The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is a statutory body established in 1946 by the Indian government to co-ordinate and guide agricultural research and education in the country. It is the apex body for agricultural research under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Education (ICAR&E).

Key Highlights:

• Major thrust areas: Agroforestry, Agricultural Extension, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Processing and Nutrition, Crop Improvement, Livestock and Fisheries, Agricultural Meteorology, and Soil Science.
• National Research Projects: ICAR has ongoing national research projects in various fields of agricultural research.
• Institutions: ICAR has 28 research institutes, 5 National Bureaus, 4 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and 11 Central Research Institutes.
• Publications: ICAR publishes scientific journals, books, and other publications on agricultural research.
• Technology transfer: ICAR plays a role in transferring agricultural technology to farmers.
• Training and capacity building: ICAR provides training and capacity building programs for agricultural researchers and extension personnel.

Major Achievements:

• Development of new crop varieties and livestock breeds
• Improvement of agricultural practices
• Increase in agricultural productivity
• Development of new technologies for crop protection and soil management
• Dissemination of agricultural technology to farmers

Challenges:

• Need for greater investment: ICAR faces challenges in terms of inadequate funding and resources.
• Getting technology to farmers: There is a need to ensure that agricultural technology developed by ICAR reaches farmers in a timely and effective manner.
• Climate change: ICAR is working to adapt its research programs to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Overall, ICAR plays a crucial role in driving agricultural research and development in India. Its work has contributed significantly to the country’s agricultural progress and food security.

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

• Official website: icar.org.in/
• Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Council_of_Agricultural_Research
• ICAR Annual Report: icar.org.in/annual-report-2021-22/