Enhancing agricultural research and development investments is crucial for strengthening agriculture: ICAR Director General's statement
Published on August 3, 2025
India, a global leader in wheat and rice production, is taking significant strides to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and livelihoods. The strategic pillars for increasing investments in agricultural research and innovation have been announced by Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The first pillar emphasizes investing at least 1% of agricultural GDP in research and innovation. This is to drive reforms and keep pace with global trends, as India currently lags behind other countries that invest around 2%[1]. The strategic plan also promotes science-driven innovation, with a focus on multidisciplinary research, the establishment of a second gene bank, and the enhanced use of ICT tools and big data for informed agricultural decisions[1].
Inclusive policies addressing gender and social diversity are another key component. These policies are designed to ensure equitable benefits of agricultural advancements[1]. A multi-dimensional approach involving policy collaboration, technology exchange, and stronger farmer-agri-industry linkages is also crucial to boost sustainable agricultural growth and livelihoods[3].
Key thematic areas such as soil health management, sustainable fertilizer use and precision farming, irrigation and water management, agricultural marketing, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), crop insurance, risk mitigation, and climate change adaptation have been identified for focus[4]. Initiatives like the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which outlines a six-point strategy including increasing productivity, reducing production costs, ensuring fair prices, compensating losses from natural disasters, promoting diversification, and enhancing value addition and food processing, are also part of the plan[2].
The progress in food production is attributed to technological advancements, investments in irrigation, and infrastructure. However, a major constraint identified is the lack of quality manpower and adequate numbers in frontier areas of agricultural science[5]. To address this, strengthening State Agri Varsities is a crucial strategic pillar for future research[6].
Strategic pillars for future research also include a trans-disciplinary approach, leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and quantum computing[7]. Developing a robust data ecosystem from over 60 years of agricultural research is another strategic pillar[7]. SAUs should play a greater role in attracting best talent and providing enabling environments for students[6].
India currently spends 0.43% of agricultural GDP on research, and 0.095% on extension, which is significantly lower than the global average of 0.93%[5]. Mangi Lal Jat has stated that the country needs to increase investments in agricultural research to meet the challenges posed by shrinking farm sizes, depleting groundwater, deteriorating soil health, biodiversity loss, and climate change[5]. Projections indicate that the average farm size may further decline to just 0.6 hectares by 2047[8].
The Government is urged to focus on strengthening State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) to address these challenges. India ranks first globally in rice production (149.1 million tons in 2024-25) and horticulture production (367.72 million tons in 2024-25)[9]. During the Convocation, a total of 844 students were awarded degrees, including 619 UG, 116 PG, and Doctoral degrees to 37 students[10].
These strategic pillars collectively emphasize boosting research funding and innovation, prioritizing farmer-centric technology dissemination, inclusive policy frameworks, comprehensive risk and resource management, and strategic program implementation aimed at sustainable livelihoods in agriculture in India. The progress underscores the potential for continued growth towards self-reliance by 2047.
[1] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [2] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-03/Viksit_Krishi_Sankalp_Abhiyan.pdf [3] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [4] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [5] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [6] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [7] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [8] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [9] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf [10] https://www.icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/ICAR_2030_Vision_Document_2021-02-05.pdf
- To maintain the lead in wheat and rice production, India plans to elevate investments in agriculture, aiming to allocate at least 1% of its agricultural GDP towards research and innovation and catch up with other nations who invest around 2%.
- The strategies for future research in India's agricultural sector include adopting a trans-disciplinary approach, leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and quantum computing, and developing a robust data ecosystem from over 60 years of agricultural research.
- Sustainable agricultural growth and livelihoods in India rely on a multi-dimensional approach that involves policy collaboration, technology exchange, and stronger farmer-agri-industry linkages, with a focus on key thematic areas like soil health management and irrigation.
- The Government is investing in the infrastructure required for agriculture, as the progress in food production is due to technological advancements, investments in irrigation, and infrastructure.
- In order to tackle challenges such as shrinking farm sizes, depleting groundwater, deteriorating soil health, biodiversity loss, and climate change, the government is emphasizing the need to increase investments in agricultural research and education, while strengthening State Agricultural Universities to attract the best talent and provide enabling environments for students.
