The 96th Foundation and Technology Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was inaugurated by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan marked the occasion by planting a sapling alongside agricultural scientists, officers, and employees of the institute. The Union Ministers also inaugurated an exhibition organized for the event.
During the ceremony, 25 new crop varieties and several products made from crop waste were released, alongside vaccine kits for animal and fisheries. Scientists were felicitated, and several ICAR publications were unveiled.
Chouhan emphasized the importance of creating model farms for small-holding farmers, stating that agriculture is the soul of the Indian economy and farmers its backbone. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and highlighted the necessity of diversifying agriculture to achieve this.
Chouhan encouraged scientists to set and achieve targets over four years, stressing the significance of practical application of scientific research to benefit farmers.
He highlighted ICAR’s development of 6,000 varieties, urging for their practical use in the fields. Chouhan called for enhanced connectivity between farmers, scientists, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
He also emphasized the need for scientists to spend time in fields to better educate farmers. The minister underscored the importance of boosting production in animal husbandry, fish farming, and crop production, while paying attention to the effects on human health and promoting natural farming.
The event also saw the participation of Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, MoS Bhagirath Chaudhary and MoS Ram Nath Thakur, MoS Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurien, and Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, along with Secretary (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) & Director General (ICAR) Himanshu Pathak.
Speaking on the occasion Rajiv Ranjan Singh stressed the need for prompt implementation of contracts signed with ICAR to benefit farmers. He noted that livestock and fisheries contribute significantly to the GDP and have the potential to increase this contribution if given proper attention.
Singh highlighted India’s achievements in fisheries and called for further promotion of livestock and fisheries to enhance exports and milk production.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur emphasized the need for better storage systems for grain production and the development of non-toxic fertilizers.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, praised ICAR’s visible impact in both laboratories and fields, noting the potential benefits of classified semen in increasing female calf births.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Chaudhary highlighted the importance of supporting farmers who feed the nation and the need for a digital revolution in agriculture. He stressed the necessity of increasing productivity, particularly in water-scarce areas, and involving KVKs in public awareness campaigns.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries Shri George Kurien noted India’s position as the second-largest producer of fish in the world. Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized ICAR’s role in making India a global agri-exporter through technological advancements.
