The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the research arm of the agriculture ministry, is set to receive what two ministry officials called a “significant” boost in its budget for the upcoming financial year. Financial priorities unveiled in the 1 February interim budget are set to reflect the government’s strategic focus on fostering advancements and innovation within the agricultural landscape.
This potential rise in funding for ICAR signifies a proactive approach towards enhancing research capabilities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing the evolving challenges faced by the agriculture sector. In the current scenario, as India aspires to emerge as a global food supplier, with a specific emphasis on augmenting foodgrain production, the projected increase in the ICAR budget by ₹950 crore assumes great significance. Under crop science, research provision is to develop trait-specific high-yielding field crop varieties having tolerance to pests and diseases, besides various abiotic stresses.