Why in the News?

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme on July 16 to improve research in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About ICAR (Objective, Functions, etc.)
• News Summary (About ‘One Scientist, One Product’ Scheme)

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research:

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The Council is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.
• The ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture in India through its research and technology development.
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Functions of ICAR:

• Agricultural Research and Development:
  • Conducts and promotes research in various fields of agriculture, including crop science, animal science, horticulture, fisheries, natural resource management, and agricultural engineering.
  • Develops new technologies, practices, and innovations to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Education and Training:
  • Oversees agricultural education and ensures high standards through a network of agricultural universities and colleges.
  • Provides training and capacity-building programs for farmers, extension workers, and scientists to disseminate knowledge and skills.
• Policy Support and Advisory Role:
  • Advises the government on policy matters related to agriculture, food security, and rural development.
  • Supports the formulation of national agricultural policies and strategies.
• Extension Services:
  • Implements extension programs to transfer technology from research labs to the fields.
  • Works closely with state agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and other extension agencies to provide farmers with timely information and assistance.
• Resource Management:
  • Focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, including soil, water, and biodiversity.
  • Develops and promotes practices that enhance resource-use efficiency and environmental sustainability.

ICAR to Launch ‘One Scientist, One Product’ Scheme:

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will launch its "One Scientist-One Product" program to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry.
• This initiative will coincide with the release of 323 varieties of 56 crops, including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane, during an event in Delhi on the 96th foundation day of ICAR. Among these, 289 are climate-resilient and 27 are bio-fortified varieties.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the "One Scientist-One Product" program.

About One Scientist One Product Program:

• As per ICAR Director-General, each of ICAR's 5,521 scientists will be tasked with developing a product, technology, model, concept, or notable publication.
• Scientists will identify their project at the start of each year, with progress monitored quarterly at the institute level and biannually at the headquarters.
• This program will run for five years, with an initial focus on high-yielding oilseeds and pulses.

ICAR’s Aim to Develop High-yielding Seeds:

• ICAR aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of the Centre’s action plan, with plans to have PM Modi launch these programs by mid-September.
• In a recent update, ICAR noted that breeder seeds have helped cultivate about 16 million hectares (Mha) with bio-fortified crops like wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard in 2023-24.
• Since 2014-15, ICAR has released 2,593 high-yielding varieties, including 2,177 climate-resilient and 150 bio-fortified varieties.
• This effort has boosted production even during challenging years.