Over the Past Year, ICAR Developed 386 Improved Varieties Across 44 Crops, Including 94% Climate-Resilient and 29 Biofortified Varieties: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Why in news

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day in New Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to science-led agricultural transformation.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Economy, Science & Technology · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. ICAR celebrated its 98th Foundation Day on July 16.
2. ICAR was established in 1928.
3. The Council aims for science-led, climate-resilient, and farmer-centric agricultural development to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047.
4. ICAR plays a pivotal role in strengthening India's agricultural research, education, and extension systems.
5. It drives technological innovations, enhances productivity, improves farmers' livelihoods, and ensures national food and nutritional security.
6. Over the past year, ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops.
7. Of these, 94% are climate-resilient varieties.
8. Among the new varieties, 29 are biofortified.
9. Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, called ICAR the 'Trailblazer of India's Agricultural Transformation'.

Prelims pointers

• ICAR Foundation Day: July 16.
• Establishment year of ICAR: 1928.
• Number of improved varieties developed by ICAR in the past year: 386.
• Percentage of climate-resilient varieties among new developments: 94%.
• Number of biofortified varieties developed: 29.
• Key roles of ICAR: agricultural research, education, extension, technological innovations, productivity enhancement, farmer livelihoods, food and nutritional security.

Mains practice question

Evaluate the role of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in driving science-led agricultural transformation and ensuring food and nutritional security in India. Discuss the significance of its recent contributions, particularly in developing climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties.

Static linkage

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences in the entire country. Its establishment in 1928 marked a significant step towards institutionalizing agricultural research in India, laying the groundwork for future agricultural revolutions and ensuring food security.

Significance

ICAR's continuous efforts in developing improved and climate-resilient crop varieties are crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food and nutritional security in the face of climate change. Its focus on biofortified varieties addresses hidden hunger and improves public health. By strengthening research, education, and extension, ICAR contributes significantly to farmer welfare, rural development, and the broader vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by fostering sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.