The full form of “ICAR” is Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. It was established in 1929 and its headquarters is located in New Delhi, India.
The main objective of ICAR is to conduct and coordinate agricultural research and education in the country. It is responsible for the development and management of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in India. The NARS includes the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) and the Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG) among others.
ICAR also provides grants to state agricultural universities and other research institutions for conducting research in various fields of agriculture and allied sciences. It also provides financial assistance for the establishment of new research institutions and the expansion of existing ones.
ICAR also has a mandate to provide technology transfer services to farmers and other stakeholders. This is done through its numerous research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) located across the country. These KVKs provide training and extension services to farmers and rural youth on various aspects of agriculture and allied sciences.
In addition to these functions, ICAR also plays a key role in the development of policies related to agriculture and rural development. It provides expert advice and inputs to the government on various issues related to agriculture and rural development.
ICAR also maintains a strong focus on international cooperation in the field of agricultural research and education. It has collaborations with several international organizations and countries to promote exchange of scientists, students, and technology.
In conclusion, ICAR is an important organization in India that plays a key role in the development and management of the National Agricultural Research System, as well as providing funding, technology transfer services, policy advice and international cooperation in the field of agriculture and rural development.