ICAR Society holds 93rd AGM, Minister Tomar lauds the role of agri-scientists

New Delhi: The 93^rd Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) Society was recently organized at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi.

Delivering his presidential address, Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare stated that the government is committed for the betterment of the Indian Agriculture as the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has always encouraged the farmers and scientists of the country to compete at the global level. This has led to the steady increase in the export of agricultural products from India.

Union Minister underlined the establishment of the ICAR in 1929. The pivotal role played by the Council through its research and technology development in creating the food and nutritional security in the country with the untiring cooperation of farmers and scientists over the Years was also highlighted by the Union Minister.

Tomar underlined the record production of the food grains and horticultural products in the country that has made us self-sufficient to meet not only the domestic demands enabled to supply the same to the different countries as well. “In terms of many agricultural products, India ranks first or second in the world and we aim to establish the quality of our products and our credibility as a trusted brand in the world”, said Tomar.

The Union Minister regarded the quality to be important for enabling the farmers to get the fair prices for their products.

Tomar stated that the hard work of the farmers, efficient research of scientists and farmers’-friendly policies of the government have led the Indian Agriculture to grow even during the challenging times of COVID-19 Pandemic. He urged the Council to start the preparations for its Centenary celebrations (in the Year – 2029) at the national and international levels. Mentioning the Indian Natural Farming Method, he also regarded the Waste-to-Wealth as the principle of the nature.

Tomar said that while the ICAR is making the farmers aware of the new techniques and methods, the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is committed to take forward the Digital Agriculture Mission. This, he stated, will reduce the farmers’ cost of cultivation and increase the facilities.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying urged for recognizing the local techniques of the small farmers. The encouragement of the Cheese made from Banshi Gir Cow’s Milk for the export was also stressed by the Union Minister. Rupala suggested the ICAR to get benefitted from the upcoming 3 Events – G20 Conference, International Dairy Programme and Jamnagar getting International recognition in Ayurveda.

Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare urged for working in pace with the visions of the Prime Minister. He said that there is a scope for working in the field of horticulture. Mentioning about a number of plants that are being imported, the Minister urged for developing their varieties in the country itself.

Congratulating the Union Agriculture Minister, Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog stated that in the current Financial Year, India’s Agricultural exports have crossed 50 Billion Dollars. He said that there has been an increase of about 22% in a single Year. He also suggested working by making a systematic strategy for promoting the natural and organic farming.

Highlighting the Council’s Progress Report of the Year, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) underlined the development of 389 new varieties by the ICAR during the last Year. The DG mentioned the focus on Crops and Pulses Varieties. Dr. Mohapatra stated that the new researches in food crops and horticultural arenas have benefited the country to a large extent.

The Members of ICAR Society; Members of ICAR Governing Body along with Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); Sanjiv Kumar, Financial Advisor (DARE) and Senior Officials & Scientists of ICAR were also present during the occasion.

The Ministers released the various ICAR Publications and Products during the occasion.

The distinguished members suggested the ways to enhance the agricultural sector during the occasion.