ICAR 98th Foundation Day: Vision for Developed Agriculture and Prosperous Farmers by 2047
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlined a roadmap for developed agriculture and prosperous farmers by 2047 at ICAR's 98th Foundation Day. He announced key targets including 100 climate-smart villages, reaching 10 crore farmers with ICAR technology, and strict laws against fake seeds and pesticides.
Background
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) is the apex body for agricultural research and education in India. Its foundation day is celebrated annually to highlight achievements and set future goals for the agricultural sector.
Key facts
ICAR celebrated its 98th Foundation Day on July 16, 2026, at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized 'Quality over Quantity' in agricultural production.
Target: Develop 100 climate-smart villages before ICAR's 100th foundation year.
Target: Reach 10 crore farmers with ICAR technologies.
Announced 'One Institute - One Grand Innovation' initiative for transformative innovations from each ICAR institute.
Strict laws to be enacted against fake seeds and pesticides.
Launch of ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform to provide free scientific information to farmers on mobile.
43 new crop varieties, 17 technologies, and 14 publications released to empower farmers.
Over 150 daily-wage employees were given regular appointment letters for the first time.
Focus on climate-resilient agriculture, district-level planning, and agricultural risk management.
Prelims pointers
- ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, apex body for agricultural research under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Established: 16 July 1929 (98th foundation day in 2026).
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Climate-smart villages: concept for climate-resilient agriculture.
- One Institute - One Grand Innovation: initiative for transformative innovation.
- ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform: free digital platform for farmers.
- Related schemes: PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card, e-NAM, etc.
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of agricultural research and technology in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Examine the challenges of climate change on Indian agriculture and the effectiveness of climate-smart villages.
- Analyze the impact of fake seeds and pesticides on farmer welfare and the need for strict regulation.
- Evaluate the significance of digital platforms in disseminating agricultural knowledge to farmers.