Dr. Himanshu Pathak, the Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), delivered a comprehensive address at the New Year 2024 review meeting held on January 1, 2024. This meeting congregated the staff from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Headquarters (HQ), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), and various Delhi-based ICAR Institutes, with the presence of notable figures including Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), Dr. A.K Singh, Director (IARI), and Alka Arora, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Financial Advisor (ICAR).
In his address, Dr. Pathak lauded ICAR's accomplishments in agricultural innovation. Highlighting the organization's achievements, he disclosed that around 300 crop varieties had been released for farmers in 2023, with 219 varieties designed to withstand diverse climates, 36 bio-fortified varieties, and an additional 99 horticultural crop varieties. Furthermore, Dr. Pathak revealed the establishment of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARl)-hubs in 16 ICAR Institutes during the previous year, fostering research and development in agriculture.
Underscoring the growth in educational aspects, Dr. Pathak emphasized the increase in undergraduate admission applications, reaching an impressive 110 applications per seat, reflecting the growing interest and confidence in agricultural education.
The DG proudly announced significant advancements in livestock and poultry, including the registration of seven new livestock breeds, the successful cloning of Gir cows, and the development of novel vaccines and nutritional formulations, all contributing to enhancing livestock and poultry production in the country.
Dr. Pathak also shed light on ICAR's strategic initiatives, mentioning the creation and operationalization of a corpus fund and the adoption of a fund policy for corporate social responsibilities, showcasing the organization's commitment to sustainable development.
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the relentless efforts of the staff and scientists, Dr. Pathak urged everyone to embrace the New Year by setting ambitious and measurable goals to ensure a more productive year ahead.
डॉ. हिमांशु पाठक, महानिदेशक (आईसीएआर) एवं सचिव (डेयर) ने आज आईसीएआर के दिल्ली स्थित संस्थान एवं मुख्यालय के कर्मचारियों की उपस्थिति में नव वर्ष की शुभकामनाएं दिए तथा आईसीएआर की उपलब्धियों को साझा किए। #ICAR @MundaArjun @KailashBaytu @PMOIndia @PIB_India @mygovindia @AgriGoI pic.twitter.com/jAdJNLTzRC
— Indian Council of Agricultural Research. (@icarindia) January 1, 2024
Moreover, in line with the Fit India Movement, a spirited Cricket Match was organized between ICAR HQ and IARI New Delhi, fostering camaraderie and promoting a healthy lifestyle among the participants.
The review meeting highlighted ICAR's continuous commitment to agricultural excellence and innovation, setting a promising tone for the agricultural sector's progress in the coming year.
