Why in NEWS
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) marked its 97th Foundation Day on 16th July 2025, celebrating its critical role in ensuring food and nutritional security and transforming Indian agriculture through innovation and capacity building.
Key Concepts and Definitions
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ICAR | Apex body under the Ministry of Agriculture for agri-research and education |
| Green Revolution | Period of rapid agricultural productivity increase due to high-yielding seeds |
| Bio-fortified crops | Nutritionally enhanced crop varieties developed to fight hidden hunger |
| Genome editing in agriculture | Precise alteration of DNA in crops to improve yield, disease resistance, etc. |
| PM-ONOS | PM-One Nation One Subscription – scheme for agricultural knowledge access |
| Clean Plant Programme | Govt initiative to ensure availability of disease-free planting materials |
| MAHARISHI Initiative | Mission for Agricultural Health, AI, Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability |
Highlights of ICAR’s Contribution
| Domain | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Food and Nutritional Security | Boosted India’s foodgrain, milk, fish, and egg production manifold since 1950–51 |
| Research & Innovation | Released 679 crop varieties, including bio-fortified and genome-edited rice; 90% contribution to basmati exports |
| Horticulture & Livestock | Developed 83 horticulture varieties, new fish breeding protocols, 10 livestock breeds, and improved agri-machines |
| Climate-Smart Farming | Developed GAPs, reduced rice methane emissions by 18%, promoted agroforestry and organic farming |
| Capacity Building | Conducted 18.57 lakh farmer trainings, awarded ASEAN fellowships, implemented PM-ONOS, reduced stubble burning |
| Global Engagement | Collaborated with G20, SAARC, ASEAN; launched Global Millets Centre, genome-edited 40 crops under MAHARISHI |
Key Government Initiatives Promoting Agriculture
| Focus Area | Scheme / Initiative |
|---|---|
| Credit & Insurance | Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PMFBY, RWBCIS |
| Mechanisation & Infrastructure | SMAM, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) |
| Research & Technology | National Research Centre for Makhana, Project VISTAAR, GKMS |
| Organic & Sustainable Farming | Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) |
| Institutional Support | RKVY, Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) |
| Market Access | Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs |
| Social Security | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PMKMY) |
| Skill Development & Education | Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), STRY, Student READY Programme |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code – “FRESH CROP”
Food security
Research
Education
Sustainability
Horticulture
Climate-smart
Resilience
Organic
Production boost
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following is not associated with ICAR’s achievements?
a) Genome-edited rice varieties
b) PM KISAN Direct Benefit Transfer
c) Reduction in methane emissions from rice cultivation
d) Contribution to basmati rice exports - Consider the following statements:
- ICAR was established in 1949 as a statutory body under Parliament.
- ICAR is involved in livestock research and education.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
- What is the objective of the Clean Plant Programme?
a) Reduce post-harvest losses in fruits
b) Ensure availability of virus-free planting material
c) Encourage organic certification
d) Promote seed subsidies
Answers to Prelims Questions
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | PM KISAN is a direct benefit scheme, not developed or implemented by ICAR |
| 2 | b | Statement 1 is wrong (ICAR was formed in 1929 as a society); Statement 2 is true |
| 3 | b | The Clean Plant Programme ensures high-quality, disease-free planting materials |
