ICAR Restructuring Plan: Government Calls for Panel to Recommend Changes

The Indian government has taken a significant step to enhance the functioning of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) by forming a high-level committee.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar confirmed this decision in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The main objective of this committee is to propose measures for rationalizing and right-sizing the ICAR, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the organization.

The committee consists of 11 members, with the chairmanship held jointly by the Additional Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research & Education and the Secretary of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

The committee's mandate, as stated by the agriculture minister, is to recommend strategies for transforming the ICAR into a more dynamic, efficient, and streamlined institution.

By undertaking this restructuring process, the government aims to make ICAR a more effective body in its pursuit of agricultural research and development.

The move comes as part of the government's efforts to optimize the ICAR's performance and maximize its impact on the agricultural sector. By right-sizing and rationalizing the organization, the government aims to ensure that ICAR is better equipped to address the evolving challenges faced by the agricultural community in India.

This step is expected to bring positive changes to ICAR's functioning, making it more agile and better aligned with the current needs of the agricultural sector. With a leaner and more efficient structure, the organization can focus on critical areas of research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination, further empowering the Indian agricultural landscape.

The committee is set to play a crucial role in reshaping ICAR's future, and its recommendations are anticipated to shape the organization's path for the years to come. By fostering a stronger and more effective ICAR, the government aims to augment agricultural development and contribute to the overall progress of the nation's agricultural sector.