ICAR-IARI Celebrates Agricultural Education Day

3 December 2025, New Delhi

ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, celebrated Agricultural Education Day today to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India and the first Union Agriculture Minister. The commemorative lecture was organised by the Graduate School, ICAR-IARI.

Shri Hemendra Mathur, Chairman, FICCI Taskforce on Agri Start-ups and Co-founder, ThinkAg, delivered the Agricultural Education Day Lecture on the theme “Agritech as the Core Pillar of Agricultural Transformation.”

In an insightful and thought-provoking address, Shri Mathur highlighted transformative trends shaping the agri-innovation ecosystem. He emphasised that raising money is easier than getting the right talent in agri start-ups, underscoring the critical need for skilled human resources who deeply understand agricultural realities. Stressing field connect as a key differentiator, he remarked that “those in agritech who spend a lot of time in the field make more impact.”

He further stated that creating meaningful employment opportunities in rural India remains a central challenge, and agritech ventures are now emerging with innovative business models to address this gap. Calling upon young agricultural graduates, he stated: “Each agricultural student can be a change agent by building leadership and business models. The world is in your hands.” He added that Viksit Krishi will be a crucial pillar in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The programme was chaired by Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR–IARI, who, in his remarks, urged students and young innovators to cultivate perseverance and purpose. He said, “Patience, persuasion and follow-up are vital for becoming successful agri-startups. ICAR-IARI is committed to the principle of ‘More from Less for More’ with a minimum carbon footprint.” He also encouraged students to take full advantage of ICAR-IARI’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, which increasingly supports incubation, mentoring, and technology validation for emerging agri-entrepreneurs.

Earlier, Dr. Anupama Singh, Dean & Joint Director (Education), ICAR-IARI, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of nurturing a new generation of agri-professionals equipped with innovation, empathy and scientific rigour. She also emphasised that agricultural education must evolve continuously to integrate cutting-edge technologies while staying rooted in field realities and farmer-centric solutions.

The event brought together students of ICAR-IARI and SAUs, faculty members of Agricultural Sciences, start-up founders and agri-innovation stakeholders from across India, reaffirming ICAR-IARI’s commitment to fostering a robust agricultural education and entrepreneurship ecosystem for a resilient and progressive India, and strengthening national efforts toward sustainable agricultural transformation and Viksit Bharat.

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