Renowned for its pioneering tobacco research since 1947, the ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI) is starting a revolutionary journey to expand its mission and tackle the issues facing commercial agriculture
Renowned for its pioneering tobacco research since 1947, the ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI) is undergoing a radical transformation to expand its mission and tackle the problems of commercial agriculture. The National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA) is the new name for the institute, which focuses on developing high-value crops like castor, ashwagandha, turmeric, and chilli.
The change is a reaction to international tobacco control legislation, the decrease in tobacco use, and increased public health concerns. Despite tobacco’s economic importance, there is growing concern over its cultivation. A multidisciplinary expert committee was established by ICAR in 2020 to rethink the institute’s function in light of these difficulties.
For commercial crops, ICAR-NIRCA will take the lead in research on post-harvest management, climate resilience, crop development, and export promotion. Its breakthroughs, which include genome editing, precision agriculture technologies, and the creation of value-added products, are intended to increase farmer incomes and fortify India’s place in international agricultural markets. The institute’s enlarged mandate is in line with India’s goal of a $5 trillion economy, in which agriculture will play a key part. To improve farm profitability and export preparedness, ICAR-NIRCA intends to make use of digital tools, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building programs.
This change in approach also responds to the increasing need for diverse value chains and sustainable farming methods. With its leadership, ICAR-NIRCA is taking a big step to guarantee innovation and sustainability in Indian agriculture, strengthening the country’s standing as a major exporter of high-value commercial crops. In the meantime, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute for Research on Crop Adaptation, or ICAR-NIRCA, is celebrating its foundation day at its Rajahmundry headquarters on Tuesday, the 21st, to commemorate the organization’s name and change of jurisdiction.
Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, the Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Steel, will be the main guest at the function. Turmeric Board Chairman Palle Gangareddy, Rajahmundry MP and BJP State President Daggubati Purandeswari, and ICAR Deputy Director General (Crop Science) Dr. TR Sharma, who will speak at the event, are among the notable guests. It is anticipated that the institute’s vision and contributions to agricultural research and development would be highlighted on the foundation day.
