96th Annual General Meeting of ICAR Society Organised

Scientists are the modern-day sages of science; congratulations to ICAR scientists for their achievements – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Over 18 Union and State Agriculture Ministers deliberated on agricultural progress in this important meeting

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that crop-wise and state-specific action plans will be formulated

"Agriculture is a State subject; cooperation from State Governments is essential for agricultural development," said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Research and technology should be aligned with the needs of farming and farmers – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shri Shivraj Singh stated that the setting up of 'Crop Medicine Centres' similar to Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be considered

A cotton-focused conference will be held on 11th July 2025 in Coimbatore – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Rabi Conference under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will be held as a two-day event – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are dedicated to building a developed India – Shri Chouhan

7 July 2025, New Delhi

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired the 96th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi.

More than 18 Union and State Ministers participated in the meeting. Attendees included Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Bhagirath Choudhary; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh; Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri S.P. Baghel and Shri George Kurian; Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Horticulture Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu; Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha; Bihar Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources Smt. Renu Devi; Madhya Pradesh Minister for Horticulture and Food Processing Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah; Mizoram Agriculture Minister Shri P.C. Vanlalruata; Haryana Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Minister Shri Shyam Singh Rana; Uttar Pradesh Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Shri Dharampal Singh; Karnataka Agriculture Minister Shri N. Cheluvaraya Swamy; Uttar Pradesh Minister for Agriculture, Education and Research Shri Surya Pratap Shahi; Odisha Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Shri Gokulananda Mallik; Madhya Pradesh Minister for Farmers’ Welfare and Agriculture Development Shri Adal Singh Kansana; and Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi.

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary emphasised that in view of the climate change, adopting organic farming is essential for sustainable and resilient agriculture. He further added that the collective efforts of scientists, researchers, and farmers will drive us towards PM’s goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Shri Jitendra Singh emphasised modern farming not only grows but is also successful in creating new varieties through the implementation of improved technologies. He reiterated that the modern farming not only ensures growth but also enables the development of new varieties through advanced technologies. The Minister stated that ICAR’s innovative models have successfully extended the shelf life of agricultural produce.

Shri Kurian stated that he is grateful to ICAR for the role it played in the development of fisheries sector across India. “I express my gratitude to ICAR for its significant contribution to the growth and development of the fisheries sector across India”, he added.

Shri Baghel highlighted ICAR technologies have elevated farm production to new heights. Farmers must adopt these innovations and research outcomes to boost their yields. ICAR technologies have elevated farm production to new heights. Farmers must adopt these innovations and research outcomes to boost their yields, he added.

Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) presented the achievements of ICAR. He also presented the ICAR Annual Report 2024–2025 and read out a resolution to adopt it.

Shri Puneet Agarwal, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Financial Advisor (ICAR), presented the annual accounts along with the Auditor's Report for the year 2023–24, followed by the resolution for its adoption.
4 ICAR publications were released during the occasion.

The State Ministers expressed satisfaction over the growth in food grain production and the overall progress in the agriculture sector. They unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the prosperity of farmers and advancement in agriculture.

Dr D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences) ICAR, proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi)