ICAR-IARI Hosts National Workshop on Impact Assessment of Agricultural Technologies

25 July 2025, New Delhi

The Division of Agricultural Economics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, organized a National Workshop on “Methodological Frameworks for Assessing the Impact of Agricultural Technologies” today in New Delhi. The workshop aimed to strengthen understanding of rigorous methodologies for evaluating the impacts of agricultural innovations on productivity, sustainability, and policy formulation.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director & Vice-Chancellor, ICAR-IARI, stressed the importance of evidence-based evaluations in the current agricultural landscape. He emphasized the need to assess technologies through the lens of emerging challenges such as climate resilience, nutrition, environmental sustainability, income generation, and employment creation.

Dr. P.K. Joshi, Former Director, IFPRI-South Asia, delivered the inaugural address, underlining the significance of impact assessments in shaping agricultural policies and investment decisions. He also shared case studies demonstrating the journey of agricultural technologies and their measurable outcomes across India.

Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, presented insights into economic surplus models and the application of randomized control trials in impact studies.

A panel discussion chaired by Dr. Rao featured eminent experts including Dr. Raka Saxena (NITI Aayog), Dr. Anjani Kumar (IFPRI), Dr. R.N. Padaria, ICAR-IARI, and Dr. Smita Sirohi (ICAR). The panel emphasized aligning impact studies with national development priorities and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations.

The workshop brought together 53 participants from institutions including NITI Aayog, IFPRI, National Agricultural Innovation Project, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, ICAR-IARI,Assam, and various ICAR divisions, fostering dialogue on enhancing the policy relevance of impact evaluations within the agricultural sector.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)