NEW DELHI, 28 April 2025: Strengthening the call for science-driven progress, Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, stressed the urgent need for evidence-based policymaking in the agricultural sector during an interactive meet organized by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) recently.
The event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NAAS and TAAS to bolster collaboration in agricultural science, research, and policy development. Two eminent scientists, Dr. M.L. Jat and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, were felicitated for their recent appointments to key leadership positions.
Dr. Jat emphasized aligning agricultural goals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Amrit Kaal, calling on the sector to adopt science-led, resilient, and sustainable practices. He stressed the importance of creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening internal systems, building external capacities, and adopting integrated approaches to manage the diversity of Indian agriculture.
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, Dr. Himanshu Pathak reiterated the need for promoting scientific thinking and expanding partnerships between ICAR, CGIAR, and Special Innovation Teams (SIT) to drive future innovations.
Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman of TAAS, outlined key national challenges including food security, nutritional security, and environmental sustainability. He advocated for regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient farming practices as critical strategies for the future.
The ceremony, attended by leading agricultural scientists like Dr. P.K. Joshi, Dr. Ashok K. Singh, and Dr. W.S. Lakra, concluded with a collective commitment to promoting innovation, evidence-backed reforms, and inclusive growth in India’s agricultural sector.
