NEW DELHI, 17 July 2026: Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform Indian agriculture while releasing 43 new crop varieties, 17 agricultural technologies and 14 publications during the 98th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi.
Addressing scientists, researchers and farmers, Chouhan outlined a vision for "Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan" as a cornerstone of the government's Viksit Bharat 2047 mission. He announced several key initiatives, including the development of 100 Climate Smart Villages, expansion of ICAR technologies to 100 million farmers, the launch of an ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform, the "One Institute-One Grand Innovation" programme, stricter action against counterfeit seeds and pesticides, and a target of generating INR 10,000 crore in internal resources by 2029 through technology commercialisation.
Describing the relationship between farmers and scientists as central to India's agricultural success, Chouhan said, "If farmers are the soul of agriculture, scientists are its brain. Miracles happen in our fields only when government policy, farmers' hard work and scientific talent work together."
The minister also announced the regularisation of services for more than 150 ICAR employees, calling it the correction of a long-pending injustice.
Focus shifts from quantity to quality
While acknowledging India's achievements in foodgrain, horticulture, dairy and fisheries production, Chouhan stressed that the next phase of agricultural growth must prioritise quality over quantity.
He said climate change and the possible impact of El Niño require greater focus on climate-resilient agriculture, district-specific planning and agricultural risk management. He also urged scientists to develop export-oriented, high-quality and health-friendly agricultural products as India gains access to new international markets.
Seven-point roadmap for agriculture
Among the major announcements, Chouhan said ICAR would establish 100 Climate Smart Villages before its centenary to demonstrate sustainable farming, water conservation and integrated farming systems.
Under the "One Institute-One Grand Innovation" initiative, every ICAR institute has been tasked with developing at least one transformative innovation—whether a crop variety, vaccine, digital tool or climate-smart technology—within the next two years.
He also proposed observing the next two years as "Mission ICAR-100," during which Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will evolve into innovation, climate advisory and startup support centres. Every KVK will visit at least 100 villages to showcase ICAR technologies directly to farmers.
The proposed ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform will make scientific advisories, weather updates, soil health information and instructional videos available to farmers through smartphones.
Action against fake inputs
Highlighting farmers' concerns over counterfeit seeds and pesticides, the minister called for stronger legal provisions and urged scientists to develop simple field-level diagnostic tools that can help farmers verify the authenticity of agricultural inputs.
He also emphasised the need for ICAR to become financially self-reliant by commercialising crop varieties, vaccines and agricultural technologies while continuing to receive government support.
New technologies and agreements
The Foundation Day celebrations also witnessed the release of 43 improved crop varieties, 17 technologies and products, and 14 scientific publications covering high-yielding crops, biofortified varieties, livestock and fisheries vaccines, and digital agriculture solutions.
More than 70 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and technology licensing agreements were signed with private companies and startups to accelerate the transfer of ICAR innovations to farmers.
Chouhan praised ICAR's contribution to controlling diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and said indigenous vaccines, improved seed varieties and advanced technologies would strengthen India's agricultural self-reliance.
The event was attended by Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministers of State Ramnath Thakur, Bhagirath Choudhary and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, senior officials, scientists and representatives from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities across the country.
