The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day in New Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to advancing science-led, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural development for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Celebrated annually on 16th July, ICAR Foundation Day commemorates the establishment of the Council in 1928. Over the past 98 years, ICAR has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s agricultural research, education and extension systems, driving technological innovations, enhancing productivity, improving farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring national food and nutritional security.

On this occasion, 43 improved crop varieties, 17 advanced agricultural technologies and 14 publications were released. The new technologies included Basmati rice and climate-resilient rice varieties tolerant to saline and alkaline soils, export-oriented mango production technology, India’s first indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine, a Digital Swine Disease Atlas and an affordable cassava harvester for smallholders. Appointment letters were also handed over to 150 temporary daily-wage workers, regularizing their services.

To accelerate technology commercialisation and last-mile delivery, 72 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with 51 industry partners, facilitating faster transfer of ICAR-developed technologies to farmers.

Addressing the gathering, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development described ICAR as the trailblazer of India’s agricultural transformation, stating that the Council’s scientific research and innovations have significantly contributed to the country’s record achievements in foodgrain, horticulture, milk and fisheries production. He informed that ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops during the past year, of which 94 per cent are climate-resilient and 29 are biofortified. Emphasizing that “farmers are the soul of agriculture, while scientists are its brain,” he underscored the need for demand-driven research, climate-resilient agriculture, self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, quality agricultural education, commercialization of technologies and wider dissemination of innovations through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network.

 Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj called for expanding the outreach of research through the KVK network to ensure faster transfer of technologies from laboratories to farmers, livestock keepers and fishers.

Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare said that the remarkable progress achieved in the agriculture and dairy sectors reflects the Government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and rural prosperity.

Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare observed that India’s journey from food scarcity to self-reliance reflects the collective efforts of agricultural scientists and farmers. He emphasized that science-led research, natural farming and farmer-centric innovations are essential to addressing climate change, improving soil health and achieving self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds.

Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj stated that the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 can be realized only through science-led agriculture, advanced technologies and innovation. He highlighted the importance of promoting technologies such as sex-sorted semen, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, fisheries, natural farming, micro-irrigation and nano-fertilizers to enhance farmers’ income and make agriculture more productive and sustainable.

Presenting ICAR’s annual achievements under the theme “Reflecting on 365 Days, Reimagining Agriculture for Viksit Bharat 2047,” Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted the Council’s major accomplishments during 2025-26 and outlined its roadmap for advancing agricultural research, innovation, education and extension. He stated that increased production in crops, horticulture, livestock and fisheries generated an additional economic value of nearly Rs 1.70 lakh crore during the year, with agricultural research contributing an estimated Rs 55,000 crore, demonstrating the substantial returns on investment in agricultural science.

Dr Jat further informed that scientific technologies reached nearly one crore farmers directly and over five crore farmers through media and social media platforms, while 18 international MoUs strengthened ICAR’s global collaborations. He reaffirmed ICAR’s commitment to promoting science-driven, demand-led and sustainable agricultural transformation for building prosperous farmers and realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.