Agricultural Research Ethics and Rural Development Programmes - AGR575 PDF

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ETHICS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES- AGR575 Compiled by Dr. Sapna Jarial, Assistant Professor Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab...

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ETHICS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES- AGR575 Compiled by Dr. Sapna Jarial, Assistant Professor Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab UNIT II Agriculture Organizational setup in India : National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), regional agricultural research institutions, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), International Agricultural Research Centres (IARC), partnership with NARS National Agricultural Research System (NARS) India has built up a fairly advanced agricultural research system. The Indian NARS is one of the largest systems in the world. The effective functioning of this system, in close association with education and extension systems, has greatly contributed to the rapid growth of agriculture after independence. Historical Perspectives The Famine Commission Report of 1880 led to the creation of the Departments of Agriculture at the Center as well as in the Provinces with the primary duties of undertaking scientific enquiry and improvement in agriculture apart from famine relief. Dr J.A. Voelcker, Consulting Chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, laid the foundation for agricultural research in India in 1890s. His recommendations led to the appointment of the Imperial Agricultural Chemist in 1892, the Imperial Mycologist in 1901, and the Imperial Entomologist in 1903. This was the beginning of inducting scientific temper into agriculture. Most importantly, his work was instrumental for the establishment of the Imperial (now Indian) Agricultural Research Institute in 1905 at Pusa, Bihar. Agricultural Colleges were also established at Pune, Kanpur, Sabour, Nagpur, Coimbatore, and Lyallpur (now in Pakistan). Organized scientific research on the problems of livestock started with the establishment of the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory (now known as Indian Veterinary Research Institute) at Mukteswar in 1889. This was preceded by the establishment of Veterinary Colleges at Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, and Lahore (now in Pakistan). With the constitutional changes of 1919, responsibility for agriculture was transferred to the Provincial Governments. On the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Agriculture (1928), the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established as a Registered Society in 1929, which was funded mainly through a lump sum grant from the Government and the proceeds from the cess levied on certain commodities exported from 1 India. After independence, the Council was renamed as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on June 10, 1948. In addition to the ICAR, a number of Central Commodity Committees were established to deal with research in respect of particular crops or commodities. These Committees were semi- autonomous bodies financed by grants from the Government of India, or by income from the cess levied on particular commodities. The Indian Central Cotton Committee was established in 1921 and set the tone for an organized research on the basis of a network. Its success subsequently led to the establishment of a number of other Commodity Committees, viz. Indian Lac Cess Committee in 1931; Indian Central Tobacco Committee in 1945; Indian Central Oilseeds Committee in 1947; Indian Central Areca nut Committee in 1949, and Indian Central Spices and Cashew nut Committee in 1958. After independence, the research system has undergone some major changes. First, a number of State Agricultural Universities were established following the recommendations of the first Joint Indo- American Team in 1955. The first one was established in 1960 at Pantnagar in Uttar Pradesh and other States followed suit. There are now 37Agricultural Universities spread over different States. In addition, there are four National Institutes of the ICAR, which are involved in higher agricultural education at the postgraduate level. These are: (i) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi; (ii) Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar; (iii) National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal; and (iv) Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai. These Institutes have Deemed University status, and offer their own degrees and diplomas in agriculture and allied areas. There is also a Central Agricultural University (CAU) at Imphal to cater to the needs of North-Eastern States. Second, on the basis of critical reviews and specific policy issues emanating from the recommendations of various Review Committees, the ICAR was reorganized first in 1965 to bring centrally sponsored research activities relating to crops, commodities, animal sciences, and fisheries under one umbrella. The Commodity Committees were abolished and their research institutes as well as those under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture were merged with the ICAR so that problems of agricultural research could be viewed in their totality. The rules and bye-laws of the Council were revised to make it functionally more effective, technically competent and autonomous. The Governing Body was reconstituted, making it pre-eminently a body of scientists and those with interest in or knowledge of agriculture. An eminent agricultural scientist was appointed as the Executive Head of the ICAR and was designated as the Director General. Though this greatly increased its responsibilities, the Secretariat of ICAR continued to be an attached office of the Department of Agriculture (DOA), thus limiting its effectiveness. In particular, the personnel policies and recruitment system were not found appropriate. Later, the second reorganization, following the appointment of another Review Committee in 1973, conferred on it greater autonomy and flexibility in operation, management and recruitment. A new, but small, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) was set up in the Agriculture Ministry to provide the ICAR with necessary linkage to deal directly with the Central and State Governments on the one hand and the International Organizations on the other, without going through the Department of Agriculture. The Director General of the Council concurrently became the Ex-officio Secretary (DARE) to the Government. 2 The composition of the Council was modified so as to restrict the membership and make it a more business-like body with the Minister for Agriculture as its President. The Governing Body was also restructured and made much more effective with the Director General as its Chairman. The country was divided into eight agro-ecological zones and Regional Committees were set up for each of these zones. To broad base the decision-making process at the institute level, Management Committees were set up under the Chairmanship of their respective Directors. A new personnel policy was evolved and an All India Service called the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) was created in 1975 to facilitate optimum utilization of the available manpower. Consequently, a new Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), with an eminent scientist as a full-time Chairman and assisted by two scientists as Members, was established to recruit scientists to various positions in the ICAR. To ensure complementarity in the research programmes of different institutions and provide a mechanism for joint evaluation of new technologies by the scientists through multi-location testing, the concept of All India Coordinated Research Projects was evolved. The first one, the All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project, was launched in 1957. The concept was later extended to other crops, commodities, animal species, and several other areas of research. Thirdly, an innovative programme known as the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) was launched in 1979, with World Bank support, to strengthen the regional research capabilities of the Agricultural Universities to undertake location-specific and need-based research on the basis of identified agro-climatic zones. Finally, a major programme called the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) was launched in 1997, with the World Bank support, mainly to consolidate the gains of NATP through technology assessment and refinement. The Present System India has one of the largest agricultural research systems in the world with the largest number of scientific personnel of any developing country engaged in research and education relating to agriculture and allied areas. The research system includes approximately 30,000 scientists and more than 100,000 supporting staff actively engaged in research related to agriculture. Although the total number of scientists engaged in agricultural research in India looks very impressive, it compares less favourably with many developed nations in the world. The research system has evolved over years of innovation and experimentation, and it has withstood the test of time remarkably well. The present agricultural research system comprises essentially two main streams, viz. the ICAR at the national level and the Agricultural Universities at the state level. Besides, several other agencies such as the Conventional / General Universities, Scientific Organizations, and various Ministries / Departments at the Center, and also Private or Voluntary Organizations participate directly or indirectly in research activities related to agriculture. The ministers for agriculture as follows: Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and President ICAR 3 Shri Ramnath Thakur Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 1. The ICAR System a) Mission: Sustainable growth of Indian agriculture by interfacing education, research and extension initiatives complimented with efficient and effective institutional, infrastructure and policy support, that will create a proper fit between the humanity and its habitat. b) Vision: “To harness science to ensure comprehensive and sustained physical, economic and ecological access to food and livelihood security to all Indians, through generation, assessment, refinement and adoption of appropriate technologies.” c) Mandate: 1. To plan, undertake, aid, promote and coordinate education, research and its application in agriculture, agro-forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and allied sciences. 2. To act as a clearinghouse of research and general information relating to agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and allied sciences through its publications and information system, and instituting and promoting transfer of technology programmes. 3. To provide, undertake and promote consultancy services in the fields of education, research, training and dissemination of information in agriculture, agro-forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and allied sciences. 4. To look into the problems relating to broader areas of rural development concerning agriculture, including post-harvest technology by developing co- operative programmes with other organizations such as the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and the Universities. 5. To do other things considered necessary to attain the above objectives of the Society. Among the major scientific organizations in the country, ICAR is unique in having concurrent responsibility for both research and education. As an apex body at the national level, ICAR is mainly responsible for the promotion and coordination of agricultural research in the various branches of agriculture and allied sciences in the country. In addition to its promoting and coordinating roles, ICAR is also directly involved in undertaking research at the national level, basic as well as applied, on diverse problems facing production of crops, animals, fisheries, etc., with the objective of evolving new production technologies suited to different agro-climatic conditions. Just as the University Grants Commission (UGC) plays a major role for the general education in the country, ICAR plays a similar role in the area of agricultural education. The Charter of the ICAR also includes extension education, which is carried out through a network of projects and other mechanisms. 4  Organizational Structure As a Registered Scientific Society, ICAR now enjoys an autonomous status and it follows mutatis mutandis Government of India rules and regulations. It observes all procedures for the preparation of its plan, their scrutiny and approval by the Planning Commission, Finance Department, etc. The Minister for Agriculture in the Government of India is the President and the Minister of State for Agriculture is the Vice-President of ICAR. The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), charged with the responsibility of recruiting scientists as well as for looking after their career advancement in the ICAR system, is headed by a full- time Chairman who is assisted by two eminent scientists as Members. The Chief Executive of ICAR is the Director General, who is an eminent senior agricultural scientist. He concurrently acts as the Ex-officio Secretary (DARE) to the Government of India. He advises the Government on all matters connected with agricultural and animal husbandry research and education in the country that are referred to him. Figure 1: organizational set up of ICAR The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare , Government of India. Formerly known as Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, it was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in pursuance of the report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture. The ICAR has its headquarters at New Delhi. The Council is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country. With 113 ICAR institutes and 74 agricultural universities spread across the country this is one of the largest national agricultural systems in the world. The ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture in India through its research and technology development that has enabled the country to increase the production of foodgrains by 6.21 times, horticultural crops by 11.53 times, fish by 21.61 times, milk by 13.01 times and eggs by 70.74 times since 1950- 51 to 2021-22, thus making a visible impact on the national food and nutritional security. It has played a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture. It is engaged in cutting edge areas of science and technology development and its scientists are internationally acknowledged in their fields. 5  Indian Council of Agricultural Research, in the recent past, has reoriented its research for developing the technologies for addressing the national priorities and market demands. While enhancing the productivity and production for nation’s food security, biofortification for nutrition, abiotic and biotic stress tolerant varieties, production technologies for climate change stresses, high value integrated farming systems for higher farmers’ income, specific export potential varieties and products to penetrate the new global destinations are included in the new Research & Development priorities. As we are reimagining Indian agriculture, several long-term of priorities are also set. These include increasing use of renewable energy to 50%, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 45% and rehabilitating 26 million ha degraded land. India has several international commitments such as Panchamrit and carbon neutrality, land degradation neutrality, biodiversity conservation, regional agricultural development and SDGs. ICAR has embarked upon working for standardization, validation and demonstration of organic and natural farming including chemical-free technologies through its research institutes and KVK network. Research on genomics and genome editing would be the core research activity the ICAR is pursuing vigorously for technological breakthroughs in the areas and commodities where traditional breeding could not yield desired results. Precision agriculture, digital interface and use of digitally advance technologies, techniques and tools are on the rise in agriculture to facilitate timely monitoring of weather, plant and soil indicators and provide artificial intelligence-based advisories to the farmers. Strategies and protocols for use of drones, sensor-based automation, solar photovoltaic pumping systems, etc. will pave the way for their large- scale adoption by the farmers THE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES SYSTEM As agriculture is a State subject, the responsibilities for research, education and extension rest with the State Governments. Prior to 1960, agricultural research in the States, essentially on local problems, was carried out by the State Departments of Agriculture supported by Agricultural Colleges. During the past 30 years, research and education have been transferred to the Agricultural Universities, and the State Departments of Agriculture organize extension services. The Universities are supported by their respective State Governments. ICAR provides financial support and assists their research and education programmes. 6 The University Education Commission (1949) recommended the setting up of `Rural Universities'. This was endorsed by the two Joint Indo-American Teams in 1955 and in 1959, as well as the Ford Foundation Study Team in 1959. In 1960, the Agricultural Universities Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ralph W. Cummings prepared certain guidelines for the establishment of Agricultural Universities in different States, and the ICAR gave necessary support. The first Agricultural University was established at Pant Nagar in Uttar Pradesh (Nowadays in Uttarakhand) in 1960, patterned on the Land-Grant System of the United States. The Second Education Commission (1964-66) recommended at least one Agricultural University in each State, and ICAR prepared a Model Act in 1966. All the States have now at least one Agricultural University each. Though the Model Act specifies that only one University shall be established in each State, which was later endorsed by the National Commission on Agriculture, many States have established multiple Universities to meet regional needs. There are at present 45 Agricultural Universities including the Central University in the North Eastern Region. These include two veterinary and animal science universities, one in Tamilnadu and another in West Bengal. Some Agricultural Universities, as in Maharashtra State, have affiliated colleges. This goes against the provisions of the Act. In 1978, a Review Committee appointed by the ICAR reviewed the functioning of each Agricultural University and made a number of recommendations. Recently, in 1988, the USAID National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of India Research Infrastructure of the ICAR 1. Central Research Institutes 2. Project Directorates 3. National Research Centres 4. Research Schemes/Projects 5. All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) 7  6. National Agricultural Research Project(NARP) 7. Technology mission in agriculture 8. Adhoc research schemes 9. Centres of advanced studies 10. Special schemes Research Infrastructure of the ICAR 1) Central Research Institutes a) Research Management Academy-NAARM b) National Bureaux c) Crop Science Institutes d) Horticulture and Plantation Crops Institutes 8  e) Resource Management Institutes f) Technological Institutes g) Animal Science Institutes h) Fisheries Institutes i) Social Science Institutes a) Crop Science Institutes: Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack. Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibers (CRIJAF), Barrackpore. Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI), Rajahmundry. Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi. Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI), Coimbatore. Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), Lucknow. Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur. Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), Almora. Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur. b) Horticulture and Plantation Crops Institutes: Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore. Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow. Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar. Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Trivandrum. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasargod. Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (CIRH), Bikkaner. Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla. Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Calicut. Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi. c) Resource Management Institutes: Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCR&TI), Dehradun Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur Central Research Institute for Dry land Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad ICAR Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Barapani ICAR Research Complex for Goa (ICAR-GOA), Ela ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-ER), Patna Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal d) Technological Institutes: Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCT), Bombay 9  National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fiber Technology (NIRJAFT), Calcutta Indian Lac Research Institute (ILRI), Ranchi Central Institute of Post-harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Ludhiana e) Animal Science Institutes: Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG), Makhdoom Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB), Hisar National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bangalore f) Fisheries Institutes: Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Cochin Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, (CIFT), Cochin Central Institute of Brackish-water Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneshwar g) Social Science Institutes: Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), New Delhi National Center for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NCAP), New Delhi Research Infrastructure of the ICAR Although agriculture is a State subject, ICAR has established many Central Research Institutions over the years to meet the agricultural research needs of the country. These are essentially meant for: (i) implementing research mandates extending beyond the administrative boundaries of the States; (ii) pursuing basic research not undertaken by most Agricultural Universities; (iii) evaluating research results through multi - locational testing; and (iv) developing manpower for Agricultural Universities and other agricultural institutions. A. Central Research Institutes: ICAR directly administers 49 research institutes in the areas of crop, animal and fishery sciences. They are: (a) Research Management Academy: National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) originally started as Central Staff College for Agriculture, at Hyderabad provides research management training to the agricultural scientists in the country. In addition, it organizes seminars, conferences and workshops, both national and international, based upon the scientific studies and reviews undertaken on the management problems encountered in the research system. It publishes training materials and functions as a repository of information in the field of agricultural research and education management. Besides meeting national needs as a premier management institution, the Academy has now 10 developed an institutional capability to act as a Regional Training Centre in this part of the World.(b) National Bureaux: In order to collect, conserve and initiate such measures as would lead to long-term productivity of basic resources like plants, animals, fish, soil, and water, ICAR has established four national bureaux. They are: 1. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) at New Delhi undertakes research and coordinates activities in germplasm collection; introduction and exchange of seeds and plant materials; and characterization, documentation, maintenance, and conservation of genetic resources for utilization in crop management. 2. National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) at Nagpur is engaged in the preparation of soil map of India; preparation of district level soil resource inventories; soil correlation and classification at national level; research in soil genesis and classification; imparting training in soil survey and mapping; soil taxonomy, land use planning, etc; and establishment of a soil data bank for use in agricultural research and extension. 3. National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) at Karnal is engaged in the collection, maintenance and conservation of animal genetic resources for utilization in livestock improvement. 4. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) at Lucknow is engaged in the collection, conservation and efficient utilization of fish genetic resources. (c) Crop Science Institutes: There are nine crop science institutes carrying out basic and applied research on specific crops and transferring the results thereof. They are: 1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at New Delhi is the premier agricultural institution engaged in basic and applied research in crops, postgraduate education and training, extension education, and transfer of technology. It has a Deemed University status, and awards postgraduate degrees in various disciplines of crop science. 2. Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) at Cuttack is engaged in basic and applied research in all disciplines of rice culture; in the generation of information for planning adaptive research; and serves as a centre of information on all matters concerning rice production, protection and conservation. 3. Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibers (CRIJAF) at Barrackpore is engaged in developing varieties of jute suitable for different jute growing areas; in developing appropriate crop management and crop protection technology including broad types of farm tools and implements for jute and allied fibers; and in the production of breeder and foundation seeds of jute. 4. Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) at Rajahmundry is engaged in varietals improvement of FCV tobacco; in pest and disease management; in the improvement of curing technology; in the utilization of tobacco wastes; and in extension education. 5. Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) at Jhansi carries out basic and applied research on grasses, grass lands and fodder crops including all aspects of forage seed 11 production and its protection for producing high quality forage. It also attempts to develop and evaluate various crop/tree species combinations for silvipasture and agroforestry systems. 6. Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI) at Coimbatore is engaged in evaluating important sugarcane varieties for different agro-climatic regions in the country. It conducts research on breeding methodologies by taking advantage of its situational factor favourable for the flowering of sugarcane crop. It also imparts postgraduate training. 7. Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR) at Lucknow has the mandate to standardize the sugarcane production and protection technologies; to devise and develop prototype of machines and implements required to promote the interest of sugarcane cultivation for maximum economic benefits to the farmers; to provide advisory services; and to impart training in sugar crops and agro- techniques. 8. Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR) at Nagpur is engaged in basic and applied research to improve cotton production; in the collection and conservation of germplasm for cotton improvement programmes; and in imparting training in advanced cotton protection technology. 9. Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Shala (VPKAS) at Almora is engaged in the development of improved high yielding and disease resistant varieties of different cereals, millets, pulses, vegetables, and fodder crops grown in hills; collection, evaluation and maintenance of germplasm resources of hill crops and identification of suitable improved cropping systems for these areas; and conduct research on soil and water management problems and transfer research results for the benefit of farmers of hill areas. (d) Horticulture and Plantation Crops Institutes: There are six horticulture and plantation crops institutes conducting and coordinating research on the crops they deal with. They are: 1. Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) at Bangalore has the mandate to conduct cytogenetical studies to improve horticultural crops; standardize propagation techniques; nutritional growth regulators in horticulture; physiology and biochemistry of flower and fruit development; control of weeds, viral, fungal and bacterial diseases, mites and pests; postharvest technology; design of tools and implements; and conservation of germplasm. 2. Central Institute of Horticulture for Northern Plains (CIHNP) at Lucknow is engaged in the investigation of major production problems of fruit and vegetable cultivation for the northern plains with special reference to mango. 3. Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) at Srinagar has the mandate to carry out basic and applied research relating to temperate fruits and vegetables in the country. 4. Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) at Shimla has the mandate to conduct and coordinate potato research in India; to serve as a centre of information on all aspects of potato research and development; and to produce breeder seed required by the country. 5. Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) at Trivandrum conducts and coordinates research on all tropical tuber crops other than potato, viz. cassava, sweet potato, amorphophallus, aroids, yams, arrowroot, etc. 6. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) at Kasargod has the mandate to improve the genetic potential of plantation crops; conduct basic and applied research; serve 12 as an information centre on all matters relating to these crops; and produce genetically superior planting materials. (e) Resource Management Institutes: There are eight resource management institutes which are primarily responsible for undertaking research on soil and water conservation for optimizing production of crops under different conditions. They are: 1. Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCR&TI) at Dehradun has the mandate to study erosion problems, and conservation of land and water resources; evaluation of hydrological barriers and management of watersheds; identification of suitable plant materials for different land use; development of suitable technology for increasing production from arid lands; development of techniques for rainfed farming and efficient water management; imparting training to state and central officers in soil and water conservation; and monitoring of changes in environment affected by integrated water management. 2. Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) at Karnal has the mandate to collect information on the extent, characteristic, genesis, and classification of salt affected soils; study soil and water dynamics in irrigated agriculture; conduct detailed hydrological survey; evolve methods to check deterioration of water due to pollution, and utilization of different qualities for agricultural purposes; study salt tolerance for reclamation of salt affected land; and impart postgraduate education and training. 3. Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) at Jodhpur has the mandate to evolve location- specific technologies for optimizing production of arid lands based on ecological principles by judicious utilization of natural resources; and to train and to conduct workshops for adopting the new technologies. 4. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) at Hyderabad has the mandate to carry out basic research in conservation, management and utilization of natural resources in dryland ecosystem; to study the phenomenon governing crop growth and development under dryland conditions; to develop technology for exploitation of natural resources at farm level for increasing and stabilizing crop production in dryland; and also to act as a repository of knowledge on dryland farming in the country. 5. ICAR Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH) at Shilling caters to the needs of agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, soil and water conservation, etc., for the hill areas of the north-eastern region with a major research focus on shifting cultivation, horticultural crops, pest management, livestock improvement, arid soil management, and postharvest technology. 6. ICAR Research Complex for Goa (ICAR-GOA) at Ela is engaged in research related to horticultural and other crops, livestock improvement, fisheries, etc. in the region. 7. Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) for Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Port Blair conducts research on high value cash and plantation crops; develops silvipastoral system and appropriate land use pattern through cropping systems; develops effective health coverage and livestock production systems; and conducts studies on capture and culture fisheries including coastal aquaculture. 13 8. Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) at Bhopal has the mandate to study the fundamental aspects of soils, particularly those that are basic to develop agricultural expertise and generate information on various basic aspects of soil research; to collaborate with other organizations to identify gaps and provide direction for further research; and to have collaboration with similar international research institutions. (f) Technological Institutes: The technological and engineering problems in crop production and quality of commercial crops are handled by five institutes. They are: 1. Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE) at Bhopal has the mandate for research and development of improved farm equipment related to crop production; postharvest technology; development of energy resources and power units for agriculture; to liaise with industry for the manufacture of improved implements; and to train farmers on modern agricultural technology. 2. Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCT) at Bombay has the mandate to improve the production of quality cotton; and to find ways and means for better utilization of cotton and its by-products. 3. National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fiber Technology (NIRJAFT) at Calcutta has the objectives of improvement of fiber quality; preparation of textiles by blending jute and other fibers; basic research on fibers and products; and transfer of technology for application in agriculture and industry. 4. Indian Lac Research Institute (ILRI) at Ranchi carries out research towards effecting improvements in cultivation, modification and standardization of lac, and studies its constitution and modifications so as to intensify its production and utilization; and to impart training in improved methods of lac cultivation and its industrial use. 5. Central Institute of Postharvest Engineering and Technology (CIPET) at Ludhiana undertakes research on various aspects of postharvest technology related to agricultural produce. (g) Animal Science Institutes: Eight animal science institutes have the mandate of breeding animals for higher productivity and suggest better management practices. They are: 1. Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) at Izatnagar, a Deemed University, has its objectives to conduct basic and applied research on all aspects of livestock health, production, and nutrition; and impart postgraduate education in veterinary sciences and animal husbandry. 2. National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) at Karnal, a Deemed University, has the mandate to meet the manpower needs for research, teaching, and dairy development through undergraduate and postgraduate instructional programmes; study of dairy production, milk and milk processing, dairy economics and management; and conduct of transfer of technology programmes. 3. Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) at Avikanagar has the mandate to improve productivity of indigenous breeds of sheep through selection or cross breeding, 14 superior exotic breeds well adapted to the tropical conditions to improve the carpet, wool and meat production. 4. Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG) at Makhdoom undertakes research for developing superior strains of goats for high productivity of meat, milk and fiber; to develop package of practices for feeding, management, and disease cover; and to study various aspects of goat meat, milk and pashmina. 5. Central Avian Research Institute (CARI) at Izatnagar has the objectives to develop avian species of economic importance with their optimum productivity; to conserve, evolve and improve indigenous and exotic germplasm; to impart training at various levels; to transfer the technology developed; and to undertake studies on various aspects of management to evolve environmental and ecological factors of postharvest technology. 6. Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) at Hissar carries out research on all aspects of buffalo production; co-ordinates research on buffalo in the country; functions as a clearing house of information on all aspects of buffalo development; establishes a nucleus breeding herd of important buffalo breeds for genetic studies on improvement of milk, meat, and draught potential; builds up adequate germplasm of improved breeds; and organizes training programmes in buffalo management. 7. National Institute of Animal Genetics (NIAG) at Karnal provides scientific support to the NBAGR and takes up research work of very fundamental nature not ordinarily taken up at the existing ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities. 8. National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP) at Bangalore conducts research related to nutritional and physiological aspects of livestock and management. (h) Fisheries Institutes: Six fisheries institutes conduct studies for assessing the production of fish, conduct training programmes and undertake research. They are: 1. Central Inland Capture Fisheries Research Institute (CICFRI) at Barrackpore has the mandate to develop systems for monitoring of fish population in rivers, fresh water reservoirs, estuaries, and to study factors influencing these population and systems for optimum exploitation; and to conduct postgraduate and specialized training and extension programmes. 2. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) at Cochin conducts research for assessing and monitoring exploitable marine fishery resources for rational exploitation and conservation; to assess the exploited and under-exploited fishery resources; to understand the fluctuation in abundance of marine fishery resources; to develop suitable mariculture technology for fun fish and shell fish in open seas; and to conduct transfer of technology and postgraduate and specialized short-term training programmes. 3. Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) at Bombay has the Deemed University status. It conducts undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in fishery sciences; undertakes research in basic disciplines related to fish and conducts short-term and long-term training programmes for different disciplines of fishery sciences. 4. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, (CIFT) at Cochin conducts research for the improvement of indigenous crafts and gears, and develops suitable designs for them; develops technologies for handling, processing, preservation, product development, quality 15 control, packaging and transportation of fish and fishery products; and conducts transfer of technology and training programmes in fishery technology. 5. Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) at Madras conducts multidisciplinary, mission-oriented applied research to develop appropriate technologies for the aquaculture organisms in the estuaries, brackishwater and salt intrusion areas; and to provide an information base for sustained growth and accelerated development of these fisheries through training, education and research linkages. 6. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) at Dhauli conducts research for developing low input aqua-farming to benefit small and marginal farmers and also system of industrialized aquaculture for entrepreneurs; to improve existing technologies for carps and air- breathing fish culture, and develop culture technology for cat fish, freshwater prawns and mussels; to increase freshwater fish production through genetic upgrading, increased pond productivity and evolution of cheap and balanced diet; to conduct nutritional and disease aspects of fish culture; and to conduct postgraduate education and training programmes. (i) Social Science Institutes: Two institutes come under this category. They are: 1. Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) at New Delhi conducts research in experimental design, surveys, statistical genetics, computer and data processing; imparts postgraduate courses for training professional statisticians; and provides advisory and consultancy services to agricultural scientists in the country. 2. National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NCAP) at New Delhi has the objectives to undertake research related to the economic aspects of agricultural production process including the associated policy issues. The ICAR institutes vary greatly in age, size, and scope. Some are old (IVRI) while some are new (IIAEPR); some are big (IARI) while some others are small (CIRG); some have a narrow problem area (ILRI) while others have an extremely wide mandate (NBSS&LUP). They have a network of regional stations covering diverse agro-ecological areas to serve as a testing ground for the developed technologies. They are guided and serviced, both technically and administratively, by the ICAR headquarters. For ensuring greater effectiveness, from time to time, ICAR has taken steps to decentralize the decision-making process through delegation of powers to the institutes. The individual institutes, under the supervision of a Director, are organized into well-defined divisions. On technical matters, they are assisted by scientific bodies like the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) represented by external experts, with Director as a member, and headed by an eminent person; and the Staff Research Council (SRC) which is represented by the institute scientists and headed by the Director. They meet once in a year and is charged with the responsibility to provide broad policy guidelines, and to plan, monitor, and evaluate research projects. All institutes have Management Committees except those with Deemed University status which have Management Boards. These Committees represented by the research and developmental personnel under the chairmanship of the Director, assist the institutes on broad policy formulation and financial matters. Once in five years, the performance of each institute is evaluated through a system of Achievement Audit Committees known as Quinquennial Review Teams. These teams, through a peer group review, play an important role in projecting the institutes' programmes in accordance with national policies and priorities. Besides, the Directors' Conferences, held regularly in the headquarters under the chairmanship of the Director General, consider problems common to the institutes. 16 B. Project Directorates: Because of the importance and magnitude of the work involved in a single commodity like rice, wheat and poultry, or a group of commodities like oilseeds, pulses and vegetables, ICAR has upgraded some of its research infrastructure/projects with added responsibilities, and designated them as Project Directorates. Except for the size and magnitude of work involved, these are basically the same as the Coordinated Research Projects. Additionally, they do undertake some research besides playing such national service roles like maintenance and supply of germplasm, organizing off-season nursery to promote and speed up research interests, monitoring pests and diseases, forecasting and issuing clearly warning about the pests and diseases outbreak, and performing such duties as a lead centre in relation to their respective subject matter, and so on. There are now ten of them under operation. They are: 1. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad; 2. Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal; 3. Directorate of Pulses Research, Kanpur; 4. Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad; 5. Project Directorate on Vegetables, Varanasi; 6. Directorate of Cropping Systems Research, Modipuram; 7. Project Directorate on Water Management, Patna; 8. Project Directorate on Cattle, Meerut; 9. Project Directorate on Poultry, Hyderabad; 10. Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi. C. National Research Centres: The National Commission on Agriculture recommended setting up of `Centres of Fundamental Research' headed by eminent scientists in particular areas. Consequently, the ICAR conceived the idea of setting up a number of National Research Centres (NRCs). The concept of NRCs revolves around the need for concentrated attention with a mission approach by a team of scientists from different disciplines. They work under a senior leader on selected topics which have direct or indirect relevance to resolving national problems in a particular crop or commodity or a problem area of research. These centres are designed to concentrate on those crops and commodities not well served by the research institutes. Unlike the institutes, these centres do not have divisional set-up for individual disciplines nor have regional stations. They feed the national network of research with new materials, technology and information for subsequent adoption in the different production-oriented research programmes. The NRC for Groundnut was the first to be organized in 1979, and the NRC for Cashew is of the more recent ones established. There are now 31 such Centres, covering a wide range of areas like crops, horticulture, animal species, fisheries, resource management, etc. Five more approved centres are yet to be established. Some of the NRCs may grow into full-fledged institutes once their standard of work is established and if the subjects assume greater national importance. D. Research Schemes/Projects: In addition to its institute-based research, ICAR promotes research schemes/projects in agriculture and allied areas to resolve location-specific problems. It is involved in a cooperative endeavor with other research organizations in carrying out multidisciplinary research programmes. Such promotional schemes fall under the following categories. 17 E. All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs): These projects have been essentially conceived as an instrument to mobilize available scientific resources to find effective solutions for the national problems of agricultural production through inter- institutional interactions. The projects are developed as multidisciplinary and problem- oriented projects with major emphasis on multi- locational testing of new materials/production systems. They provide opportunities for scientists working on similar problems in different institutions to come together, discuss and exchange ideas, information, and materials for mutual benefit. They also provide them with facilities for multi- locational testing of improved technologies developed by various subsystems in different agro- climatic regions. The projects constitute an effective national grid of coordinated experiments by integrating different institutions and disciplines. The All India Maize Improvement Project, launched by the ICAR in 1957 to improve maize production using hybrids, was the forerunner of this approach. Its remarkable success led to the extension of this approach to all the major crops and other areas like animal science, fisheries, soils, agricultural engineering, horticulture, etc. Subsequently, many such coordinated projects were initiated. Each project is generally sanctioned for a period of 5 years and is headed by a full-time Project Coordinator with a Coordinating Unit to assist him. These Units are located either in the ICAR Institutes or the Agricultural Universities depending upon the location of the project. They are responsible for all the technical, financial and administrative matters as well as for organizing regular workshops. The technical programmes of the individual projects are carried out by many cooperating centres located in the participating institutions. Regular workshops, either annual or biennial, are organized by the individual projects in which the technical programmes are finalized. The Project Coordinator is guided and serviced on all matters by the concerned Assistant Director General in the ICAR headquarters. There are 70 such projects currently operating at 1,291 operating centres. Of these, 904 Centres are located in Agricultural Universities; 190 in ICAR Institutes; and the rest at other institutions. Crop sciences have 34 projects operating at 627 centres; and soil science and agricultural engineering have 20 projects at 364 centres. The expenditure on these projects has increased steadily and nearly one- fourth of the ICAR's budget is now spent on these projects. The complement of staff, determined on the basis of the technical work assigned and the nature of operation, are provided by the participating institutions, but paid for by the ICAR. The expenditure is shared by the ICAR and the collaborating institutions on 75:25 bases. A high degree of accountability, based on continuous monitoring, is a noteworthy feature of these projects. Outstanding achievements have been made through these projects, and the development of such an approach has been a source of inspiration to many developing countries. F. National Agricultural Research Project (NARP): Agricultural Universities which have a state- wide mandate for agriculture did not have a strong base for research at the regional level and most of the funds provided were utilized for developing the University main campuses, thus neglecting the regional research needs. To overcome this, the ICAR launched in 1979, with World Bank assistance, a novel scheme known as National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) to strengthen the regional research capabilities of these Universities for conducting need-based, location-specific and production-oriented research in identified agro-climatic zones. Under this project, each State is divided into a contiguous set 18 of agro-climatic zones on the basis of climate, soils, crops and ecology. There are 131 such zones in the country with 125 zones in 17 States and Union Territories, and 6 zones in the North Eastern Region. In each zone, a major regional research station with a multidisciplinary team of scientists is established or strengthened. The strengthening is accomplished by providing funds for incremental scientific and supporting staff, laboratory, equipment, transport, operating costs, and other physical facilities. The Agricultural University, on its part, has to provide funds for land, cultivation and station maintenance. The project also provides for strengthening the office of the Director of Research in these Universities for coordinating the research activities undertaken by these stations more effectively. An inventory of resources and systems of cultivation are prepared for each zone to serve as a basic document known as `Status Report' for identifying regional research needs. Farming systems research with emphasis on multidisciplinary approach to problem solving and establishment of a closer linkage between research and extension at the grassroots level with active participation of farmers are the essential components of this project. In the zonal workshops, organized at the beginning of each cropping season, research station scientists, developmental staff, and farmers' representatives review the progress and plan for the future based on actual needs. The project is guided and serviced by the NARP Directorate located in the ICAR headquarters. The progress of the project is regularly monitored by the Agricultural University and the ICAR, and is also reviewed periodically by the Special Mission of the World Bank. The ICAR's assistance is available for a period of five years after which the responsibility for continuing the project rests with the University. The Project had the IDA support of $ 27 million in the first phase, which was about 50 per cent of the project cost. The first phase laid major emphasis on cereals, pulses and oilseeds under rainfed conditions. In this phase, nearly 109 sub-projects were approved and it was closed in September 1985 after having used $19.5 million of the $ 27 million credit. The second phase on NARP, under implementation since February 1986, is intended to intensify and continue the process of decentralizing agricultural research. In addition to financing the sub-projects not completed under the first phase, this phase provides support for special research projects in irrigated farming, animal drawn equipments horticulture including postharvest technology, commercial crops, agroforestry, and animal nutrition. The second phase is estimated to cost $110.9 million of which the IDA credit is $ 72.1 million. The mid- term review conducted in April 1989 has recommended an extension of the second phase for two more years until September 1994. Strengthening of regional research on a scientific agro-climatic basis has been the most significant positive development that has taken place through the implementation of NARP in the organization of agricultural research in the country. In spite of some minor problems, the project has achieved its main objective of helping to strengthen the regional research capabilities of the Agricultural Universities and decentralize agricultural research. The project has created an awareness of developing mission-oriented, problem-specific, relevant research with multidisciplinary thrust, and thus has made considerable impact in many areas where enough attention was not paid earlier. G. Technology mission in agriculture: In the Seventh Five Year Plan, a mission-oriented approach to technology development was emphasized to faster relevance and to provide motivation for establishing organic working linkages between different sectors, which otherwise remained compartmentalized. The Steering Group on Science and Technology, constituted by the National Planning Commission, has identified. Several Technology Missions under different sectors. The Technology Mission on Oilseeds 19 Research was set up in April 1986, to provide research and technology support to make the country self-reliant in edible and non-edible oils. The Mission concentrates its attention on major oilseed crops like groundnut, rapeseed, mustard, soybean, sunflower, safflower, linseed, sesamum, and Niger. It also gives priority to non-edible oilseed crops to meet the requirements of industry. The Mission envisages an integrated approach involving different developmental, scientific, input, banking, and marketing agencies. A total of 180 districts are earmarked for the purpose. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation in the Ministry of Agriculture and the ICAR are the principal implementing agencies. The Additional Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is the Mission Director. Four Sub- Missions share the operational responsibilities. These are: (a) Production Technology (R&D) Sub-Mission for which the Director General of ICAR is the Chairman; (b) Input Supply and Production Sub-Mission for which the Additional Secretary to the Government of India is the Chairman, and the Agricultural Commissioner is the Co-chairman; (c) Postharvest Technology and Processing Sub-Mission for which the Scientific Advisor to the Planning Commission is the Chairman; and (d) Pricing, Transport, Procurement and Marketing Sub- Mission for which the Additional Secretary to the Government of India is the Chairman. Quarterly reviews of all the developmental activities are done to effect mid-term corrections. An expert team was set up recently to review the progress. Because of its significant achievement within a short span of four years by increasing the production of oilseeds to over 20 million tones, it is decided to continue the Mission during the Eighth Plan Period. H. Ad hoc research schemes: ICAR generates a Cess Fund by levying a custom duty at the rate of 0.5 per cent ad valorem on 25 articles of agricultural produce exported from India. It supports a large number of short-term, result-oriented ad hoc research schemes by utilizing the Agricultural Produce Cess Fund, which roughly works out to Rs.60 million a year. The schemes aim at filling critical gaps in the scientific field and are implemented by the ICAR Institutes, Agricultural and General Universities, Private Institutions and Voluntary Organizations. There are a little over 600 such ad hoc schemes currently in operation. The topics of the schemes could be identified by the individual scientists or institutions, or selected out of the recommendations made in the ICAR Regional Committee Meetings, Vice Chancellor's Conferences, or in similar forums. The schemes are generally sanctioned for three years. Some of them are exploratory in nature and may lead to development of larger country-wide projects. I. Centres of advanced studies: In order to improve faculty competence and develop infrastructure for better research and training, ICAR with the support of UNDP has set up, since 1971, several Centres of Advanced Studies in selected disciplines in Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutes. These Centres were established to encourage the pursuit of excellence through collaboration between scientists of outstanding ability with their counterparts in similar institutions abroad, and thus accelerate the attainment of international standards in specific fields of agricultural research and education. They also focus on modernizing faculty capability and physical facilities for advanced research and educational programmes so as to reduce India's dependence on foreign countries for advanced training in these fields. These Centres have been able to modernize and consolidate their programmes on an interdisciplinary basis, augment their infrastructure facilities, and provide specialized training 20 to their scientists. Interaction with scientific institutions abroad and advanced level training in India and abroad through fellowship programme have made it possible to build up a cadre of highly competent professional scientists. These Centres also brought about considerable interaction among scientists within the country by organizing All India Workshops, Seminars and Conferences. So far, 28 such Advanced Centres have been established, with 17 of them located in the ICAR Institutes and the rest in the Agricultural Universities. They have made good use of the combined support of the ICAR, UNDP, UNESCO, and FAO. The Centres have become the nuclei for high quality research and training in the concerned disciplines. J. Special schemes: ICAR launched in 1978 a special scheme known as `Professors of Eminence and National Research Fellows' to identify individuals of outstanding merit, who could provide leadership in the development of `Schools of Thought' in specific areas by undertaking fundamental research in agriculture and allied areas. Under this scheme, scientists work on specific projects formulated by them in the ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities. ICAR with the cooperation of the host institutions provide physical and infrastructure facilities liberally for operating their projects, and the incumbents operate with considerable financial and administrative autonomy. These two categories have now been combined into one known as `ICAR Professors for Mission-Oriented Fundamental Research'. Since 1959, ICAR has also been operating the `Emeritus Scientists' scheme to support eminent retired scientists, enabling them to continue their research in various fields of agriculture and allied sciences. The scheme provides research grants to retiring scientists of established repute in ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities. ICAR supports this scheme from the Agricultural Produce Cess Fund. Project Directorates=13 1. ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagarh 2. ICAR-Directorate of Soybean Research, Indore 3. ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed & Mustard Research, Bharatpur 4. ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan 5. ICAR-Directorate on Onion and Garlic Research, Pune 6. ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur 7.. ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand 8. ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune, Maharashtra 9. ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur 10. ICAR-Project Directorate on Foot & Mouth Disease, Mukteshwar 11. ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad 12. ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (DKMA), New Delhi 13. ICAR-Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Nainital 21 Deemed Universities-4 1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. 2. Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar. 3. National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal. 4. Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai. National Bureau-6 1. ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources, New Delhi 2. ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Micro-organisms, Mau, Uttar Pradesh 3. ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 4. ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur 5. ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal 6. ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow Central Agricultural Universities=3 1. Central Agricultural University,P.O. Box 23, Imphal-795004, Manipur 2. Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University,Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh 3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University,Pusa (Samastipur) Institutions – 65 1. ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute , Port Blair 2. ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 3. ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar 4. ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 5. ICAR-Central Institute Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai 6. ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hissar 7. ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom 8. ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal 9. ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 10. ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur 11. ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin 12. ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubneshwar 13. ICAR-Central Institute of Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai 14. ICAR-Central Institute of Sub Tropical Horticulture, Lucknow 15. ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar ICAR-Central Institute on Post harvest Engineering and Technology, 16. Ludhiana 17. ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi 18. ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod 22 19. ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla 20. ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore 21. ICAR-Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad 22. ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan 23. 24. ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun 25. ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal 26. ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry 27. ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum 28. ICAR-ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna 29. ICAR-ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani 30. ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa, Goa 31. ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi 32. ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 33. ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi 34. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 35. ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi 36. ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur 37. ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, Bhopal 38. ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut 39. ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow 40. ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research & Management, 41. Hyderabad 42. ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stresses Management, Raipur ICAR-National Institue of Abiotic Stress Management, Malegaon, 43. Maharashtra ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, 44. Bengaluru 45. ICAR-ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata, Kolkata 46. ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Hebbal, Bengaluru 47. ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore 48. ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora 49. ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 50. ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal 51. ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research,New Delhi 52. ICAR- Central Agroforestry Research Institute , Jhansi 23  53. ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, New Delhi 54. ICAR- Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 55. ICAR- Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram 56. ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad 57. ICAR- Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad 58. ICAR- Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi, West Godawari 59. ICAR- Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneshwar 60. ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 61. ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneshwar 62. ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur 63. ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Research, Mau ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Post Box No. 48, 64. Hazaribag 825 301, Jharkhand 65. ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi National Research Centres – 14 1. ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Trichi 2. ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune 3. ICAR-National Research Centre for Litchi, Muzaffarpur 4. ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur 5. ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner 6. ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 7. ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad 8.. ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland 9. ICAR-National Research Centre on Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim 10. ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati 11. ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer 12. ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, West Kemang 13. ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi 14. Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute ,Motihari State Agricultural Universities in India- 63 24 S.No. Name of University Andhra Pradesh 1 Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur 2 Dr. YSRHU (APHU), Venkataramannagudem 3 Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati Assam 4 Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat Bihar 5 Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur 6 Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna Chhattisgarh 7 Indira Gandhi Krishi Viswa Vidhyalaya, Raipur 8 Chhattisgarh Kamdhenu Visvavidyalaya, Durg Gujarat 9 Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Dantiwada 10 Anand Agricultural University, Anand 11 Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 12 Junagarh Agricultural University, Junagarh 13 Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar Haryana 14 Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 15 Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Hisar 16 Haryana State University of Horticultural Sciences, Karnal Himachal Pradesh 17 Ch. Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Palampur 18 Dr. Yaswant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan Jharkhand 19 Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi 25 S.No. Name of University Jammu & Kashmir 20 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology, Srinagar 21 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology, Jammu Karnataka 22 University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore 23 Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar 24 University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur 25 University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad 26 University of Horticulture Science, Bagalkot 27 University of Agriculture & Horticulture Sciences, Shimoga Kerala 28 Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 29 Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Kochi Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanand, Kerala 30 Madhya Pradesh 31 Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi VishwaVidyalaya, Gwalior 32 Nanaji Deshmukh Pashu ChikitsaVisvaVidyalaya, Jabalpur 33 Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur Maharashtra 34 Dr. Balaesahib Sawant Kokan KrishiVidyapeeth, Dapoli 35 Maharastra Animal & Fisheries. Sciences University, Nagpur 36 Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani 37 Matatam Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri 38 Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh KrishiViswaVidyalaya, Akola Orissa 39 Orissa University of Agricultural & Technology, Bhubaneswar 26 S.No. Name of University Punjab 40 Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 41 Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana Rajasthan 42 Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur 43 Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner 44 Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bikaner 45 SKN Agriculture University, Jobner 46 Agriculture University, Kota 47 Agriculture University, Jodhpur Tamil Nadu 48 Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 49 Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Chennai 50 Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Nagapattinam Telangana 51 Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Hyderabad 52 Sri PV Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Hyderabad 53 Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad Uttarakhand 54 G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar 55 VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry, Bharsar Uttar Pradesh 56 Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agricultural & Technology, Kanpur 57 Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad 58 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut U.P. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa VigyanVishwaVidhyalaya Evem Go 59 Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura 27  S.No. Name of University 60 Banda University of Agricultural and Technology, Banda West Bengal 61 Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidhyalaya, Mohanpur 62 West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata 63 Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidhyalaya, Cooch Behar THE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES SYSTEM As agriculture is a State subject, the responsibilities for research, education and extension rest with the State Governments. Prior to 1960, agricultural research in the States, essentially on local problems, was carried out by the State Departments of Agriculture supported by Agricultural Colleges. During the past 30 years, research and education have been transferred to the Agricultural Universities, and the State Departments of Agriculture organize extension services. The Universities are supported by their respective State Governments. ICAR provides financial support and assists their research and education programmes. The University Education Commission (1949) recommended the setting up of `Rural Universities'. This was endorsed by the two Joint Indo-American Teams in 1955 and in 1959, as well as the Ford Foundation Study Team in 1959. In 1960, the Agricultural Universities Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ralph W. Cummings prepared certain guidelines for the establishment of Agricultural Universities in different States, and the ICAR gave necessary support. The first Agricultural University was established at Pant Nagar in Uttar Pradesh (Nowadays in Uttarakhand) in 1960, patterned on the Land-Grant System of the United States. The Second Education Commission (1964-66) recommended at least one Agricultural University in each State, and ICAR prepared a Model Act in 1966. All the States have now at least one Agricultural University each. Though the Model Act specifies that only one University shall be established in each State, which was later endorsed by the National Commission on Agriculture, many States have established multiple Universities to meet regional needs. There are at present 45 Agricultural Universities including the Central University in the North Eastern Region. These include two veterinary and animal science universities, one in Tamilnadu and another in West Bengal. Some Agricultural Universities, as in Maharashtra State, have affiliated colleges. This goes against the provisions of the Act. In 1978, a Review Committee appointed by the ICAR reviewed the functioning of each Agricultural University and made a number of recommendations. Recently, in 1988, the USAID 28 Details of Directors of Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes(ATARI) Sr. Address No. Director, 1. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone I, ICAR, PAU Campus, Ludhiana-141 004 Punjab. Director, 2. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone II, CAZRI Campus, Diesel Shed Road, PO Krishi Upaj Mandi, Basni, Jodhpur-342 005 Rajasthan. Director, 3. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone III, ICAR, G.T. Road, Rawatpur, Kanpur-208 002 Uttar Pradesh. Director, 4. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone IV, ICAR, Patna - 801506, Bihar. Director, 5. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute ,Zone V, Bhumi Vihar Complex, Salt Lake City, Sector III, Block GB, Kolkata-700 097 West Bengal. Director, 6. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati- 781017 Director, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VII, Umiam (Barapani), 7. Distt Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya-793 103. Director, 8. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VIII, College of Agriculture Campus, Pune-411005 29  Director, 9. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone IX, JNKVV Campus, PO Adhartal, Jabalpur-482 004 Madhya Pradesh Director, 10. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, CRIDA Campus, Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad-500 059 TELANGANA Director, 11. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone XI, MRS, H.A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bengaluru-560 024 Karnataka 30 All India Coordinated Research Projects(AICRP) - 60 1. AICRP on Nematodes, New Delhi 2. AICRP on Maize, New Delhi 3. AICRP Rice, Hyderabad 4. AICRP on Chickpea, Kanpur 5. AICRP on MULLARP, Kanpur 6. AICRP on Pigeon Pea, Kanpur 7. AICRP on Arid Legumes, Kanpur 8. AICRP on Wheat & Barley Improvement Project, Karnal 9. AICRP Sorghum, Hyderabad 10. AICRP on Pearl Millets, Jodhpur 11. AICRP on Small Millets, Bangalore 12. AICRP on Sugarcane, Lucknow 13. AICRP on Cotton, Coimbatore 14. AICRP on Groundnut, Junagarh 15. AICRP on Soybean, Indore 16. AICRP on Rapeseed & Mustard, Bharatpur 17. AICRP on Sunflower, Safflower, Castor, Hyderabad 18. AICRP on Linseed, Kanpur 19. AICRP on Sesame and Niger, Jabalpur 20. AICRP on IPM and Biocontrol, Bangalore 21. AICRP on Honey Bee Research & Training, Hisar 22. AICRP -NSP(Crops), Mau 23. AICRP on Forage Crops, Jhansi 24. AICRP on Fruits, Bangaluru 31 25. AICRP Arid Zone Fruits, Bikaner 26. AICRP Mushroom, Solan 27. AICRP Vegetables including NSP vegetable, Varanasi 28 AICRP Potato, Shimla 29. AICRP Tuber Crops, Thiruvananthapuram 30. AICRP Palms, Kasaragod 31. AICRP Cashew, Puttur 32. AICRP Spices, Calicut AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants including Betelvine, Anand 33. 34. AICRP on Floriculture, New Delhi AICRP in Micro Secondary & Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants, 35. Bhopal 36. lAICRP on Soil Test with Crop Response, Bhopal 37. AICRP on Long Term Fertilizer Experiments, Bhopal AICRP on Salt Affected Soils & Use of Saline Water in Agriculture, 38. Karnal 39. AICRP on Water Management Research, Bhubaneshwar 40. AICRP on Ground Water Utilisation, Bhubaneshwar 41. AICRP Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad AICRP on Agrometeorology, Hyderabad including Network on Impact 42. adaptation & Vulnerability of Indian Agri. to Climate Change AICRP Integrated Farming System Research, Modipuram including 43. Network Organic Farming 44. AICRP Weed Control, Jabalpur 45. AICRP on Agroforestry, Jhansi 46. AICRP on Farm Implements & Machinery, Bhopal All India Coordinated Research Project on Ergonomics and Safety in 47. Agriculture 48. AICRP on Energy in Agriculture and Agro Based Indus.,Bhopal 49. AICRP on Utilization of Animal Energy (UAE), Bhopal 50. AICRP on Plasticulture Engineering and Technologies, Ludhiana 51. AICRP on PHT, Ludhiana 52. AICRP on Goat Improvement, Mathura AICRP- Improvement of Feed Sources & Nutrient Utilisation for raising 53. animal production, Bangalore 32 54. AICRP on Cattle Research, Meerut 55. AICRP on Poultry, Hyderabad 56. AICRP-Pig, Izzatnagar 57. AICRP Foot and Mouth Disease, Mukteshwar 58. AICRP ADMAS, Bangalore 59. AICRP on Home Science, Bhubaneshwar Network Projects - 19 1. All India Network Project on Pesticides Residues, New Delhi 2. All India Network Project on Underutilised Crops, New Delhi 3. All India Network Project on Tobacco, Rajahmundry 4. All India Network Project on Soil Arthropod Pests, Durgapura 5. Network on Agricultural Acarology, Bangalore 6. Network on Economic Ornithology, Hyderabad 7. All India Network Project on Rodent Control, Jodhpur 8. All India Network Project on Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore 9. Network project on Improvement of Onion & Garlic, Pune 10. Network Bio-fertilizers, Bhopal Network Project on Harvest & Post Harvest and Value Addition to 11. Natural Resins & Gums, Ranchi 12. Network project on Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal Network Project on R&D Support for Process Upgradation of 13. Indigenous Milk products for industrial application Karnal 14. Network Programme on Sheep Improvement, Avikanagar 15. Network Project on Buffaloes Improvement, Hisar 16. Network on Gastro Intestinal Parasitism, Izatnagar 17. Network on Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Izatnagar 18. Network Programme Blue Tongue Disease, Izatnagar Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources, 19. Ranchi Network Project on Agricultural Bioinformatics and Computational 20. Biology, New Delhi 33  Other Projects - 10 1. Technology Mission on Cotton (CICR, Nagpur) 2. Technology Mission on Jute (CRIJAF, Barrackpore) Continuation, Strengthening and Establishment of Krishi Vigyan 3. Kendras Strengthening & Development of Higher Agricultural Education in 4. India, New Delhi 5. Central Agricultutral University, Imphal 6. Strengthening and Modernization of ICAR Headquarters Intellectual Property Management & Transfer/Commercialisation of 7. Agricultural Technology (Upscaling of existing component IPR HQ) 8. Indo US Knowledge Initiative 9. National Agricultural Innovative Project, New Delhi 10. National Fund for Basic and Strategic Research, New Delhi 3. Other Agencies A. General Universities: Many General Universities with well-developed faculties in agriculture, or strong departments engaged in areas such as genetics, plant physiology, mycology, entomology, biochemistry, economics, chemistry, marine biology, home science, etc. have made distinctive contributions to agricultural research in the country. Besides, the Central Universities like the Banaras Hindu University, Shanti Niketan, etc. have Institutes/Schools of Agricultural Sciences, which are engaged in research in agriculture and allied areas, some of which are supported by the ICAR. B. Scientific Organizations: Many other scientific organizations either directly undertake research, or sponsor and support programmes related to agriculture. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through its network of National Laboratories, provides research support in areas like processing of agricultural products, recycling of agricultural wastes, development of various agro-chemicals, etc. The Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) research on the nutritional qualities of various agricultural produce including toxicity and occupational health of agricultural workers have greatly helped the ICAR in planning its research programmes. Some of the areas in which the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is actively engaged are the development of newer varieties of crops and preservation of agricultural produce. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is helping the research system to assess India's soil and water resources. 34 Technological institutions like IIT, Kharagpur, are active in the fields of agricultural engineering, soil and water management, and agronomy. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) promotes research on genetic engineering, post-harvest technology, and areas of basic sciences supportive to agriculture. The Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources works on the utilization of solar and wind energies, and biogas for agricultural purposes. The Department of Meteorology is actively engaged in research on crop-weather forecasting. The Department of Ocean Development is involved in assessing the fishery resources in the country and promotes research in the area of fisheries. In addition, institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) under the Agriculture Ministry; various Commodity Boards like Silk, Coffee, Rubber, Tea, and Cardamom Boards under the Commerce Ministry; and the Forest Research Institute and Wasteland Development Board under the Ministry of Forestry and Environment help in strengthening the agricultural research system in the country. C. Private Sector: Involvement of private sector in agricultural research is of considerable importance in the overall development of agriculture in the country. In mid 1960s, several private companies started programmes mainly to develop hybrid maize, sorghum and bajra. Research on vegetables started in late 1960s. Private sector research is confined mainly to breeding crop hybrids, certain plantation crops, agro-chemicals, poultry, and agricultural machinery. Private sector research in seed industry has grown very rapidly. Several private companies are now engaged in the production of hybrid seeds of a variety of crops like cotton, sorghum, bajra, maize, vegetables, red gram, rice, etc., and a small seed export industry has also emerged. There are a number of private companies undertaking plant-breeding research, and several others are involved in plant protection research. Besides their own research stations, these companies conduct experiments on farmers' fields. They test the bio-efficiency of insecticides and herbicides that are new to India as well as synthesize new compounds. Private research in poultry sector is of paramount importance. Although Government introduced exotic birds in commercial poultry industry, they were popularized by the private sector and many companies are now actively engaged in it. Many other large industrial concerns are engaged in research on shrimps and shrimp feed. Some private companies undertake major research and development programmes for the improvement of tractors and irrigation pumps. Research on tractors seems to be primarily aimed at improving quality, fuel efficiency and engine durability. Some companies are now moving into agricultural implements. Research in pump industry is aimed at increasing the efficiency of pumps through improved design and better materials. Some companies are even experimenting with non- conventional sources of power. Historically, private companies in the processing and plantation sector have been a very important source of new agricultural technology. Some of the prominent ones include Indian Sugar Mills Association, Southern Planters Association, Textile Mills Association, Silk Industry, etc. Some large firms are involved in research on animal nutrition, plant growth regulators, biotechnology like tissue culture in cardamom, sugarcane, coconut and tea, bio-fertilizers, etc. Research in the area of tree farming including in vitro culture and tree breeding is also receiving attention of private firms. 35 Some of the well-established institutions such as Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Bharatiya Agro- Industries Foundation(BAIF), Wool Research Association, and United Planters Association of South India undertake short-term, mission-oriented research projects supported by the ICAR for multi-location testing of varieties and agro-techniques. In order to promote scientific research and the participation of industry in it, the Government through the Income Tax Act of 1961 has offered certain tax concessions relating to the expenditure on scientific research. The involvement of private agencies in agricultural research is gaining momentum with greater sophistication in technological development and the prospects of high returns on investment in agriculture. 4. Linkages Among the Subsystems Strong working relationships and complementarily in research efforts amongst the components of the research system is necessary in order to optimize resources and check avoidable duplication. The ICAR, as the coordinating agency at the national level, has established close-working relationships with the Agricultural Universities and other agencies involved directly or indirectly in agricultural research through formal arrangements and informal exchanges. At the policy making level, the Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities are represented in the Governing Body, and in the Norms and Accreditation Committee of the ICAR. The senior level research managers of the ICAR, in turn, are represented in the Management Boards of these Universities. The Regional Committees of the ICAR provide an important forum for the scientists from these two agencies to come together and look at the regional research needs. Through Interdisciplinary Scientific Panels of the ICAR, the experts from the Agricultural Universities play a critical role in selecting research programmes at the national level as well as at the regional level. More importantly, various research schemes of the ICAR like the AICRPs, NATP, and ad hoc research schemes provide opportunities for the two subsystems to work jointly on problems of national as well as regional relevance. As far as the General Universities are concerned, they participate in research activities under different types of research schemes and projects financed by different agencies. Through the AICRPs and ad hoc research schemes, these Universities have established linkages with the ICAR and Agricultural Universities subsystems. Joint programmes in specific areas like plant physiology, biological nitrogen fixation, biotechnology, etc. have been taken up by the ICAR with scientists working in these Universities. ICAR has also established close linkages with various scientific organizations like CSIR, ICMR, ISRO, BARC, etc. through Joint Panels. Problems of mutual interest have brought the ICAR closer to various Departments and Ministries at the Center to find solutions through collaborative research efforts. 5. International Co-operation International co-operation has played a significant role in developing and strengthening the research system in India. Many developed countries like USA, UK, USSR, Canada, Australia, Japan, several European countries; Charitable Institutions, etc.; Rockefeller and Ford Foundations; various International Agencies like FAO, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank, etc.; and the International Agricultural Research Centers under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) System have contributed extensively to the cause of agricultural research in India. Spectacular achievements in increasing the food 36 production have raised the country's image considerably, and the bilateral arrangements have changed from the erstwhile donor-donee status to relationship of equal partnership in research. The reciprocity and mutuality of interests with the less developed and as well as the technologically advanced countries are the essence of international co-operation. The Government has authorized ICAR, assisted by the DARE, to enter into bilateral co- operative agreements with several countries and agencies. The mode of collaboration normally follows the pattern of: (a) exchange of germplasm of plant and animal origin; (b) exchange of scientific and technical information; (c) visits of scientists and experts; (d) training of scientists; and (e) infrastructure development. Some of the major avenues of international collaboration are: (i) Bilateral co-operation at the Government level: (ii) Bilateral co-operation between ICAR and counterpart foreign institutes; (iiI))Interaction with Agricultural Research Centers under the CGIAR System; (iv) Foreign-aided projects funded by USDA, Ford Foundation, IDRC, UNDP, World Bank, and USAID; (v) Science and Technology Initiative signed by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the US President Ronald Reagan; (vi) Participation in the regional projects under ESCAP and SAARC programmes; and (vii) Consultancy and training in the field of agricultural research in developing countries. International collaboration has provided a mechanism to draw upon the global stock of knowledge, scientific talent and material, and for institution building to address many of the research needs in the country. The agricultural research system in India has reached a stage in its development where it could take a more active role in joint research with foreign scientists as equal partners as well as in training NARS The NARS are, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of the global agricultural research system as they work to increase agricultural productivity and profitability in their own countries. NARS are made up of various national agricultural research institutes (NARI), agricultural universities, private-sector firms, NGOs and farmers’ organizations. Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Introduction: CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food- secured future. CGIAR arose in response to the widespread concern in the mid- 20th century that. Rapid increases in human populations would soon lead to widespread famine. In 1943, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mexican government laid the seeds for the Green Revolution. They established the Office of Special Studies, which resulted in the establishment of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in 1960 and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in 1963. But, it was clear that these foundations alone could not fund all the agricultural research and development efforts needed to feed the world's population. CGIAR's vision 37  Reduce poverty and hunger, Improve human health and nutrition, and Enhance ecosystem resilience through high-quality international agricultural research, partnership and leadership. The work they support is carried out by 15 members of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres, in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sectors. Funding CGIAR is an ad-hoc organization funded by its members. Members include the USA, Canada,the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan, the Ford Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Fund of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC Fund). History-Early years CGIAR arose in response to the widespread conc