Parliament Question: Research Agenda of the ICAR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1814 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10TH FEBRUARY, 2026 RESEARCH AGENDA OF THE ICAR 1814. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to constitute a high-powered committee of eminent agricultural scientists, technocrats and policy experts to review, restructure and modernise ICAR’s research agenda, governance and field-level impact; (b) whether ICAR has formally obtained State-wise feedback from State Governments on region-specific constraints, crop failures, climate risks and farmers’ unresolved problems; (c) the roadmap adopted by ICAR to undertake decentralised, location-specific research aligned with each State’s agro-climatic, soil and geophysical conditions; (d) whether the Government proposes to introduce a statutory accountability framework to ensure transparency, measurable outcomes and farmer-responsive research within ICAR; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY) (a): Government, from time to time, constitutes high-power committees comprising distinguished agricultural technocrats and other experts to review the research programmes and initiatives of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and to suggest ways for enhancing research output of the ICAR. Notable among these are: Dr G.V.K. Rao Committee (1988), Dr Johl Committee (1995), Mashelkar Committee (2005) and Dr T. Ramasami Committee (2017) which have suggested ways for strengthening inter-institutional linkages, functional autonomy in research-related matters, improving the research base, strengthening the ICAR–industry interface and farmers out-reach for further strengthening the organization. Last such committee was constituted in 2017 under the chairmanship of Dr Deepak Pental to undertake an outcome-based review of various ICAR schemes implemented during the XII Five- Year Plan period. 1(b): ICAR takes the stock of various researchable issue of the states through regional committee meetings, which are attended by the State Agricultural Departments of the region. Field-level issues/problems were identified through participatory farmer-scientist interactions, focused group discussions, on-field observations, and inputs from extension personnel during Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) organized from 29 May to 12 June 2025 across the country. ICAR has identified “One Team-One Task” programme to address the broad researchable issues. Crop specific consultation with stakeholders have also been organised covering pulses, cotton, soybean, and sugarcane. Since agriculture is the State Subject, ICAR supports State Governments in the development and demonstration of location specific and improved agricultural technologies through its institutes, Agricultural Technology Applications Research Institutes (ATATRIs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). The 731 KVKs spread all over the country are serving as the district Agricultural Technology Knowledge Centres for demonstration, dissemination and refinement of scientific technology suitable for farmers and other stake holders of the district or location. (c): The ICAR conducts research specific to the local climatic and geophysical conditions for suitability of technologies in various agro-ecological zones, soil types, climatic type, and crop suitability, allowing for region-specific research and technology development. ICAR collaborates with SAUs through All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) for addressing localized researchable issues. The ICAR also promotes climate-resilient agriculture through development of drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient water management practices, and sustainable farming techniques suitable to local climatic stresses. At district-level, KVKs provide training, frontline demonstrations, on-farm trials and location-specific technological backstopping. (d) & (e): ICAR a nearly century-old institution, has evolved into one of the world’s largest networks of agricultural research, education and extension. Since independence, ICAR has played a pivotal role in ensuring national food security through scientific and technological advancements, and has significantly contributed to positioning India as a net exporter of agricultural commodities. The Council has established a mechanism of scientific audit protocol for research activities, wherein the research programs/ activities of all ICAR institutes undergo annual monitoring by the Research Advisory Council (RAC) and a comprehensive evaluation every five years by the Quinquennial Review Team (QRT). These committees, assess institutional progress and provide guidance on future research directions. Besides, the Institute Research Committee (IRC), oversees the planning, execution, and periodic review of in-house research projects. All these evaluations are for assessing the scientific output, institutional governance, and financial efficiency. In addition, the Government, from time to time, undertakes external evaluations of ICAR’s schemes/ programs to assess the impact of its research programmes and to recommend measures for improving research efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of farmers. The recent such evaluation was undertaken during 2020–21, covering ICAR schemes implemented during the period of 2017–2020. ******** 2