114th Foundation Course for Agricultural Scientists Concludes at ICAR-NAARM

The 114th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS) was formally inaugurated today at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Dr. H.P. Singh, Former Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, attended as Guest of Honour.

In his address, Dr. Pathak congratulated the newly inducted scientists on their selection into the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and urged them to remain committed to innovation, teamwork, and perseverance throughout their careers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining ambition despite challenges and encouraged them to think differently to achieve professional excellence.

Dr. H.P. Singh delivered a special lecture on ‘Scope of Peri-Urban Horticulture: In the Context of Amrit Kaal 2047’, highlighting the pressing challenges in agriculture, including rising food demands, dwindling natural resources, and the urgent need for sustainability and resilience. He stressed the role of cutting-edge research and participatory learning in addressing these challenges.

Dr. Gopal Lal, Acting Director, ICAR-NAARM, outlined the objectives and structure of FOCARS, shared an overview of the Academy’s initiatives, and administered the official oath to the young probationers.

The event marked the beginning of an intensive training programme designed to equip the next generation of agricultural scientists with the skills, values, and vision needed to lead Indian agriculture into the future.

(Source: ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad)