community Radio Stations.

- Assistance to state governments through the following schemes has also been forthcoming

- National Mission of Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET),

- Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana,

- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH),

- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA),

- Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC),

- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY),

- National Food Security Mission (NFSM),

- National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP),

- National Horticulture Mission (NHM),

- Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC),

- Agriculture Technology Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) and

- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).

- ICAR has also started farmer education services such as:

Famers FIRST: Focus is on Enriching Farmers –Scientist interface; Technology Assemblage, Application and feedback; Partnership and Institutional Building and Content Mobilization.

ARYA: ‘Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) in selected districts through KVKs with an objective for entrepreneurial development of Youth in Rural Areas and agricultural ventures for self employment

Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav: This aims to increase farmer productivity and production

Facts and Stats

ICAR Vision: Lead India to attaining sustainable food, nutritional, environmental and livelihoods security through agricultural research and education.

ICAR Mission: Harness the power of science and innovation for food security, food safety, farmer prosperity and enhance natural resources base to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development

- ICAR aims to increase the number of workers in the agricultural sector apart from boosting profitability via science and technology