The 97th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
In his address, the Minister described scientists as the modern-day sages of the nation and applauded their tireless dedication. He emphasized that continuous efforts by agricultural scientists have enabled India to achieve significant milestones in the farming sector.
Highlighting India's progress, the Minister noted that in the past 11 years, the country has witnessed historic growth in foodgrain, horticulture, and milk production. Between 2013 and 2025, foodgrain production saw an average annual increase of 8.1 million tonnes, the highest growth rate ever recorded. Horticulture production increased by 7.5 million tonnes per year, while milk production grew by 10.2 million tonnes annually from 2014 to 2025.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is undergoing a new agricultural revolution. The Minister affirmed that the country is not only self-sufficient but is also exporting grains such as wheat and rice. He appreciated the launch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which has already identified over 500 research themes for focused innovation in agriculture.
The Minister urged scientists to intensify research to improve the per-hectare productivity of oilseeds and pulses, such as mustard and groundnut. Enhancing yields in these crops, he said, will be vital in making India self-reliant in edible oil production.
Considering that a large portion of Indian farmers cultivate on marginal lands, the Minister stressed the importance of developing small, affordable, and efficient agricultural tools. He encouraged research institutions to prioritize this segment in their innovation agendas.
Shri Chouhan made it clear that forcing farmers to buy unnecessary products or selling them spurious seeds and fertilizers will no longer be tolerated. The government is planning to launch a toll-free helpline for farmer grievances and is also working on establishing low-cost fertilizer centers, similar to the Jan Aushadhi Kendras for medicines.
Field-Oriented Research and Local Solutions : Research agendas will now be determined not just in Delhi, but directly based on ground-level needs of farmers. The Minister emphasized the importance of working on the principle of “One Team, One Goal”, encouraging scientists to remain responsive to regional agricultural challenges and deliver practical solutions.
