Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the annual conference of directors of ICAR institutes and vice-chancellors of agricultural universities today, May 20, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, PUSA Campus, New Delhi. Organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the conference is being held under the theme “Convergence for Action: Shaping Agricultural Research, Education and Extension for Viksit Bharat@2047.”
The event brings together key policymakers, researchers, and academic leaders to deliberate on reforms needed to modernize and strengthen India's agricultural research and education systems. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also chaired a high-level panel discussion on reimagining the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), focusing on aligning it with India’s long-term development vision.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of synergy between research, education, and field-level extension to ensure agricultural sustainability and prosperity.
The conference features three key sessions: a panel discussion on transforming NARS for Viksit Bharat@2047, another on reorienting agricultural education to meet future challenges, and an expert session exploring strategic directions for integrating research, education, and extension.
Distinguished members from NITI Aayog, former Directors General of ICAR, vice-chancellors, and deputy directors general from various scientific fields are attending the event. Their insights aim to help build a robust and future-ready agricultural system.
The conference will conclude with a valedictory session and the presentation of key recommendations, outlining actionable steps toward achieving the goal of a developed and self-reliant agricultural sector by 2047.
