New Delhi, 15 July 2024 | ANN

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is working to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm techologies within a 100-day timeframe.

ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak said, “We’re actively working on two key action plans: ‘100 new seed varieties in 100 days’ and ‘100 technologies in 100 days”.

The initiative, part of the government’s 100-day action plan, primarily focuses on climate-resilient and biofortified seed varieties, besides farm technologies.

ICAR has 5521 scientists working nationwide who are instrumental in developing new seed varieties across various crops, including rice, wheat, and horticulture. The technologies under development focus on water management, mechanisation, and plant protection.

It is celebrating its 96th Foundation and Technology Day tomorrow. ICAR was originally established as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, on July 16, 1929.

Himanshu Pathak also told that ICAR is prioritising seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses by establishing ‘seed hubs’ at ICAR institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras which would help in penetration of high yield seed varieties at the farm level.

The plan includes expanding oilseeds hubs to 174 districts and creating model village hubs for pulse seeds in 130 districts.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the two-day celebrations marking ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day on July 16.
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