ICAR celebrates 96th Foundation and Technology Day
17 July 2024, New Delhi: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 96th Foundation Day here today. ICAR is a autonomous body established on 16th July 1929. He inaugurated the technology exhibition 2024.The exhibition displayed various technologies/products developed by ICAR. The major attraction was fruit diversity show displaying nearly 400 mangoes, 80 bananas, 50 temperate fruits and 120 minor fruit varieties. Developers of 40 technologies were felicitated for their outstanding contributions in agricultural developments.
Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Rural Development and President of ICAR Society graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He urged practising Natural Farming techniques to maintain the soil health and provide a sustainable environment for the future generation. Mr. Chouhan emphasised introducing model farms for small and marginalised farmers for better production and increased income. The agriculture minister accentuated ‘Lab to Land’ – Technology based agricultural practises helping farmers yield better crops & maximise income. He highlighted increasing the production of oilseeds and pulses to reduce the cost of imports and make Indian farmers ‘Atmanirbhar’. The Minister accentuated addressing the challenges related to climate-change and contribute in creating a healthy environment. He emphasized India’s potential to become the ‘Global Food Basket’ by maximizing exports and minimizing imports.
Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, spoke about the importance of fisheries and animal development, stating that 70% of the Indian population relies on it for livelihood. Mr. Singh further added that the development of a sex-sorted semen merged with an IVF vaccine is underway, aiming to make the vaccine more affordable for animal farmers.
Mr. Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, emphasized the need for research-based methods to address the farming techniques’ shortcomings. recommended maximizing production and minimizing costs to improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
Mr. Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, urged maintaining the soil quality which is degrading due to excessive use of fertilisers. Mr. Thakur advocated for a research-based approach to reduce fertilizer usage and promote natural farming for improved health and hygiene.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj stated that PM Modi’s vision of doubling farmers income can be achieved by using the farming techniques provided by the ICAR experts. Mr. Baghel expressed concern over depleting ground water levels and deteriorating health conditions of cattle.
Mr. George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, said that India is the 2nd largest producer of fish in the world. He also expressed concern over the food security of the country.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) highlighted the contributions of ICAR during 2023-24. A total of 323 varieties of 56 crops including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane were released during 2023-24. IFS models for small and marginal farmers of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were developed. He presented the achievements of livestock production, Fishery, Farm Equipment, natural resource management and Agricultural Extension. He also highlighted the agricultural education, skill development and ICAR outreach during the period.
Mr. Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) welcomed the guests and highlighted the role of ICAR in Research and Education.
Ms. Alka Nangia Arora,Additional secretary (DARE) & Financial Advisor (ICAR) also graced the occasion.
Mr. Anil Kumar, Assistant Director General, (Technical Coordination) delivered the vote of thanks.
All the Directors of ICAR-Institutes and senior officials were present in the programme.
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