ICAR to release 323 new varieties of 56 crops

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its "one scientist, one product" programme and release 323 new varieties of 56 crops, including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane, on its 96th foundation day.

Key Highlights

• Programme Launch: The "one scientist, one product" programme aims to improve research in agriculture and animal husbandry. It will be inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• New Varieties: ICAR will announce the release of 323 varieties, which include 289 climate-resilient and 27 bio-fortified varieties.
• Five-Year Plan: The programme requires each of the 5,521 ICAR scientists to develop a product, technology, model, concept, or publication, with progress monitored quarterly at the institute level and biannually at the headquarters level.

Reason Behind the Initiative

• Enhancing Research and Innovation: The initiative encourages scientists to focus on specific products or technologies, fostering innovation and improving the quality of research outputs.
• Climate Resilience and Nutrition: Developing climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop varieties addresses challenges posed by climate change and nutritional deficiencies.
• Government Prioritization: The government is prioritizing seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses varieties as part of its broader agricultural strategy.

Impact of the Initiative

• Increased Production: The deployment of climate-resilient technologies has already led to enhanced production, even during abnormal weather conditions.
• Nutritional Security: Bio-fortified varieties contribute to improved nutritional security, with significant areas under crops like wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard being cultivated with these varieties.
• Innovation and Collaboration: The programme promotes collaboration among scientists and aligns research efforts with national priorities, ensuring that agricultural research addresses pressing issues effectively.

Required Measures

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring at both institute and headquarters levels ensures accountability and progress towards targets.
• Support for Scientists: Providing resources and support for scientists to develop innovative products and technologies is crucial for the success of the programme.
• Policy Integration: Integrating the outcomes of this programme into broader agricultural policies and initiatives will enhance its impact and sustainability.

Mains Practice Question

Q: Discuss the significance of ICAR's "one scientist, one product" programme in enhancing agricultural research and addressing challenges posed by climate change and nutritional deficiencies.