The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has set up a high-level Special Task Force to address emerging global challenges in agriculture and prepare mitigation strategies for food and input security. The initiative focuses on improving farmer outreach, soil health, crop diversification, and technology-led farm management. It also aims to strengthen institutional coordination and speed up action across research and extension systems.
Expanded Farmer Outreach
The campaign under
- Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav
is being widened to improve direct engagement with farmers. The plan gives priority to 100 aspirational districts. Existing institutional structures will be used to deliver a complete package of practices and build confidence at the field level.
Soil Health And Fertiliser Use
A dedicated drive will promote balanced use of fertilisers and bio-inputs. District-wise assessments will be carried out to rationalise fertiliser consumption in major crops such as wheat and rice. The objective is to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce wasteful input use.
Crop Diversification And Land Use
Detailed mapping of millet-growing regions is being undertaken to improve land-use efficiency. The strategy also supports high-value alternatives in low-productivity rice areas. Eco-fisheries are among the options being considered to raise income during the kharif season and reduce dependence on a single crop system.
Technology, Monitoring And Advisory Support
Mechanical solutions such as Direct Seeding of Rice are being promoted to improve farm operations. The All India Coordinated Research Project on Meteorology will be strengthened to provide real-time advisories to farmers. Nodal officers have been appointed in each Subject Matter Division to monitor weekly progress and prepare a consolidated actionable plan. The task force will meet as required and use institutional feedback to support government decision-making.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026