The 97th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Society was held today at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Without developed agriculture, the dream of a developed India cannot be realised.” He emphasised that India must move beyond merely increasing production and build a strong identity “from farm to global market”. He called for a demand-driven research ecosystem aligned with farmers’ needs, market demand and consumer requirements, with research outcomes delivering direct and measurable benefits to farmers.

He stressed that the next phase of agricultural transformation must focus on improving farm incomes and strengthening the resilience of small and marginal farmers. In this context, he emphasised integrated farming systems, along with timely access to quality seeds and planting material, balanced fertiliser use, improved soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.

Shri Chouhan also underlined the importance of strengthening India’s export viability through quality, nutrition, processing, packaging, shelf life and compliance with global standards. He called for stronger ICAR–industry partnerships to ensure that technologies developed through research are transferred to farmers more rapidly and effectively.

“Research alone is not enough; the right research, at the right time, must address the right problem and reach the farmer quickly that is the true measure of success,” he said.

Emphasising the need for a more outcome-oriented research ecosystem, Shri Chouhan called for greater dialogue among scientists, policymakers, farmers, industry and other stakeholders, along with clearer prioritisation of research objectives. He stressed that innovative ideas must move beyond laboratories and be translated into practical solutions and measurable impact on the ground.

“Our hard work, our research and our efforts can transform India’s image and change the destiny of our farmers,” he added.

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, said that India has made significant strides in agriculture and allied sectors since 2014, and the next priority is to achieve self-reliance in agriculture.

He emphasised the need to strengthen self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds, seeds, livestock and value-added processing, while promoting climate-resilient agriculture, soil health and sustainable resource management. He also stressed stronger FPOs and market linkages to enhance farmers’ incomes.

Shri Choudhary underscored the role of ICAR and KVKs in taking science, technology and innovation to farmers, and said that self-reliant agriculture is vital to realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, highlighted India’s significant progress across agriculture and allied sectors, including foodgrains, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, meat and eggs. He attributed this transformation to scientific research, technology and the collective efforts of scientists, farmers and the Central and State Governments.

Highlighting the legacy of the Green and White Revolutions, Shri Baghel noted India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer and significant growth in fisheries production and exports. He stressed greater integration of agriculture, livestock, dairy, fisheries and poultry to enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy.

The meeting brought together Union and State Ministers and other stakeholders from across the agricultural and allied sectors. Other dignitaries present included Shri Gabriel Danwang Wangsu, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Horticulture and Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.