Indian Council of Agricultural Research

The Directorate of Information and Publications of Agriculture (DIPA) is responsible for dissemination of the agricultural research information generated in the National Agricultural Research System to farmers, students, research scholars, scientists, extension workers etc. through different information products and publications in print and electronic mode. The Directorate is headed by Project Director (DIPA); and he is assisted by the Heads of various Units like ARIS, Media and Information, Publicity and Public Relations, ARIC, English/Hindi Editorials, Production, Art and Photo, Business, ICAR Library and two administration sections. It is located at Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-I, Pusa, New Delhi.

The DIPA is the window of the ICAR through which the research and other activities are revealed to the world. It brings out a variety of publications in English, Hindi and regional languages for the use of scientists, researchers, students, policy planners, extension personnel, farmers and the general public. Research journals, popular magazines, scientific monographs, technical and popular books, handbooks, low-priced books, bulletins, reports, proceedings of conferences and a variety of miscellaneous title are brought out by it regularly, along with certain special publications from time to time.

Thrust Areas

• To produce value added quality publications in a cost effective manner.
• To develop on-line e-resources and databases to provide global exposure to ICAR publications and technologies.
• Marketing and showcasing the technologies developed by National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
• To impart training in the area of Publication Production management processes (i.e. editing, production, art, Sales & Marketing) and Management of Information through modern communication techniques.
• Development of Sales and marketing strategies for strengthening of resources.

Mandate

• To act as a clearing house of information on agricultural and allied Science.
• To publish research publications, semi-technical periodicals, newsletters, books, monographs, handbooks, technical bulletins, annual reports, research highlights and other materials.
• To produce information in the form of floppies, magnetic discs, tape, Compact discs and other form of electronic publishing.
• To produce audio-visual material for dissemination and popularization of scientific knowledge about agriculture in the form of photographs, slides, audio-cassettes, video-cassettes and films.
• To organize refresher course, training and research in communication technologies to update and improve agricultural information system of the ICAR.
• To collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate information on agriculture and allied sciences through Agricultural Research Information Centre (ARIC) using latest computer and digital technologies.

Achievements

• Handbook of Horticulture, and Handbook of Fisheries published. Fifth edition of Hand Book of Agriculture and third revised edition of Hand Book of Animal Husbandry were brought out.
• The series on Agricultural Popular Books namely, Agri-Pop Series has been launched.
• The Indian Horticulture and Phal Phool have been made bi-monthly from quarterly on demand of readers.
• Logos and designs for national and international events has been developed.
• Scrolling news at ICAR website was launched.
• Computerized print control (CPC) and computer-to-plate (C&P) technology is being used to enhance the print quality of publication.
• International serial Book Number(ISBN) have been introduced for greater visibility of publication globally.
• National Agricultural Research Database (NARD), was developed and 23 ICAR Institutes and State Agricultural Universities are working as data input centres. Two Abstract Journals viz. The Indian Agricultural Science Abstracts and The Indian Animal Science Abstracts are being published.
• Information on Research Projects of ICAR institutes and All-India Coordinated Research Projects are updated.
• Bibliographic inputs from Indian Agricultural Periodicals were indexed and submitted to Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, for inclusion in AGRIS database.
• Under outreach programme 40 video films were prepared and distributed to KVKs for popularizing appropriate technologies among farmers.
• Participated in Exhibitions and Book Fairs of National /International level.
• Generated revenue of Rs 70 lakhs through sale of publications.
• Open Access Publications (available online).
• Online Databases on ICAR Web site.
• Digital Publications.