97th Foundation Day of ICAR Celebrated with Address by Union Agriculture Minister
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan marked the 97th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi today. The event celebrated the contributions of agricultural scientists, with awards presented to outstanding individuals in various categories, including women and young researchers. Additionally, the minister inaugurated the ‘ViksitKrishi Exhibition,’ which highlights innovative agricultural technologies, and announced the release of ten new publications aimed at advancing agricultural research.
Significant Achievements Recognized
During the celebration, Minister Chouhan acknowledged the hard work of ICAR and its impact on the agricultural sector. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the 800 million Indians who benefit from the public distribution system. The minister emphasized that the Foundation Day should be celebrated as a festival, recognizing the vital role ICAR plays in food security and agricultural development. He praised the scientists as modern-day sages, highlighting their contributions to the welfare of farmers and the agricultural community.
Chouhan also noted the impressive growth in India’s agricultural output, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has achieved record levels of food production. He pointed out that foodgrain production has increased significantly, with an annual growth rate of 8.1 million tonnes projected from 2013-14 to 2025. The minister underscored the importance of this growth in ensuring food security for the nation.
Focus on Sustainable Practices
The Union Minister addressed the challenges facing the agricultural sector, including climate change and fragmented landholdings. He stressed the need for sustainable farming practices and called for a shift towards natural farming methods. Chouhan urged scientists to focus on producing high-quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products. He highlighted the importance of enhancing the productivity of pulses and oilseeds, emphasizing the need for intensified research and innovation in these areas.
Moreover, he announced plans to establish a toll-free grievance number for farmers to report issues related to agricultural inputs. This initiative aims to combat exploitation in the agri-input market and ensure that farmers have access to quality products. Chouhan also proposed the creation of low-cost fertilizer centers, similar to Jan Aushadhi Kendras, to provide affordable agricultural inputs.
Future Research Directions
Minister Chouhan outlined a vision for future agricultural research, emphasizing that it should be guided by the needs of farmers rather than solely determined by research institutes in Delhi. He called for a collaborative approach, urging ICAR to form dedicated scientific teams focused on farmer welfare. The minister highlighted the need for advanced technologies, including portable fertilizer testing tools, to assist farmers in managing their crops more effectively.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
