New Delhi: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its ICAR Foundation Day by highlighting major achievements in agricultural research, including the development of 386 improved crop varieties across 44 crops during the past year, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday.
Addressing the 98th Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi, Chouhan described ICAR as the trailblazer of India’s agricultural transformation. He said 94% of the newly developed varieties are climate-resilient, while 29 are biofortified. He stressed that farmers are the soul of agriculture and scientists are its brain, calling for demand-driven research, self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, quality agricultural education and wider technology transfer through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network.
The event reaffirmed ICAR’s commitment to science-led, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural development to support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Celebrated every year on July 16, the day marks the establishment of the Council in 1928.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh urged greater use of the KVK network to speed up the transfer of research and technology to farmers, livestock keepers and fishers. He said the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and ICAR would strengthen research and innovation.
ICAR Foundation Day showcases new technologies and partnerships
DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Dr M.L. Jat presented the Council’s achievements under the theme “Reflecting on 365 Days, Reimagining Agriculture for Viksit Bharat 2047.” He said higher production in crops, horticulture, livestock and fisheries generated nearly ₹1.70 lakh crore in additional economic value during 2025-26. Agricultural research alone contributed an estimated ₹55,000 crore.
Dr Jat said ICAR technologies directly reached nearly one crore farmers and over five crore more through media and social media platforms. He added that 18 international MoUs strengthened global collaboration in agricultural research.
During the programme, ICAR released 43 improved crop varieties, 17 advanced agricultural technologies and 14 publications. The technologies included climate-resilient rice varieties, export-oriented mango production technology, India’s first indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine, a Digital Swine Disease Atlas and an affordable cassava harvester for small farmers.
The Council also handed appointment letters to 150 temporary daily-wage workers, regularising their services. In addition, ICAR signed 72 MoUs with 51 industry partners to speed up the commercialisation and delivery of research-based technologies to farmers.
Senior government officials, agricultural scientists, university leaders, industry representatives, farmer organisations and students attended the ICAR Foundation Day celebrations.
