The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a significant player in the field of agriculture, celebrated its 92nd foundation day on July 16th, 2020. This Institution has played an active role in shaping India’s agricultural sector since its inception in 1929.
About ICAR
Established on July 16, 1929, ICAR is a registered society formed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. An autonomous organisation, it operates under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The headquarters of ICAR is located in New Delhi.
With an extensive network of 102 ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities distributed across the nation, ICAR stands as one of the significant national agricultural systems worldwide.
Role of ICAR in Indian Agriculture
ICAR functions as the apex body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in various agricultural fields, including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences throughout the country.
The organization has held a pioneering role in ushering the Green Revolution and driving subsequent developments in India’s agriculture sector with its commitment to research and technology development. Such advancements have allowed the country to multiply the production of foodgrains by 5.6 times, horticultural crops by 10.5 times, fish by 16.8 times, milk by 10.4 times and eggs by 52.9 times from 1950-51 to 2017-18.
The Farmers Innovation Fund
To further strengthen its contribution to Indian agriculture, ICAR has proposed to start a Farmers Innovation Fund.
National Farmers Day: Kisan Diwas
Every year, on December 23, ‘Kisan Diwas’ or National Farmers Day is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a former Prime Minister of India.
Father of the Green Revolution and the Nobel Peace Prize
Dr. Norman E. Borlaug is known for his notable work in global agriculture, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 and the title “Father of the Green Revolution.”
The World Food Prize
This prestigious award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture”, was awarded in 2020 to Dr. Rattan Lal. The first recipient was Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, credited as the father of India’s green revolution, who received the award in 1987.
World Food Day
The World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16, seeks to address global hunger (SDG 2-Zero hunger). This day emphasises the ongoing battle against world famine and undernourishment.
