23-Dec-2022: Indian Council of Agricultural Research conducts regular research to develop climate resilient strategies for sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture

The fisheries research institutes under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Government of India have been conducting research regularly for understanding the impacts of climate change in order to develop climate resilient strategies for sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture. The studies on the impact of climate change  undertaken by ICAR institutes under “National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)” include vulnerability assessment of the wetland fisheries in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Kerala; climate trend analysis for major river basins across India; Impact on fish distributional range, catch composition and yield etc. In marine fisheries, studies on climate change modeling, projection on fish catch & mariculture production under climate change scenarios, risk and vulnerability assessment of marine fisheries, wetland mapping, carbon footprint, blue carbon potential, ocean acidification, response of capture and culture species to climate change and adaptive management in response to climate change are carried out under the  NICRA Project. Climate campaigns and awareness programmes are also conducted in the states like Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala in order to increase preparedness and adaptive capacity of fishers against climate change.

16-Sep-2022: KRITAGYA 3.0- A National level Hackathon on crop improvement by ICAR

Indian Council of Agricultural Research with its National Agricultural Higher Education Project and Crop Science Division is organizing Hackathon 3.0 ‘’KRITAGYA” on promoting ‘speed breeding for crop improvement’.

Taking forward the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through National Education Policy-2020, this program will provide an opportunity to students/faculties/entrepreneurs/innovators and others to showcase innovative approaches and technology solutions to promote innovation for crop improvement.

Under the guidance of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, such initiatives will give impetus to the desired rapid results in the crop sector with the ability to learn, innovation and solutions, employability and entrepreneurship. It will also encourage greater adoption of technology enabled solutions in the country.

According to Dr. Rakesh Chandra Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education) and National Director, National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP), the definition of KRITAGYA is: KRI for Krishi meaning Agriculture, TA for Taknik meaning Technology and GYA for Gyan meaning Knowledge. In this competition, students, faculty and innovators/entrepreneurs from any university/technical institute across the country can apply and participate in the program as a group. The participating group shall consist of maximum 4 participants, with not more than one faculty and / or more than one innovator or entrepreneur. Participating students can collaborate with local start-ups, students from technology institutes and can win up-to INR 5 Lakhs. The registration for event shall take place till 26thSeptember 2022.

During 2020-21 and 2021-22 NAHEP in association with Agricultural Engineering and Animal Science Divisions of ICAR organized Hackathon 1.0 and 2.0 to promote the innovation in Farm Mechanization and in Animal Science, respectively. The events witnessed immense participation across the country where more than 784 teams i.e., 3,000 participants actively participated in hackathon 1.0 and more than 269 teams participated in hackathon 2.0. At national level, 4 teams were awarded by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Tomar with a cash prize of Rs. 9 lakhs. This event is also extending the support to winners for further development in their concept propositions, its scalability and future plan in collaboration with Agri Business Incubators, MSMEs and other investors through support of ICAR.

ICAR commenced NAHEP with the assistance of World Bank (WB) in November 2017. The overall objective of NAHEP is to support participating Agricultural Universities (AUs) and ICAR in providing more relevant and higher quality education to the students.

2-Aug-2022: Research Institutes for Agricultural Growth

India has one of the largest National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in the world, comprising 102 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes, 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes, 82 All India Coordinated Projects/ Networks, 4 deemed to be universities, 3 Central Agricultural Universities and 63 State Agricultural/ Veterinary/ Horticultural/ Fishery Universities including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

The requisite infrastructure and expertise available with ICAR Institutions, SAUs and a network of 731 KVKs ICAR suffice to cater various technological interventions in various fields of agriculture and allied sectors to meet the demand of agricultural sector.

During last three years ICAR has released 946 field crop varieties comprising of 379 of cereals, 146 of oilseeds, 168 of pulses, 55 of forage crops, 158 of fibre crops, 26 of sugarcane and 14 of other crops (potential/minor crops) and 171 varieties of horticultural crops; developed 25 vaccines and 40 diagnostics for important animal diseases for diagnosis and their containment. Breeding and seed production technologies were developed for 161 food and ornamental fishes, 48 indigenous fish feed and 70 improved aquaculture systems and developed 90 resource specific gears & fuel-efficient fishing vessels for efficient fishing. Approximately 168 technologies/ machines were also developed during recent years. These improved varieties/ technologies/ machines/ vaccines etc.  are aimed at for augmenting the production and productivity in Agriculture in country. The successful implementation of various Schemes/ initiatives relating to agriculture coupled with extension of above technologies and their extension through KVKs and other extension machineries has resulted in increase in production and productivity of field and horticultural crops. The production of pulses increased from 19.26 m tonnes (2013-14) to 27.75 m tonnes in 2021-22, horticultural production from 280.70 m tonnes (2013-14) to 341.63 m tonnes (2021-22) and food grains from 265.05 m. tonnes (2013-14) to 314.51 m tonnes (2021-22).

Recruitment to scientific positions is a continuous process and vacancies are filled up through established procedure by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) subject to the availability of qualified candidates.  Presently, 144 posts of scientists are vacant in Maharashtra whereas it is 22 in Tamil Nadu. The vacancy position is monitored regularly within ICAR and with ASRB for timely selection and deployment of human resources.

2-Aug-2022: Over 300 High-Yielding Species of Seeds of Pulses notified for commercial cultivation in the country during the last eight years

A total of 304 high yielding varieties of pulses including 81 of Gram, 50 of Arhar, 38 of Mung, 35 of Urd, 33 of Lentil, 23 of Field pea, 19 of Cowpea and 25 of other pulses have been notified for commercial cultivation in the country during the last eight years (2014- till date). During this period, a total of 20 high yielding varieties of pulses including 6 of Gram, 5 of Arhar, 3 of Faba bean, 2 each of Field pea and Mung and 1 each of Lentil and Urd have been notified for commercial cultivation in the state of Bihar.

The ICAR is mandated to produce breeder seed of different crop varieties against the indent from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). The breeder seed is provided to various public and private seed producing agencies for downstream multiplication into foundation and certified quality seed categories and distribution to farmers. During the last five years, total 96731 quintals of breeder seed of high yielding varieties of pulses were produced by the NARS against the total indent of about 77499 quintals and supplied to the seed producing agencies for further multiplication into foundation and certified quality seed categories and distribution to farmers. About 2329 quintal breeder seed of pulses was produced during the last five years against the total indent of 1562 q by the state of Bihar.

26-Jul-2022: Research and Development in the Agriculture Sector

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)/ Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) has developed a clear roadmap for next 10 years harnessing the power of science and innovation for securing food and nutritional security of our people, farmers’ prosperity and to enhance natural resource base to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development of Indian agriculture sector. The focused areas of research and developmental include  Genetic enhancement of plants/animals/fish for higher productivity under increased intensity of biotic and abiotic stresses; productivity enhancement through sustainable intensification and mechanization of agriculture and food system; enhancing value, safety and income through food processing; development of energy efficient technologies and farming practices; education and human-resource development & developing and promoting innovations in technology transfer systems.

To ensure that the newer technologies like improved variety seeds of crops, new breeds/ strains of livestock and fish and the improved production and protection technologies reach the farmers and end users in shortest possible time, technologies are demonstrated and disseminated through central and State Government agencies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and through private sectors through licensing.  For this purpose, a network of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras has been created at district level in the country.

26-Jun-2022: Union Agriculture Minister visits National Mithun Research Center, ICAR Institute and Farm in Nagaland

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar visited the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR’s National Research Center on Mithun and a pineapple farm on the first day of his visit to Nagaland. Shri Tomar said that the Government of India is continuously working on the theme of 'Vocal for Local' in the AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took the initiative for this, special emphasis was given on it and it has been taken on Mission Mode for the economic development of the country,” he said.

Shri Tomar said that the National Research Center on Mithun is a unique biological resource of Northeast India and it is everyone's responsibility to preserve it.

“Earlier mithun was reared in free-range system, but now as agriculture is increasing, forest area is decreasing, so farmers should adopt alternate practices for mithun rearing under semi-intensive system developed by the ICAR-NRC,” he said.

Shri Tomar appreciated the success of the institute in developing technologies that have benefitted the Mithun farmers in their economic uplift, as well as the efforts of the Center to improve the standard of living of farmers by generating interest and increasing their incomes. He also called for further research on the use of Mithun (a breed of cow) for maximum benefit of the farmers. Shri Tomar urged the institute to conduct research to find out the nutritional and therapeutic properties of milk and develop a business model and said that the fertilizer potential of Mithun dung and urine should be explored as an alternative model for natural farming. Shri Tomar also visited the Mithun farm and exhibition stalls showcasing various technologies and products developed by the Centre. He discussed the technologies developed by the Centre, such as feed blocks, mineral block dispensers and region-specific mineral mixtures. Shri Tomar also planted a sapling on the occasion. Delivering the welcome address, NRC Director Dr. M.H. Khan highlighted the major achievements of the Institute during the last 33 years.

Shri Tomar also visited the Nagaland Center of ICAR, which was established in the year 1975. The center is carrying out various activities for Nagaland by promoting research, extension and human resource development activities in agriculture and allied sectors. The dissemination of the developed technologies is facilitated by the Central Government’s strong network of 5 Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Dimapur, Peren, Wokha, Kiphire and Longleng districts. The Central Government plays a major role in enhancing tribal livelihoods through various schemes, research and extension activities. This ICAR Center has developed 5 location specific integrated farming system models for different agro-climatic conditions for small and medium farmers of Nagaland, while the dual purpose breeds – Vanraj and Srinidhi birds have been promoted among more than 5,000 tribal farmers. This center has developed and disseminated the technique of artificial insemination in pigs, which is very popular among the tribal farmers of Nagaland. Thousands of tribal farmers benefit from the KVKs under the Central Government. Appreciating the efforts of the ICAR Center, the Union Minister asked them to work with dynamism.

Shri Tomar later visited a pineapple field in Volvam village and interacted with the members of the Farmers' Producer Organization (FPO). On this occasion, Agriculture Minister of Nagaland, Shri G. Kaito, Central Horticulture Commissioner Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Nagaland Adviser on Horticulture and Border Affairs, Shri Mathung Yanthan, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Director of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Region, Dr. V.K. Mishra along with other officials, scientists and farmers were present.

9-Jun-2022: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launches Animal Vaccine and Kits developed by the ICAR-NRC on Equines

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched Animal Vaccine and other Diagnostic Kits developed by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana during a function here today.

The Ancovax Vaccine on Equines is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Delta (COVID-19) Vaccine for Animals. The immunity induced by Ancovax neutralizes both Delta and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2. The Vaccine contains inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Delta) antigen with Alhydrogel as an adjuvant. It is safe for dogs, lions, leopards, mice and rabbits.

“The Council’s scientists’ unparalleled contributions have made the country succeed not only in essential crops’ production; but, in the various fields of agricultural and allied sciences as well at the global level”, said Shri Tomar, after launching the vaccine through video conferencing. “It is due to the untiring contributions of Scientists that the country stands self-reliant in developing its own Vaccines more rather than importing. This is really a big achievement”, he added.

Shri Tomar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continuous work is being done by the government to improve the financial condition of the rural population, poor people and farmers and to raise their standard of living and our scientists have also contributed a lot in this. The research work of our scientists is commended everywhere, which makes us all proud. During the Covid crisis which disrupted even the developed and technologically advanced nations, we are proud that under the leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Modi, our countrymen demonstrated an unparalleled vision of discipline. During this crisis, the PM also did a great job of steering the country's economy, while our scientists did wonders by successfully developing vaccines in a short time. The determination of discipline and leadership of our country during the Covid crisis is admired all over the world today.

Appreciating the Equine Research Center, Shri Tomar said that this institute has developed six vaccines and 19 diagnostic technologies for the prevention of infectious diseases in equines and other animals, out of which four have been launched today.

The diagnostic kits launched today include CAN-CoV-2 ELISA Kit. It is a sensitive and specific nucleocapsid protein based indirect ELISA Kit for antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2 in Canines. There are no laboratory animals required for the preparation of the antigens. The Kit is made in India and a patent has been filed for the same. No other comparable kits for detection of antibodies in Canines are available in the market.

The Surra ELISA Kit is a suitable Diagnostic Assay for Trypanosoma evansi infection in multiple animal species. The Surra is one of the most important haemoprotozoan diseases of the different livestock species caused by Trypanosoma evansi. The disease is prevalent in all the agro-climatic parts of India. In India, losses to livestock productivity are estimated to be Rs. 44.740 Billion annually due to Surra.

The Equine DNA Parentage Testing Kit is a powerful genomic technology for parentage analysis. The Parentage among the Horses can be definitely established using Multiplex PCR Technology to compare allele sizes. At ICAR-NRC on Equines, an optimized 21 DNA Market Panel is being used for Parentage testing.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) asserted the Council’s commitment to disseminate the various technologies developed by its Scientists at the farmers’ doorsteps. This will help to realize the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of the Lab-to-Land initiative.

Shri Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary (Animal Husbandry and Dairying), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying stressed that the new technologies and Vaccines developed by the Institute will help in early diagnosing and containing the spread of the various diseases in livestock. The Kits will enable to identify the DNAs of the particular Equines with their parents, he added.

Earlier, Dr. Bhupendra Nath Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR underlined the characteristics and features of the newly developed Vaccines and Kits by the Institute. Highlighting the Vaccine - Ancovax, Dr. Tripathi said it is effective against both the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19.

1-Apr-2022: Organizing Agriculture Fair by ICAR

Agriculture fair organised by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), PUSA, New Delhi is upgraded every year including all the latest technological innovations done by research Institutions in its theme. The theme of Agriculture Fair organised during 9-11 March 2022 was ‘Taknikigyan se Atmanirbhar Kisan’ with five sub-themes with features of exhibitions viz., Digital Smart Agriculture; Protected cultivation, Vertical Farming, Hydroponics and Aeroponics for Higher Productivity and Income; Promotion of Agricultural Export for Prosperity; Organic and Natural Farming and Innovative Farmers Meet. Agricultural implements developed by the research Institutions and private companies were displayed in the exhibitions for awareness and sale to all the visitors including small and poor farmers.

ICAR-IARI, PUSA, New Delhi participates in agriculture fairs organized by various State Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutes in different parts of the country. ICAR-IARI displays exhibitions in these fairs to acquaint farmers about the latest technological innovation in the field of agriculture.

1-Apr-2022: ICAR led National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Developed 1956 High Yielding Varieties/Hybrids of 80 Field Crops since 2014

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) led National Agricultural Research System (NARS) has developed 1956 high yielding varieties/hybrids of 80 field crops since 2014 which include 173 less water requiring varieties/hybrids of cereals (94), oilseeds (14), pulses (25), fiber crops (8), forages (12) and sugarcane (20).

Total of 56 less water requiring varieties/hybrids of field crops have been developed during  2018-19 to 2020-21, comprising of 31 of Cereals (10 of Rice, 7 of Wheat, 3 of Maize, 2 of Sorghum and 9 of Millets); 6 of Oilseeds (2 of Soybean, 2 of Groundnut, 1 of Sesame, 1 of Indian mustard); 10 of Pulses (1 of Urd bean, 4 of Pigeon pea, 1 of Horse gram, 2 of Chickpea, 1 of Lentil and 1 of Faba bean); 2 of Forages (1 each of Fescue grass and Setaria grass); 2 of cotton and 5 of Sugarcane.

During last 3 years, 6975.32 quintals (2018-19: 2446.7 q, 2019-20: 2204.45 q and 2020-21:2324.17 q) breeder seed of less water requiring varieties was produced and supplied to various public and private seed production agencies for downstream multiplication as foundation and certified seed by ICAR. A total of 74,43,879 q of certified/ quality seeds of high yielding varieties/hybrids (including stress tolerant) was made available during the years 2019-20 to 2020-21.

26-Mar-2022: Union Agriculture Minister chairs 93rd AGM of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Society

The 93rd Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society was organized at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi here today.

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare stated that committed for the betterment of the Indian Agriculture, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has always encouraged the farmers and scientists of the country to compete at the global level. This has led to the steady increase in the export of agricultural products from India. Shri Tomar said that the Prime Minister holds regular dialogues with the people associated with the agriculture sector of the country including farmers and scientists. Ensuring the better quality of the agricultural products has always been the main concern of the PM.

Delivering his presidential address, the Union Minister Shri Tomar underlined the establishment of the ICAR in 1929. The pivotal role played by the Council through its research and technology development in creating the food and nutritional security in the country with the untiring cooperation of farmers and scientists over the Years was also highlighted by the Union Minister. Shri Tomar underlined the record production of the food grains and horticultural products in the country that has made us self-sufficient to meet not only the domestic demands enabled to supply the same to the different countries as well. “In terms of many agricultural products, India ranks first or second in the world and we aim to establish the quality of our products and our credibility as a trusted brand in the world”, said Shri Tomar. The Union Minister regarded the quality to be important for enabling the farmers to get the fair prices for their products.

Shri Tomar stated that the hard work of the farmers, efficient research of scientists and farmers’-friendly policies of the government have led the Indian Agriculture to grow even during the challenging times of COVID-19 Pandemic. He urged the Council to start the preparations for its Centenary celebrations (in the Year - 2029) at the national and international levels. Mentioning the Indian Natural Farming Method, he also regarded the Waste-to-Wealth as the principle of the nature. Shri Tomar said that while the ICAR is making the farmers aware of the new techniques and methods, the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is committed to take forward the Digital Agriculture Mission. This, he stated, will reduce the farmers’ cost of cultivation and increase the facilities.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying urged for recognizing the local techniques of the small farmers. The encouragement of the Cheese made from Banshi Gir Cow's Milk for the export was also stressed by the Union Minister. Shri Rupala suggested the ICAR to get benefitted from the upcoming 3 Events - G20 Conference, International Dairy Programme and Jamnagar getting International recognition in Ayurveda.

Shri Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare urged for working in pace with the visions of the Prime Minister. He said that there is a scope for working in the field of horticulture. Mentioning about a number of plants that are being imported, the Minister urged for developing their varieties in the country itself. Shri Choudhary stressed on the need to make the new technologies available under the vision of encouraging the Waste-to-Wealth.

Congratulating the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog stated that in the current Financial Year, India’s Agricultural exports have crossed 50 Billion Dollars. He said that there has been an increase of about 22% in a single Year. He also suggested working by making a systematic strategy for promoting the natural and organic farming.

Highlighting the Council’s Progress Report of the Year, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) underlined the development of 389 new varieties by the ICAR during the last Year. The DG mentioned the focus on Crops and Pulses Varieties. Dr. Mohapatra stated that the new researches in food crops and horticultural arenas have benefited the country to a large extent.

Shri Raghavji Patel, Cabinet Minister, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cow Breeding, Government of Gujarat; Shri Virender Kanwar, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Shri Tage Taki, Minister Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture & Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh were among the Guests of Honor during the occasion.

The Members of ICAR Society; Members of ICAR Governing Body along with Shri Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); Shri Sanjiv Kumar, Financial Advisor (DARE) and Senior Officials & Scientists of ICAR were also present during the occasion.

The Ministers released the various ICAR Publications and Products during the occasion.

22-Mar-2022: New technology in agricultural research

The Government promotes use of new technology in Agricultural Research. The Research by ICAR focuses genetic enhancement crops/livestock/fish for high yield, quality and climate resilience, conservation of resources and, development of intelligent IT enabled platform for technology transfer among farmers and stakeholders. ICAR during 2021-22 developed and released 309 varieties/ hybrids of field crops including 35 varieties with special traits and 94 varieties of Horticultural crops for cultivation by ICAR.

Government, during 2020-21 and 2021-22, has allocated funds to the tune of Rs 1756.3 and Rs. 2422.7 crores to the States for introducing new technologies including drones, artificial intelligence, block chain, remote sensing and GIS etc in agriculture.  Further, the Government also allocated Rs. 7302.50 and Rs. 7908.18 crores in 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively to ICAR for undertaking Research and Development in Agriculture for developing new technologies, their demonstration at farmer’s field and capacity building of farmers for adoption of new technology.

The Government has accorded due focus on ensuring improved service delivery and facilitating market access to farmers. The Government also accords adequate emphasis towards reducing transaction costs, promotion of FPOs to improve their bargaining power. Development of infrastructure have also been given due attention to ensure better connectivity of farmers to national and international market.

High-yielding, cost-saving, disease/pest resistant and climate-resilient varieties and technologies in crops, horticulture, animal and fisheries science developed besides precision farm equipment for production and post production agriculture developed by ICAR have played important role in increasing production and productivity, reducing cost of production and   enhancing income of the farmers.  Adoption of Farming Systems Models developed by ICAR have also enabled farmers to enhance their income and strengthen their economic condition. Besides, State specific strategies for increasing farmers income, provided to States by ICAR, are also helping farmers to increase their incomes.

National Agricultural Research System comprising of a total of 102 Research Institutions, 63 State Agricultural Universities, 3 Central Agricultural Universities and 4 Universities having agriculture faculty besides 82 All India Coordinated Research Projects/Network Projects, each having a large number of coordinating centres across the nation, is amongst the largest and strongest research systems of the World. As adequate number of research centres are existing in the country, no new research centres was established during the last three years by the Government.

Due emphasis is given by ICAR to shift research from a commodity-based to farming systems based approach. ICAR has created multidisciplinary research complexes in different regions of the country to address this. A dedicated Institute “ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR), Modipuram” is working on characterizing, creating, studying and refining the farming system models in all the agro-climatic regions. Another institute, ICAR - Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute has been established to facilitate and promote coordination and dissemination of the technology for integrated farming through network/consortia approach. Sixty-three Region Specific Integrated Farming System models developed by ICAR are demonstrated through the network of research Institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras all over the country.

8-Feb-2022: Research and Development in Agricultural Sector

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)/Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) has developed a clear roadmap for next 10 years harnessing the power of science and innovation for securing food and nutritional security of our people, farmers’ prosperity and to enhance natural resource base to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development of Indian agriculture sector. The focused areas of research and development include;  Genetic enhancement of plants/animals/fish for higher productivity under increased intensity of biotic and abiotic stresses, productivity enhancement through sustainable intensification, and mechanization of agriculture and food system, enhancing value, safety and income through food processing, development of energy efficient technologies and farming practices, education and human-resource development & developing and promoting innovations in technology transfer systems.

To ensure that the newer technologies like improved variety seeds of crops, new breeds/ strains of livestock and fish and the improved production and protection technologies reach the farmers and end users in shortest possible time, technology demonstrations at the farmers’ fields in close coordination with the concerned Central and state Government Departments and agencies are carried out. For this purpose, a network of 729 Krishi Vigyan Kendras has been created at district level in the country. Technology transfer also happens through systems using knowledge platforms like Portals, Mobile Apps and Web based communication networks. The capacity building of farmers, farmers groups and community – based Organisations like Farmers Producer Organisations, Self Help Groups etc. for acquiring knowledge and advisory for capacity building is also given focused attention. The rapid developments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are used as facilitator for faster dissemination of information and technologies developed by the National Agricultural Research System.

14-Dec-2021: Testing of Soil Quality

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has suggested 12 parameters as essential for soil health management in India, they are pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon, available N, P, K, S and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn & B). These parameters are included in soil health card and soil samples are processed following standard procedures and analyzed in static and mobile soil testing labs.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two digital soil test kits for rapid estimation of all the 12 parameters enlisted in soil health card. The kits facilitate soil testing service at farmers’ doorstep.

10-Dec-2021: Research and Development for Increasing Agriculture Production

The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) works to upgrade technology and provide quality seeds of newly developed crops to farmers. ICAR/NARS focuses on the development/adoption of new technologies such as high yielding and multi-stress resistant/tolerant and short duration varieties/hybrids in major crops.  During the period from 2014 till August 2021, a total of 1656 varieties of 75 field and forage crops have been developed which include 797 varieties of cereals, 252 of oilseeds, 250 of pulses, 189 of fibre crops, 104 of forage crops, 54 of sugarcane and 10 of other crops.  In addition, 288 varieties of horticultural crops have also been released and notified. ICAR has also developed several improved farm implements/machines and process protocols to increase efficiency, reduce cost of production and reduce post-harvest losses. Frontline demonstrations are conducted at the farmers’ field on the new varieties and technologies/ improved agricultural practices developed by NARS/ICAR by 727 Krishi Vigyan Kendras located at district level in the country to motivate them to adopt new and improved agricultural technologies.

The various research activities are implemented in the country through 103 ICAR Research Institutes(including4 Deemed Universities), 63 State Agricultural Universities, 3 Central Agricultural Universities, 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI)and 727 Krishi Vigyan Kendras established in the country for undertaking research and development activities to increase agricultural production and minimize the losses in agricultural productivity.

During the year 2021-22 the Government has allocated an amount of Rs. 8513.63 crores (BE) for undertaking agricultural research work.

At present there is no proposal for opening new research centres in states.

26-Aug-2021: Union Agriculture Minister launches National Food and Nutrition Campaign for farmers

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that India has made great achievements in the field of food grains. "Our country is number one or two in the world in agriculture and allied products. Our farmers and scientists have so much power that if we compete in the world, we can be number one in almost all commodities. Today, so much production and increasing productivity is a matter of pride and happiness for all of us, but in the 75th year of independence, we are standing at such a stage, where we have to introspect as well as consider the challenges and their solutions", Shri Tomar said this while launching the National Food and Nutrition Campaign for the farmers. It is organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Shri Tomar said that ICAR has been working successfully on which crops should be cultivated and which seeds should be invented for rainfed and other areas. Efforts are also being made to make agriculture and farmers connected with new technology. "We have expertise in production but it is also important to manage this abundance. It is the responsibility of the farmers along with the government to ensure that our products should be of better quality, meet global standards, farmers should be attracted towards costly crops, educated youth should be attracted towards agriculture while being environment-friendly. Along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities and State Governments, it is the effort of the Government of India that farmers should learn new things, new seeds and techniques should reach them, but there is a limit to this, so it will be the win-win situation if farmers join the government's agricultural extension programs. Farmers associated with KVK should motivate other farmers for improved farming and ensure participation of all farmers in various schemes including FPO, Agri Infra Fund, increasing the area of ​​organic farming under traditional farming. We all should try to make the whole village prosperous. With this, the development block, district, state and ultimately the country will prosper and India will be able to become self-reliant." said the Agriculture Minister.

The Union Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been working continuously since the year 2014 based on a comprehensive approach. Before Modi Government, the budget of agriculture of the Government of India was about 21 thousand crore rupees, which has now been increased to more than Rs 1.23 lakh crore. For the development of Gram Panchayats, the amount of the Finance Commission's grant has been increased almost five times by the PM. "Agriculture is our priority, agriculture has proved its relevance time and again even in adverse conditions. Despite the COVID crisis, neither any agricultural institution was closed, nor production was affected, but even in difficult conditions, there was more sowing and bumper production achieved in the country." He added.

Shri Tomar said that it has been decided by the Prime Minister to celebrate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav for 75 weeks. "We did not get the freedom of our country easily, our ancestors sacrificed their lives for this freedom. Along with celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Prime Minister wants to further strengthen the spirit of the country in the younger generation. At the same time, he has stressed the need to take advantage of this festival for the progress of the country in every region and sector." the Minister added.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary said that the Government has resolved to solve the problem of malnutrition under the leadership of the Prime Minister and has also launched several schemes and programs in this direction. Shri Choudhary said that the year 2023 will be celebrated as the International Year of Millets under the leadership of India, which is a matter of pride for India. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General, ICAR informed that during the festival the achievements of the agriculture sector will be shared among maximum farmers as well as they will be benefitted.

ICAR Secretary Shri Sanjay Garg, all Deputy Director General-Assistant Director-General and other officers-scientists, Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, officers of other agricultural institutions and thousands of farmers present in all KVKs across the country were virtually connected to the program. On this occasion, Union Minister Shri Tomar released a booklet based on the compilation of programs and activities of the festival.

10-Aug-2021: Development of new crops

The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) comprising of ICAR Institutes and State/Central Agricultural Universities are involved in development of new high yielding and biotic/abiotic stress tolerant crop varieties of field and horticultural crops. During last 3 years (2018-2020) and current year, 1017 varieties of 69 field crops and 206 varieties of 58 horticultural crops have been developed.

ICAR has a strong network of All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs)/ All India Network Projects (AINPs), coordinated by different ICAR institutes, which are operational in the various Central and State Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes for development of new crop varieties of field and horticultural crops. Presently, 44 AICRPs/AINPs of field and horticultural crops are operational through 50 SAUs/CAUs/DUs and 55 ICAR institutes across the country at 1017 locations.

ICAR has sanctioned Rs. 3340.32 crores for these research Institutes/ universities during 2018-19 to 2021-22 and Rs. 2420.32 crores have been utilized till 2020-21.

30-Jul-2021: Production of Organic Manure through Agricultural Wastes and Animal Dung

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed improved technologies for the preparation of quality composts namely Vermicompost, bio-enriched compost, Mineral-enriched compost (such as Phospho-Sulpho-Nitro compost, Phospho compost), and rapo-compost from different biomass including animal excreta etc. Besides, lignocellulolytic microbial consortium has been developed for reducing the period of composting within 30-45 days depending upon the substrate used.

Under Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS), credit linked back ended subsidy is provided  to private agencies through NABARD @33% of total financial outlay subject to the maximum of Rs 63 lakh/ unit against total financial outlay of Rs.190.00 lakh for maximum capacity of 100 tonnes per day of Fruit & Vegetable Agro Composting Unit, while State and Central Government agencies are provided 100% assistance with maximum limit of Rs 190.00 lakh.

The Government is providing input subsidy @ Rs 31000/ha under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and @ Rs 32000/ ha under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region  for promoting use of bio and organic fertilizers. ICAR provides technical backstopping and imparts training, organizes front-line demonstrations etc. to educate farmers on production of organic manure through utilization of agricultural wastes and animal dung etc. as and when required.

30-Jul-2021: Promoting Traditional Agro-Products

The National Gene bank (NGB) at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR- NBPGR), New Delhi is currently conserving more than 4.52 lakh accessions of various crops of which over 0.92 lakh accessions are of indigenous/local/traditional varieties and landraces.

ICAR-NBPGR has evaluated 635 designated rice land races from Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for major nutrients. Based on farmer’s preference, local demand and nutritional value of 24 land races from Assam are identified for promotion under a trade name “Native Basket” of these marketing of four land races namely Amona Bao, Kola Joha, Boga Bet Guti, Ronga Bao is already started, similarly two land races from Himachal Pradesh are identified for promotion under trade name “Mountain Grain” and in Chhattisgarh 15 rice land races are promoted through  Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur under the brand name “Indira”. Geographical Indicator (GI) is obtained for popular small seed aromatic rice “Jeera Phool” and application for GI is submitted for land race “Nagri Dhrubraj”.

In order to improve the access to good seeds, 23 community seed banks were established at community level involving KVKs and Self Help Groups in remote and tribal areas of the country. A total of 26 community seed banks conserving >4000 native landraces and farmers’ varieties of many food crops have been strengthened and established                        

ICAR-NBPGR and Biodiversity International are jointly executing  UN Environment implemented project entitled “Mainstreaming Agricultural biodiversity conservation and utilization of the agriculture sector to ensure ecosystem services and reduce vulnerability” in seven states    and Union Territory of Ladakh, to make communities more resilient to climate variation by growing   more variety of crops .Under the project,  More than 25,000 farmers across four agro-ecoregions covering 120,000 ha in India   maintain and use   20 crops including rice  of traditional local varieties, many of which were lost or got degenerated due to non-cultivation and poor maintenance.

Besides, in the  United Nation- Global  Environment  Facility (UNEP-GEF) project, NBPGR, Biodiversity International and other institutes are also executing “Seeds for Needs” project using crowd sourcing (CS) and Participatory Varietal Selection trials (PVS) approaches to look for the “best set” of traditional varieties of wheat and rice farmers across 4 states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, UP and MP). So far, set of selected varieties of wheat (44) and rice (34) were promoted with 15000 and 7000 wheat and rice farmers, respectively.

Government has also been promoting traditional ways of crop cultivation through dedicated schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER). In addition , Organic cultivation on either side of River Ganga, natural farming, large area certification and support for individual farmers have also been introduced under PKVY to increase organic coverage using organic/ bio inputs for  production of  organic products.  

27-Jul-2021: Research on Agriculture

India is a major producer of paddy, wheat and pulses. In production, India ranks 2nd in paddy & wheat and 1st in pulses in the world including neighbouring countries.

India has one of the world’s largest Agricultural Research System viz., National Agricultural Research System (NARS) including ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). The NARS has contributed immensely to make India self-sufficient in food production and serves the agricultural technology and information needs of the country. NARS has a research network of 102 ICAR Research Institutes, 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) and 73 Agricultural Universities (including 3 Central Agricultural Universities and 5 Universities with Agriculture Faculty) spread across the country. For popularization of ICAR technologies, 725 Krishi Vigyan Kendras are operating throughout the country for different extension activities.

NARS is a very robust system and continuously strengthening its Agricultural Research Activities for the benefit of Indian farming community for producing various crops.

27-Jul-2021: New Technologies in Agriculture Sector

National Agricultural Research System coordinated at the apex level by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)/ Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), comprises of 98 Agricultural Research Institutes, 5 Deemed Universities and 3 Central Agricultural Universities besides 63 State Agricultural Universities, 4 Universities with Agriculture Faculty and 82 All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs)/Network projects mandated for developing, testing and refining new technologies in agriculture sector. To provide information about these technologies to the farmers, Government has established a network of 725 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at district level and coordinated by 11 Agricultural Technology Application and Research Institute (ATARIs) established at Zonal level in the Country. These KVKs are mandated to provide information about new technologies in agriculture sector to the farmers. The major activities undertaken by KVKs include on-farm testing of location specificity of technologies under various farming systems; frontline demonstration to establish the production potential of improved agricultural technologies on the farmers’ field; capacity development of farmers for knowledge and skill up gradation; providing farm advisories on varied subjects of interest to farmers using ICT and other tools; production and distribution of quality seeds, planting materials and other technology inputs to farmers. Besides, Government is also implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) which aims at making available the latest agricultural technologies in different thematic areas to increase agricultural production through extension activities viz. Farmers Training, Demonstrations, Exposure Visits, Kisan Mela, Mobilization of Farmers Groups and Setting up of Farm Schools. During the last three years and current year (till date), a total of 41629 exhibitions/ farmers’ fairs have been organized with participation of 1.28 crore farmers. Similarly, a total of 1,78,811 training programmes with participation of 1.01 crore farmers have been organized during the last three years and during the current year till date by KVKs, ICAR Institutes and ATMA. Government is extending regular advisories to more than 5.00 crore farmers through MKisan portal.

Government is promoting and supporting organic farming and zero budget natural farming under various schemes, detailed below:-

• DARE/ICAR through its Plan Scheme ‘Network Project on Organic Farming (NPOF)’ is undertaking research in 20 centres covering 16 states to develop location specific organic farming package of practices for crops and cropping systems. Organic farming package of practices for 51 crops/cropping systems have been developed to provide technical backstopping to the line departments’ schemes implemented in the country.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), a sub-component of Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), promotes cluster based organic farming with Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification. Cluster formation, training, certification and marketing are supported under the scheme. Assistance of Rs. 50,000 per ha for 3 years is provided, out of which 62% i.e., Rs. 31,000 is given as incentive to a farmer towards use of organic inputs.
• The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), promotes 3rd party certified organic farming of niche crops of north east region through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with focus on exports. Farmers are given assistance of Rs 25000/ha for 3 years for organic inputs including organic manure and bio-fertilisers etc. Support for formation of FPOs, capacity building, post-harvest infrastructure up to Rs 2 crores are also provided under the scheme.
• 100% assistance is provided to State Governments/ Government agencies through Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme for setting up of mechanized fruit/ vegetable market place, waste/ agro-waste compost production unit to the extent of Rs.190.00 Lakh /unit (capacity of 3000 t/annum of finished compost). Similarly, for individuals/ private agencies, assistance up to 33% of cost limit to Rs 63 lakh/unit as capital investment is provided for the purpose.
• Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, financing facility is provided to State agencies, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, Farmer Producer Organisations, entrepreneurs etc. for setting up of organic input production units, community farming assets and post-harvest infrastructure for value addition to organic produce.
• The farmers are encouraged to use organic inputs by providing financial assistance through number of other schemes. For example, under the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) and National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the financial assistance @ 50% subsidy to the tune of Rs. 300/- per ha is provided for use of organic inputs.

27-Jul-2021: Scheme for Promoting Indigenous Rice

Indigenous varieties of rice are being promoted through varietal improvement programmes of ICAR. During the past few years, 574 indigenous varieties of rice have been propagated and tested at more than 10,000 farmers’ fields, involving state agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Non-Government Organisations through a project titled “Mainstreaming Agricultural biodiversity conservation and utilization of the agriculture sector to ensure ecosystem services and reduce vulnerability”. Farmers are trained on conservation, improvement and use of traditional/ indigenous varieties through participatory approach.  Further, for access to seeds of these indigenous varieties, community seed banks have been established at community level involving KVKs and Self Help Groups in remote and tribal areas of the country. A total of 26 community seed banks conserving >4000 native landraces and farmers’ varieties of different food crops including rice have been strengthened and established.

Communities and farmers conserving and promoting indigenous rice varieties have been conferred with Genome Savour awards by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) and following awards have been given since 2009-10:

1. Plant Genome Saviour Community Award (Rs. 10 lakh each ): 13
2. Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Rewards (Rs. 1.5 lakhs each): 12
3. Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognitions (Rs. 1.0 lakh each): 19

Five rice varieties viz., Lalat and Improved Lalat (GI value: 54) as low GI and Swarna, Sambha Mahsuri and Shaktiman (GI value <60) as intermediate GI have been identified.  All these varieties are in the seed chain and are under cultivation by the farmers.

The details of indigenous rice varieties/ germplasm are available with ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi.  A total of 45,107 indigenous varieties/ land races of rice are conserved in the National Gene Bank at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi.  In addition, 1645 farmer’s varieties are registered with PPV&FRA.

27-Jul-2021: National Agricultural Research System

Since 2014, National Agricultural Research System (NARS) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has released 1575 varieties of different field crops viz., cereals (770), oilseeds (235), pulses (236), forages (170), fibre crops (104), sugarcane (52) and underutilized crops (8) through All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP). Special focus is on to breed trait specific varieties and total 41 flood/ submergence/ water logging/ deep water tolerant varieties of rice (25), maize (2), jute (4), rice bean (1) and sugarcane (9) have been released since 2014.

Total 1270.3 q of breeder seed of such varieties has been produced and made available to Central and State Seed production agencies which include 202.9 q during  2018-19, 515.9 q during 2019-20 and 551.5 q during 2020-21 for downstream multiplication of foundation and certified seed. Breeder seed of flood/ water logging/ submergence tolerant varieties was supplied to NSC, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya in case of rice; Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh in case of maize and West Bengal and NSC in case of Jute.

Further, during 2018-19 to 2020-21, 25823.8 q quality seed of newly released flood/ submergence/ water logging/ deep water tolerant varieties of rice, maize and jute has been made available to the farmers. As a result of adoption of stress tolerant high yielding varieties of different crops, production of all the crops has increased over years.

During last three years and current kharif 2021 season, a total of 7949510 quintals of quality seed of flood, drought and salinity tolerant rice varieties has been made available to the farmers across 24 states which can cover a total area of around 39747550 ha.

Each state is indenting the breeder seed of different crop varieties as per Seed Rolling Plan in three years advance and finalized in the Breeder Seed indent meetings during both Rabi and Kharif seasons organized by Seed Division of DAC&FW and ICAR which is attended by senior officers of State Dept. of Agriculture, representatives of all central and state seed production agencies, Directors and Project Coordinators of all ICAR Institutes and officers of Seed Divisions of DAC&FW and ICAR and state-wise and variety-wise discussions are held where emphasis is given on inclusion of high yielding, stress tolerant and biofortified crop varieties in the Seed Rolling Plan. List of new varieties released during past five years with details of performance, specific traits, recommended area and developing Institutes is circulated to all public and private seed producing agencies. During Zonal Seed Review Meetings, Weekly video conferences and National Kharif and Rabi campaigns organized by DAC&FW, States are advised to focus on planning, production and distribution of seeds of drought, flood and salt tolerant varieties to the farmers. The Government of India supplements the efforts of the State Governments by coordinating with them to meet their seed requirement through National Seed Corporation and State Seeds Corporations.

In order to meet the requirement of seeds of climate resilient short and medium duration crop varieties to the farmers during natural calamities and unforeseen conditions like floods, drought etc., seeds are reserved/ maintained under the component National Seed Reserve of Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material in DAC&FW.

26-Jul-2021: Steps taken by the Government to promote Agriculture Sector in Education

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has informed that to promote agriculture sector through Education, 63 State Agricultural Universities, 3 Central Agricultural Universities, 4 Deemed to be Universities and 4 Central Universities with agriculture faculty are working in the country.

ICAR has also informed that in order to promote agricultural education and attract students in agricultural education, various National/International scholarships are provided to students at different levels.

Further, the National Education Policy, 2020 envisions that both capacity and quality of agriculture and allied disciplines must be improved in order to increase agricultural productivity through better skilled graduates and technicians, innovative research, and market-based extension linked to technologies and practices. The preparation of professionals in agriculture and veterinary sciences through programmes integrated with general education will be increased sharply. The design of agricultural education will shift towards developing professionals with the ability to understand and use local knowledge, traditional knowledge, and emerging technologies while being cognizant of critical issues such as declining land productivity, climate change, food sufficiency for our growing population, etc.

20-July-2021: Upgradation of Agriculture Technology

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is continuously working to upgrade technology and provide quality seeds to farmers. During this process the advancements made in the agricultural sciences both within India and outside are considered for their replication under the suitable farming situations. ICAR focuses on development/ adoption of new technologies such as- high yielding and multi-stress resistant/tolerant varieties/hybrids in major crops; multi-nutrients rich varieties of rice, wheat, maize, lentil and pearl millet and improved quality of mustard and soybean; blast resistant wheat varieties; transgenic varieties in cotton, pigeon pea and chickpea; exploitation of gene editing technology for improving desired traits in rice and wheat and development of extra-early/early maturing varieties of pulses especially mungbean and pigeon pea. During 2014 till January 2021, a total of 1575 varieties of 70 field crops have been developed which include 770 of cereals, 235 of oilseeds, 236 of pulses, 170 of fibre crops, 104 of forage crops, 52 of sugarcane and 8 of other crops. In addition, 288 varieties of horticultural crops have also been released and notified. Besides, 150 seed hubs in pulses and oilseeds have also been established in the country to produce and distribute quality seed of pulses and oilseeds. ICAR has developed several locations specific, cost effective, eco-friendly, socially acceptable scientific farming practices in farmers’ participatory mode addressing issues at ground level keeping in view the farmers’ resource availability, traditional indigenous technology. ICAR has developed several improved farm implements/machines, process protocols and value-added products to reduce input costs, drudgery and post-harvest losses in production post production agriculture.

For small holder farmers, ICAR has developed 60 Integrated Farming System (IFS) models including 8 Integrated Organic Farming System models for adoption in 22 states and 3 Union Territories. To promote organic farming in the country, 39 crops based 51 cropping systems have been developed, which are suitable for farming in 12 states. Government of India is promoting organic farming and zero budget natural farming under various schemes. These are traditional agricultural technologies which uses cattle and are beneficial for small farmers. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme provides an assistance of Rs. 50,000 per ha for three years to farmers to use organic inputs. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) provides Rs. 25,000 per ha for three years for farmers to use organic inputs. Also, this scheme has provision up to Rs. 2 crores for formation of FPOs, capacity building and post-harvest infrastructure.

Introduction of fuel driven farm equipment and tractors have ensured completing different farm operations within their timeliness and saved a lot of cost of operation with reduced drudgery. In order to prevent adverse effect of chemical fertilizers, the Council is advocating judicious use of chemical fertilizers through soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management encompassing conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of nutrients viz. FYM/Compost, biofertilizers, green manures etc. to the farmers.

9-Jun-2021: Digital India Corporation& Indian Council of Agricultural Research signs MoU to provide ‘Demand Based Tele Agriculture Advisories’ to farmers

In order to facilitate farmers by providing location specific ‘Demand Based Tele Agriculture Advisories’, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology  have signed an MoU on June 9, 2021 at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

The event was presided over by Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) and Shri Abhishek Singh, Managing Director & CEO, DIC.

Dr. A. K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, Dr. Vinay Thakur, Senior Director (Research), DIC, Dr. Anil Rai, Assistant Director General (ICT), ICAR, Dr. Randhir Singh Poswal, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, Dr. T S Anurag, Pr. Research Scientist, DIC and Shri Anshul Porwal, Pr. Software Developer, DIC were the other dignitaries present on the occasion.

The objective of the MoU is to integrate the existing Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS) platform of DIC with the proposed Kisan Sarathi program of ICAR and its implementation through ICAR network to reach a large number of farmers across the country.

ICAR and DIC have agreed to collaborate to develop and deploy ICT platforms to establish and operate a multi-media, multi-way advisory and communication system for supporting various agricultural activities at local level. To start with, the Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS) would be deployed at ICAR which is a push-and pull-based system wherein agriculture-related information can be pulled from the farmers using mobile phones. IIDS gives an option to farmers to receive individual needs-based information for only those services to which they have subscribed. The experts at the back end will have access to the farmers’ database while responding to their queries. In this manner, experts would be able to understand the problems raised by farmers or field problems in a better way (KYF – Know Your Farmer) and expeditiously provide appropriate solutions to the farmer in a personalized manner. Currently the IIDS platform has been deployed in North Eastern states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which would be extended to all over the country with this MoU with ICAR.

The DIC will be providing the entire technical solution with support for development, hosting and managing the requisite ICT platform. The ICAR will be managing & monitoring the entire operations through their extension services network in the form of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), various domain specific research Institutes and network of agricultural universities etc., in a phased manner.

10-Mar-2021: ICAR receives King Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020 Award by FAO

Ms. Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand received the prestigious “King Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020 Award” of FAO on the behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research today. H.E., Dr. Chalermchai Srion, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Kingdom of Thailand conferred the award in a Ceremony held at Bangkok, Thailand.

The international recognition was announced by the FAO, Rome on the eve of World Soil Day - 2020 in view of the ICAR’s excellent contributions in “Soil Health Awareness” on the theme “Stop soil erosion, save our future” during the last year.

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh organized a wide array of several programmes with great fervour and enthusiasm for the school students, farming community and general public. The Institute organized a massive awareness campaign for preserving “SOIL - Our Mother Earth” to commemorate the World Soil Day including March-Past and distribution of promotional materials on soil health to the participants.

The Executives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Executives of Land Development, Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand; Soil and Water Conservations Society of Thailand; World Soil Association and Executives of other Departments under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives participated in the event.

9-Feb-2021: MoU between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE)

An MoU was signed between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, to create awareness for energy efficient pump sets and operational practices so as to adopt energy and resource efficient approaches. The MoU was effective from 25th July 2018 to 31 March 2020.

The following benefits were derived by the farmers:

1. Awareness on energy efficiency and conservation in agricultural practices, particularly in using agriculture pump sets, tractors and other machines.
2. Improving fuel efficiency and water resource use efficiency thereby reducing the cost of cultivation so as to increase farmers' income in harmony with strategies of "Per drop more crop" and "Doubling Farmers' income".

The steps being taken by the government are to coordinate with State Designated Agencies (SDAs)/ Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for successfully organizing the farmers training sessions and to provide training materials to SDAs/ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for effectively imparting training to farmers and to provide financial support to KVKs through SDAs for organizing the same.

As part of MoU, ICAR has facilitated in identifying suitable KVKs for organizing training sessions in each of the enlisted states i.e. Punjab, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. Facilitation was done for organizing Farmers Training Sessions and creating awareness at identified KVKs located in selected States.

KVKs engaged suitable officers from regional/state agriculture department for imparting the training to farmers on related subject. Also, KVKs mobilizes local farmers and other stakeholders for participation in training sessions.

During 2018-19 and 2019-20, 49 KVKs organized training programs on energy efficiency (BEE), in which 3644 farmers participated.

9-Feb-2021: Technologies for Agricultural Advancement

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is engaged in developing high-yielding, disease/pest resistant varieties and technologies in crops, horticulture, animal and fisheries science which have enabled food and nutritional security in the country. During the last three years, a total 838 high yielding and trait specific field crop varieties have been developed by ICAR of which 578 are climate resilient, 41 short duration and 47 biofortified varieties. During last three years, 3.53 lakh q breeder seed of 1330 varieties of 61 field crops has been produced as per the indents received from DAC&FW and supplied to the seed producing agencies.

Integrated Farming System (IFS) models (63 till date) developed by ICAR have the potential to enhance the income of farmers. During the last 3 years 18 IFS models, 14 bankable projects on IFS and organic farming packages for 22 cropping systems were developed. During the last 3 years, a total 77 machines and processing equipment were developed to promote mechanisation of small farms & reduce postharvest losses. Total 101 technologies for processing and on farm value addition were also developed. In fisheries, ICAR developed breeding and seed production technologies of 9 food fishes and 12 ornamental fishes, demonstrated cage culture in reservoirs and open sea, developed several cost-effective feeds for fish and shell fish, developed and demonstrated culture technology of pacific white shrimp, farming in inland saline regions of north India and developed and commercialized several nutraceuticals from seaweeds and other aquatic organisms for human health. For health management and increase in productivity of animals of livestock & poultry, ICAR developed vaccines against avian influenza virus, sheep pox, Infectious bursal disease in poultry, Classical Swine Fever and heat tolerant FMD vaccine of livestock.

The R&D efforts undertaken by ICAR are farmer centric. With the purpose of providing technology support to the farmers and the providing technology backstopping of various farmer centric schemes of the Government ICAR sets targets. During 2020 alone, 345 varieties of different crops were developed.

The Government has undertaken several focused developmental programmes, schemes, reforms and policies towards enhancing the income of farmers. These include; Income support to farmers through PM KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil health card scheme, promotion of FPOs, A national Bee & Honey Bee Mission, interest subvention facilities to animal husbandry and fisheries, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Micro Irrigation Fund, Agricultural Mechanisation, Setting up of e-NAM extension Platforms, introduction of Kisan Rail, & creation of Start-up Eco-system in agriculture and allied sector. All these policies and programmes are being supported by higher budgetary allocations, non-budgetary financial resources through creation of corpus funds, and supplementary income transfers under PM-Kisan. The most recent major intervention includes the “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat- Agriculture package” which includes comprehensive market reforms and creation of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund worth Rs. 1.0 lakh crores.   

For providing technology support to the farming community and other stakeholders, ICAR has created the countrywide network of 722 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Besides the Institutes are also supporting the farming community through schemes viz., Tribal Sub Plan, North Eastern Hill Specific Scheme, Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG). Through these interventions, critical inputs besides training and capacity building activities are undertaken. Apart from these schemes, various other extension programmes/ activities at the institute level are organised for capacity building and entrepreneurship generation of the farming community throughout the year. The Council has also established 50 Agri Business Incubators at various ICAR Research Institutes to promote entrepreneurship in agriculture among farmers & budding entrepreneurs.

2-Feb-2021: Agri India Hackathon

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has started organising KRITAGYA- a National level hackathon in the month of August, 2020 to promote innovation in agriculture and allied sectors in the country.

Advantages of organising Agri-Hackathon  are to give opportunity to the students along with faculties, innovators for showcasing their innovative approaches & technologies in agriculture and allied sectors.

Total number of applications received for this event are 784.  Evaluation criteria comprises of uniqueness of the idea, its suitability, value proposition and plan to scale-up technology. Several innovations selected under this initiative focused on robotic harvesting of coconut/oil palm, real time detection of plant diseases and simultaneous site-specific application of pesticides and Women friendly equipment for small farm operations especially for sericulture and fish cutting.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has put in place an Institutional mechanism through Research Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agriculture Universities (AUs) to address the problems being faced by the farming sector.

16-Jul-2020: Indian Council of Agricultural Research celebrates its 92nd Foundation Day

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 92nd foundation day today. On this occasion, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar appreciated the efforts of the agricultural scientists due to which ICAR has contributed immensely in the progress of agriculture in the country during the last nine decades. He said that today India is surplus in foodgrains production due to the research contribution of the scientists and hard work of the farmers. He congratulated the farming community in the country for record production of crops even during the lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic. Shri Tomar also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for bringing in long-awaited agricultural reforms by announcing legal amendments and ordinances which will empower the farmers and help them in getting remunerative prices for their produce. He said that ICAR and KVK scientists also have to ensure that the benefits of contract farming reach the small farmers.

Exhorting the scientists to ensure that in its tenth decade, the Pusa Institute (IARI) gets upgraded from a national institute to an institute of international status, the Minister said that there is need to reduce dependence on imports, increase production of healthy foods and also increase production of pulses and oilseeds. Palm oil production needs to be increased by research and increased cultivation. Laying emphasis on developing new varieties of oilseeds, Shri Tomar said that the near self-sufficiency achieved in pulses production needs to be replicated for oilseeds production also so that import of edible oils is reduced.

On this occasion, 8 new products and 10 publications were released. Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Shri Parshottam Rupala and Shri Kailash Choudhary, Director General, ICAR, Dr. Trilochan Mahapatra, a number of ICAR scientists and officials were present.

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 was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Council is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country. With 102 ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities spread across the country this is one of the largest national agricultural systems in the world.

The ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture in India through its research and technology development, thus making a visible impact on the national food and nutritional security. It has played a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has been recognizing and rewarding the institutions, scientists, teachers, farmers and agricultural journalists every year. This year; nearly 160 awardees under 20 different categories have been selected. These comprise three Institutions, two AICRP, 14 KVKs, 94 Scientists, 31 farmers, 6 journalists and 10 staff members of various ICAR Institutes. It is heartening to note that of the 141 awarded persons 19 are women.

Among the Agricultural Universities and Deemed universities, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar has been bestowed upon the Best Agriculture University Award for the rapid strides in all spheres of teaching, research, extension and innovations, ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochi has been awarded the Best Institution Award among the large institute category whereas, the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai has been adjudged the best ICAR institution among smaller ICAR Institutes category.

All India Coordinated Research Project on Sorghum, Hyderabad and All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize, Ludhiana have been jointly conferred Chaudhary Devi Lal Outstanding All India Coordinated Research Project Award 2019. Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puraskar for KVKs at National Level has been jointly bagged by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Datia, Madhya Pradesh and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh for outstanding extension/ outreach activities having significant impact in developing agriculture and allied sectors of the district.

Six journalists comprising of 4 from Print and 2 from electronic media have been given the Chaudhary Charan Singh Award for agricultural journalism 2019.

4-Jul-2020: Prime Minister reviews progress of Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed the progress of agriculture research, extension and education in India through videoconference earlier today. Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, both the Ministers for State for Agriculture joined the review meeting.  In addition to the Senior officials from PMO, Secretaries from Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairy and Fisheries were present.

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research cum- Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Extension presented the priorities, performance and preparedness to face various challenges. Since 2014,based on the research at various centers of ICAR, new varieties of field crops (1434), Horticulture crops (462) and Climate resilient varieties (1121) have been developed.   Molecular breeding techniques have been used to develop varieties which are tolerant to multiple stress. HD 3226 of wheat and Ark Abed of Tomato are resistant to seven diseases and four diseases respectively.

To meet the requirement for commercial processing verities with processing traits like Ark Vises, Ark Alesha and Ark Yoji have been developed.PM appreciated the efforts towards developing varieties focusing on specific requirements of agro-climatic zones and exhorted the need for developing forward and backward linkages to assure better returns to farmers.

Karan -4, a sugarcane variety has enhanced sugar recovery and has replaced traditionally grown varieties in Uttar Pradesh.PM highlighted that avenues for enhancing bio ethanol from sugarcane and other crops needs to explored.

In an effort to bolster ‘Kuposh Mukt Bharat’ (India free from Malnutrition) 70 bio fortified varieties with enhanced Iron, Zinc and Protein content have been developed. Bhagwa, a variety of Pomegranate is rich in Iron, Potassium, Vitamin C and Anti-oxidants.

Poshan Thali and Nutria-gardens are being promoted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Pilots were conducted in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh involving 76 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and 450 model farms. Anganwadi Workers and women from rural areas are being trained in raising nutria-gardens to ensure balanced diet. Poshan Thali comprises of rice, local dal, seasonal fruit, leafy green vegetable, tubers, other vegetables, milk and other components like sugar, jiggery and oils. 100 Nutri Smart villages are to be created by 2022.

PM highlighted the need to adopt organic and natural farming practices on a cluster based approach.  ICAR has developed geo-referenced  Organic Carbon Map of India , identified 88 bio control agents and 22 Bio pesticides which can promote organic agriculture.

PM directed that start-ups and Agri-entrepreneurs need to be promoted to ensure  innovation and use of technology in Agriculture and allied sectors. He highlighted the need to leverage information technology to provide information on demand  to the farmers. 

He directed that Hackathons may be organized twice a year to  solve identified problems and meet  design needs for tools and equipment that can reduce drudgery if farming activity, given that a large number of farm workers are women.

He exhorted the need to create awareness regarding inclusion of   millets like Jowar, bajra, ragi and several other minor millets in diet to ensure healthy diet.

Climate change stress like heat waves, droughts, cold waves, submergence due to heavy rains cause huge losses and are threat to agricultural livelihoods. Integrated farming systems have been developed to buffer farmers from such climate stress induced losses.  Traditional varieties cultivated by farmers over generations are being screened for stress tolerance and other favorable traits.

In order to enhance water use efficiency, PM desired that awareness and outreach programs be conducted.

While reviewing the contributions of ICAR in developing new breeds of cattle, sheep and goats, Prime Minister highlighted the need for research on indigenous breeds of dogs and horses. He directed that a focused mission mode approach be adopted for vaccination drives for Foot and Mouth disease.

PM   exhorted that  study  of grasses and local fodder crops  should be undertaken to understand their  nutritive value. He highlighted the need to study use of sea weeds  for their impact on soil health apart from  exploring commercial applications in  nutraceuticals.

ICAR introduced Magic seeder in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to address the problem of stubble burning after the harvest of paddy crop.  There is a reduction of 52% in burning events in 2019 in comparison to 2016.

PM directed that ease of access to farm equipment and transport facility from field to markets shall be ensured.  In this regard, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperatives and Farmers Welfare  launched an app – Kisanrath.

PM highlighted the need to orient Agricultural Education and research systems based on agro climatic requirements to meet the demands of the Farmers. The systems are to be geared towards enhancing farmer’s incomes while meeting International standards.

PM exhorted that traditional knowledge of Indian communities should be coupled with technology and skill sets of youth and Agriculture graduates to translate  the full potential of Indian Agriculture in transforming rural areas.

14-Apr-2020: Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar reviews ICAR activities during lockdown

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar reviewed activities of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in helping farmers overcome the problems arising due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of the pandemic. While three ICAR institutes are engaged in COVID-19 testing on humans, ICAR has undertaken several efforts to help farmers during lockdown and given advisories to crores of farmers across the country. Shri Tomar directed all Agricultural Universities to conduct online classes.

During the review meeting, ICAR Director General Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra informed that the ICAR has issued National and state-specific advisory for farmers, translated into 15 regional languages and widely communicated through digital platforms adequately informing the farmers about the exemptions granted to farming related activities during lockdown and important agricultural operations to be carried out following all precautions.

On the directions of the Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, more than 5.48 crore farmers have already been reached through the issue of 1,126 advisories across the states by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through mKisan portal. Dissemination of advisory was also made through WhatsApp groups (4893 KVK WhatsApp groups covering 5.75 lakh farmers) and other digital platforms (reaching 8.06 lakh farmers). 936 News items on advisories issued by KVKs appeared in newspapers; messages were disseminated through broadcast of 193 radio talks and 57 TV programmes.

Research institutes used ICT tools including Expert Systems and Mobile Apps, and provided advisories on appropriate crop management technologies in wheat, rice, maize, pulses, millets, oilseeds, sugarcane, fibre crops, mango, citrus, banana, pomegranate, grapes, litchi, spices, flowers, vegetables, melons and plantation crops such as coconut, arecanut, cocoa and tuber crops.

Advisories to various stakeholders and technologies for processing, value addition and marketing of flower, vegetables and fruit produce have been extended to entrepreneurs, private firms and state governments.

Fisheries Research Institutes under ICAR prepared information, education and communication (IEC) materials in fisheries production for dissemination to various stakeholders engaged in fisheries. Dairy, Livestock and Poultry research institutes of ICAR are creating awareness regarding feeding, breeding and health care of animals as well as minimum processing of milk, eggs and chicken for boosting immunity to fight corona virus.

On the advice of Shri Tomar, the ICAR issued advisory to all Vice-chancellors of Agricultural Universities for taking classes through online mode and most of them are doing so using online tools. ICAR has notified three of its Research Institutes; NIHSAD, Bhopal, IVRI, Izatnagar, and NRC on Equines, Hisar for COVID-19 testing in humans. These institutes have also been designated for COVID testing of samples from Zoo animals by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The NIHSAD, Bhopal has tested 23 suspected COVID-19 samples and all of them were found negative. Dr. Mohapatra said the ICAR will commission studies in climate change, virology and other diseases and undertake research on the transmission of virus from animals and birds in zoos and in the nature to humans and vice versa and whether crops can help fight such challenges.

ICAR institutes and KVKs have prominently disseminated the message for use of Arogya Setu mobile application to fight COVID 19 pandemic. As a result, 25.04 lakh farmers have been reached of which 2.92 lakh farmers have already downloaded the application for their use.

On the directions of Shri Tomar, the ICAR has provided its Guest Houses at various establishments across the country for setting up quarantine facilities besides providing RT-PCR equipment and operating staff for COVID-19 investigation. Dr. Mohapatra said the ICAR is also extending help to affected poor people by providing free food while the DARE/ICAR family has contributed about Rs 6.06 crores to the PM-CARES Fund.

31-Mar-2020: In wake of COVID-19 spread, ICAR issues Advisory to farmers for Rabi crops

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has issued following Advisory for harvesting and threshing of Rabi crops and post-harvest, storage and Marketing of farm produce in the wake of COVID-19 threat:

Harvesting & threshing of crops

Amidst the threat of COVID-19 spread, the rabi crops are approaching maturity. Harvesting and handling of the produce including its movement to the market are inevitable as the agricultural operations are time bound. However, famers are to follow precautions and safety measures to be taken to prevent the disease spread. Simple measures include social distancing, maintaining personal hygiene by washing of hands with soap, wearing of face mask, protective clothing and cleaning of implements and machinery. Workers to follow safety measures and social distancing at each and every step in the entire process of field operations.

• Harvesting of wheat is approaching in several northern states through combine harvesters and their movement within state and between states has been permitted. Precautions and safety measures of workers engaged in repair, maintenance and harvesting operation is to be ensured.
• Mustard is the second important rabi crop, manual harvesting is in progress and threshing is due wherever already harvested.
• Harvesting of lentil, maize and chillies is in progress and gram is fast approaching.
• Sugarcane harvesting is at peak and is also time for manual planting in the north.
• Measures of personal hygiene and social distancing to be followed by those engaged in harvesting of all field crops, fruits, vegetables, eggs and fishes before, during and after executing the field operation.
• In case of manual field operations of harvesting/ picking, accomplish the operation in 4-5feet spaced strips assigning one strip to one person. This will ensure adequate spacing between the engaged labours.
• All the persons engaged should use masks and ensure hand washing with shop at reasonable intervals.
• Maintain safe distance of 3-4 feet during rest, taking of meals, transfer of produce at collection point, loading/unloading.
• Stagger the field operations wherever possible and avoid engaging more number of persons on the same day.
• Engage only familiar persons to the extent possible and after reasonable enquiry as to avoid the entry of any suspect or likely carrier during field activity.
• Prefer mechanized operations over the manual wherever feasible. Only the essential numbers of persons should be allowed to accompany the machine.
• All machines should be sanitized at the entry point and at regular intervals. All transport vehicles, gunny bags or other packaging material should also be sanitized.
• The collection of the produce may be done in small heaps spaced at 3-4 feet and field level processing should be assigned to 1-2 persons/heap to avoid crowding.
• Proper sanitation and cleanliness of threshers for harvested maize and groundnut is to be maintained especially when machines are shared and used by farmer groups. Copious washing of machine parts frequently touched with soap is advised.

Post-harvest, storage and Marketing of farm produce

• While performing drying, threshing, winnowing, cleaning, grading, sorting and packaging operations at the farm level, wearing of protective face mask may help against aerosols and dust particles to prevent respiratory difficulties.
• Ensure proper drying prior to storage of harvested grains, millets, pulses at farm/home and do not use reuse previous seasons jute bags to prevent pest infestation. Use treated and dried gunnies after soaking in 5% neem solution.
• Adequate pre-cautions to be taken for storage of produce at the farm in jute bags that are made available in sufficient numbers to farmers or in nearby cold storages/ godowns / warehouses, if needed for better price realization.
• Adequate personal safety measures to be taken for loading and transporting of farm produce and while participating in sale at market yards/ auction platforms.
• Seed producer farmers are permitted to transport to seed companies with supporting documents and to follow precautions while receiving payments.
• Seed processing/packaging plants and transportation of seed from seed producing states to growing states (South to North) is essential to make available seed for ensuing kharif crops, e.g. SSG seed for green fodder for sowing in April in North comes from Southern states.
• Precautions to be followed for direct marketing/ supply of vegetables such as tomato, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, cucumbers and other cucurbits from farms.

Standing field crops

• The temperature in the most of wheat growing areas is still below long-term average and therefore likely to delay wheat harvesting by at least 10-15 days beyond April 10, therefore, farmers can delay wheat harvesting till April 20 without incurring any significant loss, which gives enough time to manage logistics for procurement and announcement of dates.
• Rabi Paddy in grain filling stage in southern states is widely affected due to neck blast incidence, adequate precautions to be taken while spraying of recommended fungicide by contract sprayers/ farmers.
• In case of any unseasonal rain at harvesting stage in paddy, spray 5% salt solution to prevent seed germination.
• In horticultural crops at fruiting stage such as mango, while carrying out field operations related to nutrient sprays and crop protection adequate precautions in handling of inputs, mixing, delivery and washing of equipment is to be undertaken.
• In summer pulses in rice fallows, whitefly management with proper safety measures may be taken up to prevent yellow mosaic virus incidence.

As per Government of India Guidelines applicable for farmers and farming sector during lockdown period due to COVID-19, the following Agricultural and allied activities have been exempted from the lockdown:

• Veterinary hospitals
• Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations
• ‘Mandis’ operated by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee or as notified by the State Government
• Farming operations by farmers and farm workers in the field
• Custom hiring centres (CHC) related to farm machinery
• Manufacturing and packaging units of Fertilizers, Pesticides and Seeds
• Intra and inter-state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture/ horticulture implements

These exemptions will facilitate unhindered activities related to agriculture and farming so as to ensure essential supplies and farmers do not face any difficulty during the lockdown. Necessary directions to the concerned Ministries/ Department of States and UTs have been issued for implementation during lockdown as per guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI vide No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 24th, 25th and 27th March 2020, additions to clauses 2, 4, 5 and 6 in exceptions based on request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GoI.

Based on the policy directions of GoI, various Ministries/ Departments of State Governments have issued implementation guidelines to facilitate continuation of activities related to Agriculture and allied sectors.

27-Feb-2020: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar chairs 91st Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society

The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has said the Government will soon register 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in order to promote cooperative farming. Addressing the 91st Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society here today, he said budgetary provision has been made to provide each FPO a sum of Rs. 15 lakh for all farming related activities ranging from sowing, harvesting to distribution and marketing.

Shri Tomar, who is also the President of the ICAR Society, said under the directions of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, an ambitious nationwide scheme has been launched to vaccinate 53 crore cattle and goats under Mission mode. Besides, target has been set for doubling of Fisheries harvesting and export and Milk production, he said.

The Minister also called for wider dissemination of Government schemes so that the benefits percolate down to the lowest level among the farmers. For instance, under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), he said, there were apprehensions that Insurance companies gained more than the farmers, besides reports of malpractices at lower level during inspection. With a view to alleviating such concerns, the crop insurance scheme has been turned voluntary now and premium also remains the same, - between one-and-a-half percent to 2%, he said. Shri Tomar said 58% of those who availed PMFBY crop cover were farmers who had availed crop loans. However, the fact is, as against the total sum of Rs.13,000 crore premium collected by insurance companies, a total of Rs.58,000 crore Insurance benefits have been paid to farmers, he added.

Shri Tomar said Agriculture is among the top priority sectors accorded by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The challenge is to strengthen agriculture and rural economy, increase production and productivity, make farming a profitable venture and raise farmers and rural incomes. The Prime Minister has set the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022, added Shri Tomar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal called for synergy between the various R&D institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Universities and academia, PSUs and Industry so that the huge investments being made by each of them yields bigger returns. The Prime Minister has aimed to make India a $5 trillion economy in five years, said Shri Goyal, adding agricultural output and productivity will be a big factor towards achieving the goal. More R&D in agriculture, timely availability of farm credit, mechanised farming and automation will be critical to boost rural economy, he added.

Shri Goyal called upon agricultural scientists to work towards a stage when our agriculture breaks free of the vagaries of nature. He said the Kisan Rail has been announced in this year’s budget and the train with frozen containers will be a big step in transportation and marketing of agriproducts.

In his address, Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State (I/C) Statistics & Programme Implementation and MoS (I/C) Planning, also underlined the need to avoid duplication of R&D. Considering climate change, he called for developing crops that can grow in less water.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Parshottam Rupala, MoS for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, called for increased digitization for targeted agriculture subsidies and rural schemes. He also called for scaling up PPP model with ICAR R&D Extension programme. Shri Rupala said more capital is required in actual R&D since at least 70% share of ICAR Budget goes towards salaries and allowances.

Calling for more food processing industries to boost farmers’ income, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, MoS for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said the agricultural laboratories should be made common property with the participation of all concerned including students and farmers.

Underlining the role of agriculture sector in India’s economy, Shri Kailash Choudhary, MoS for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, also called for concerted efforts towards fulfilling the Prime Minister’s goal of doubling farmers’ income.

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) & Director General, ICAR gave an overview of the organisation’s activities. 229 varieties of new crops were released in the last one year, including 189 climate resilient crops.

On the occasion, Shri Tomar and other dignitaries released a number of ICAR publications and various kits and Mobile Apps developed by the ICAR.

18-Mar-2017: ICRISAT, ICAR join hands for crop improvement.

Climate-smart crops, Smart Food and modernization of breeding database are some of the core areas of research in a new agreement between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and ICRISAT. The agreement was signed on 15 March.

ICAR wishes to see this collaboration benefitting the Indian farmers and we will achieve this through partnership and continuous monitoring by both sides to achieve real impact.

ICAR and ICRISAT will continue to work together on crop improvement and agronomy programs for grain legumes and dryland cereals. Other areas of focus over the next three years include: Integrating systems modelling tools enabling informed decisions for upscaling climate-resilient agriculture, developing genetic and genomic resources of finger millet and enhancing genetic gains for priority traits.

Dryland cereals and grain legumes are branded as Smart Food – good for consumers, farmers and the planet – as they diversify farming systems and help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change.

A very successful example of the years of partnership between ICAR and ICRISAT is the release of 42 improved and short-duration varieties of chickpea. ICAR-ICRISAT varieties now make up 53% of chickpea breeder seed indent in India. The collaboration has also successfully developed a machine-harvestable chickpea that has been released in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. This reduces harvesting time and drudgery for farmers, thus increasing their profits from the crop.

In addition to setting the terms of the collaboration from 2016 to 2018 and the transfer of agricultural technologies between the two institutes, the partnership includes funding for research on grain legumes and dryland cereals and support for the Smart Food initiative to deliver sustainable and nutritionally rich products to consumers. On the crop improvement front, the agreement will also facilitate research activities on transgenic pigeon pea and chickpea for insect resistance.