ICAR To Launch ‘One Scientist, One Product’ Scheme

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to unveil a groundbreaking initiative that promises to revolutionize the landscape of agricultural and animal husbandry research in India. The ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme, scheduled for launch on July 16, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to advancing agricultural science and technology.

The Launch Event: Celebrating Innovation and Progress

96th Foundation Day Celebrations

The launch of this innovative scheme coincides with ICAR’s 96th foundation day, adding to the significance of the occasion. The event, to be held in Delhi on Tuesday, will serve as a platform to showcase ICAR’s recent achievements and future initiatives.

Distinguished Leadership

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will preside over the inauguration of the ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme, underscoring the government’s support for agricultural research and innovation.

Unveiling Agricultural Advancements

Release of New Crop Varieties

A highlight of the event will be the formal announcement of 323 new varieties across 56 crops. This diverse range includes:

• Cereals
• Oilseeds
• Forage crops
• Sugarcane

Of particular note within these new releases are:

• 289 climate-resilient varieties: Designed to withstand various environmental stresses
• 27 bio-fortified varieties: Aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of crops

The ‘One Scientist-One Product’ Programme

Objective and Scope

This innovative programme aims to focus and streamline research efforts in agriculture and animal husbandry. By assigning specific products or research areas to individual scientists, ICAR hopes to:

• Enhance specialization
• Improve research efficiency
• Accelerate the development of new agricultural technologies and products

ICAR’s Ambitious 100-Day Action Plan

100-100-100 Initiative

In alignment with the Centre’s 100-day action plan, ICAR has set ambitious targets:

1. Development of 100 new seed varieties
2. Creation of 100 new farm technologies

These goals are to be achieved within a tight timeframe of 100 days, demonstrating ICAR’s commitment to rapid innovation and development in the agricultural sector.

Achievements in Bio-fortification and Climate Resilience

Expanding Bio-fortified Crop Coverage

ICAR reports significant progress in the adoption of bio-fortified crop varieties:

• Total area under bio-fortified varieties: 16 million hectares (Mha)

Crop-wise breakdown:

• Wheat: 13 Mha
• Rice: 0.5 Mha
• Pearl millet: 1.5 Mha
• Lentil: 0.50 Mha
• Mustard: 1.0 Mha

Climate-Resilient Technologies

The organization emphasizes the success of its climate-resilient technologies, noting enhanced production even during years with abnormal weather conditions.

A Decade of Agricultural Innovation (2014-15 to 2023-24)

Impressive Varietal Development

Over the past decade, ICAR has made remarkable strides in crop variety development:

• Total high-yielding varieties released: 2,593
• Climate-resilient varieties: 2,177 (83% of total): These varieties offer resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses
• Bio-fortified crop varieties: 150