ICAR develops 386 improved varieties of 44 crops in one year
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
ICAR celebrated its 98th Foundation Day on 16 July 2026, highlighting the development of 386 improved crop varieties in the past year. This underscores India's commitment to climate-resilient and biofortified agriculture, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Background
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1928. It has been instrumental in strengthening India's agricultural research, education, and extension system, boosting productivity, and ensuring food and nutritional security.
Key facts
ICAR developed 386 improved varieties of 44 crops in the past year.
94% of these varieties are climate-resilient.
29 varieties are biofortified.
ICAR celebrated its 98th Foundation Day on 16 July 2026.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called ICAR the pioneer of agricultural transformation.
He emphasized demand-driven research, climate-resilient agriculture, self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, and technology commercialization.
An MoU between the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and ICAR was signed to strengthen research and technology transfer.
KVK network expansion was urged to accelerate technology transfer from labs to farmers.
Prelims pointers
- ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Established: 1928
- Foundation Day: 16 July
- KVK: Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- Biofortified varieties: 29
- Climate-resilient varieties: 94% of 386
- Viksit Bharat 2047
- MoU: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and ICAR
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of ICAR in achieving food security and climate-resilient agriculture in India.
- Critically examine the significance of biofortified crop varieties in addressing malnutrition.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of KVK network in technology transfer to farmers.