ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal Celebrates 43rd Foundation Day

21 September 2026, Karnal

ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and pride, marking an important milestone in the institute’s journey of managing animal genetic resources, advancing scientific research, developing technologies, and supporting policies for the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders. The event brought together senior ICAR officials, former Directors and scientists, farmers, institutional partners, media representatives, and staff members to commemorate over four decades of contributions to animal science.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri Atul J. Siriskar, IFS, PCCF-cum-Member Secretary, Haryana State Biodiversity Board, stressed the importance of equitable benefit sharing of local resources and traditional knowledge with farmers and stakeholders. He highlighted the need for conserving indigenous livestock breeds and advocated the use of modern tools such as geo-tagging for improved documentation, traceability, and sustainable management of genetic resources. He also emphasized strengthening community-based linkages among researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs to enhance productivity and profitability.

Other distinguished dignitaries included Dr Yashpal Singh Malik, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR; Dr S. K. Dubey, Member, General Body, ICAR; and Dr H. K. Narula, Assistant Director General (AP&B), ICAR. Former and serving officials, Directors of ICAR institutes and Central Universities, along with farmers and entrepreneurs, also attended the celebration.

Dr Yashpal Singh Malik, elaborated on the pivotal role of NBAGR in human resource development through capacity-building programmes for students, farmers, and stakeholders, thereby strengthening the livestock sector’s human capital.

Dr. S. K. Dubey, emphasized the importance of self-dedication among staff and the need to foster a positive and healthy work culture to enhance productivity and institutional excellence.

Dr. H. K. Narula, highlighted the need to move beyond conventional characterization approaches, stressing value addition, effective utilization, and conservation of indigenous genetic resources, along with the importance of farmer-centric research and efficient technology dissemination.

The programme commenced with a welcome address, followed by a comprehensive presentation by Dr N. H. Mohan, Director, ICAR-NBAGR. He highlighted the institute’s major achievements and outlined a strategic five-year roadmap. He emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary and integrated approach for the characterization, conservation, and community-based utilization of animal genetic resources, aligning with national priorities for sustainable livestock development, food and livelihood security under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and emphasized the need for strengthening the mission towards achieving zero non-descript AnGR.

Stakeholder interaction sessions and the felicitation of progressive livestock keepers for their contributions to agriculture and indigenous livestock conservation were key highlights of the event.

“A dairy kit and personal safety items, including gumboots, have been provided to female farmers under the SCSP Programme in recognition of their pivotal role in Indian agriculture and the livestock sector.”

The programme also featured the release of institutional publications, manuals, a short video and knowledge resources. Certificates were distributed to winners of poster and sports competitions, and participants were duly recognized.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, officials, media representatives, staff members, and participants. The celebration marked another milestone in ICAR-NBAGR’s continued commitment to conservation, research, and capacity building for sustainable livestock development, preservation of India’s rich livestock genetic diversity, and strengthening food security in alignment with national priorities for resilient and self-reliant livestock systems under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

A total of 82 farmers actively participated, reflecting the institute’s strong outreach and engagement.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal)