ICAR Advances Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Food Security

In a pivotal move to bolster India’s agricultural framework and align with the country’s vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is driving groundbreaking research in conservation agriculture. This initiative emphasizes climate-resilient systems for wheat and barley aimed at reinforcing national food security, enhancing self-reliance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

During a recent visit to the ICAR–Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) and the ICAR–Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) in Karnal, Dr. M. L. Jat, the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, evaluated ongoing research efforts. He was accompanied by a media team from Delhi to witness firsthand the advancements made in agricultural practices.

Strengthening Food Security

Dr. Jat expressed confidence in India’s wheat production capabilities, anticipating a commendable yield this year that not only caters to domestic needs but also positions the country to assist others globally. He underscored ICAR’s commitment to innovating climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crop varieties to mitigate climate challenges, ultimately benefiting farmers’ incomes and enhancing public health. Notably, new innovations like Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) enable farmers to reduce fertilizer usage by 25% while sustaining productivity, thereby aiding both environmental health and agricultural efficiency.

Innovative Research Initiatives

India’s agricultural landscape has evolved from a state of food insecurity to a surplus production capacity since the Green Revolution. However, it now faces challenges including groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and the impacts of climate change. To address these issues, ICAR has partnered with international bodies such as CIMMYT, BISA, and JIRCAS to foster innovative research aimed at developing locally adapted, resource-efficient cropping systems.

Since 2009, the ICAR and CIMMYT collaboration at CSSRI has implemented a conservation agriculture research platform. This platform has yielded impressive results, including an 85% reduction in irrigation water usage, a 28% decrease in fertilizer application, and a 46% drop in greenhouse gas emissions. These advancements have also resulted in a significant boost in household incomes by nearly doubling them, enhancing national food and nutrition security.

Monitoring Wheat Diseases

During the visit, Dr. Jat reviewed the Indian Wheat Rust Research and Surveillance Programme, fundamental for safeguarding wheat crops from disease threats such as stripe and stem rust. This initiative has established critical monitoring frameworks, enabling rapid diagnostics and strategic advisories to mitigate risks. Over 30 institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras contribute to wide-ranging surveillance operations covering nearly 10 million hectares across the country.

Future of Nutritional Security

Addressing nutritional security, ICAR has introduced 55 biofortified wheat varieties enriched with essential micronutrients like iron and zinc. Currently, 45% of the wheat cultivation area benefits from these varieties, illustrating the growing farmer adoption and high replacement rates.

Impact on Barley Research

Barley research at IIWBR is also gaining momentum, recognized for its low water and fertilizer requirements, making it a prime candidate for sustainable agriculture. With rising demand in various sectors, barley’s health benefits further support its establishment as a key crop in modern agricultural practices.

By aligning innovative scientific research with practical field implementations, ICAR continues to empower farmers, uplift rural economies, and foster sustainable livelihoods for future generations. This effort strongly reaffirms India’s dedication to resilient, self-sufficient, and sustainable agricultural practices.

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.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn