Why in news?
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on 16 July 2025 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi. The event honoured scientists, launched a Viksit Krishi Exhibition, unveiled new publications and highlighted ICAR's achievements in boosting agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
Background
ICAR, established in 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, is the premier body responsible for coordinating agricultural research and education in India. It oversees more than 100 institutes and 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country. ICAR's work underpinned the Green Revolution and continues to drive innovations in crop improvement, livestock, fisheries, horticulture and natural resource management.
Key points
- Foundation Day event: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 97th Foundation Day celebration. National Agricultural Science Awards were conferred on outstanding scientists, including women researchers and young innovators. The minister opened the Viksit Krishi Exhibition displaying advanced agricultural technologies, released ten new publications and signed several memoranda of understanding to strengthen research collaborations.
- Achievements highlighted: India achieved record foodgrain production of 353.95 million tonnes in 2024-25, with rice at 149.1 million tonnes and wheat at 117.3 million tonnes. Milk production reached 239.3 million tonnes, making India the world's largest milk producer. Horticulture output was projected at 367.72 million tonnes. The minister credited advanced ICAR varieties and technologies for the growth in cereal, pulse and oilseed production.
- Flagship initiatives: ICAR launched programmes such as "One Scientist One Product", "100 Days 100 Varieties" and "100 Days 100 Technologies" to accelerate innovation and outreach. The "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan" identified 500 priority research topics for crop-specific consultations. In August 2025, the Prime Minister released 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop varieties.
- Sectoral advances: ICAR developed 679 field crop varieties in 2024-25, including 27 bio-fortified ones. It made significant progress in horticulture (83 new varieties), fisheries (precision shrimp farming and nutraceutical products) and natural resource management (National Soil Spectral Library and methane-reducing microbial consortia). In livestock, ICAR registered ten indigenous breeds, developed vaccines and smart dairy sensors.
- Policy directions: During the event, the minister emphasised natural farming, enhanced productivity of pulses and oilseeds, development of compact machinery for smallholders and strict regulation of seeds and fertilizers. He announced a toll-free grievance helpline for farmers and proposed affordable fertilizer outlets similar to Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Conclusion
ICAR's 97th Foundation Day showcased India's strides in agricultural research and underscored the need to translate scientific innovations into farmer-centric solutions. Continued investment in climate-resilient crops, digital agriculture and value-added products will be essential to ensure food and nutritional security for a growing population.