Full Form of ICAR

The full form of ICAR is the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India, responsible for coordinating and promoting agricultural education, research, and extension activities in the country.

Overview of ICAR

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established on 16th July 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research under the British government. After independence, it was renamed ICAR and placed under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India. 

The organization was formed to advance agricultural research, education, and extension to improve food production and support farmers. Over the decades, ICAR has been instrumental in the Green Revolution, White Revolution, and Blue Revolution, helping India achieve self-sufficiency in food production and agricultural development.

Today, ICAR oversees more than 100 research institutes and 75 agricultural universities across India. It plays a key role in developing high-yield crop varieties, sustainable farming practices, and advanced agricultural technologies. The council also focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, and precision farming to address modern challenges in the agricultural sector. Through continuous innovation and research, ICAR remains a driving force in India's agricultural growth, ensuring food security and rural development.

Ten divisions of ICAR:

ICAR is divided into several research and development divisions, each focusing on a specific agricultural domain. Here are the key divisions:

1. Crop Science Division

2. Horticultural Science Division

3. Natural Resource Management Division

4. Agricultural Engineering Division

5. Animal Science Division

6. Fisheries Science Division

7. Agricultural Education Division

8. Agricultural Extension Division

9. ICAR-National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF)

10. Agricultural Economics, Policy, and Planning Division

Achievements of ICAR:

1. Green Revolution (1960s-1970s) – ICAR played a key role in developing high-yield wheat and rice varieties, significantly increasing India’s food grain production.
   
   

2. White Revolution (1970s-1980s) – Through advancements in dairy farming and breed improvement, ICAR contributed to making India the world’s largest producer of milk.
   
   

3. Blue Revolution (1985-1990) – ICAR’s research in fisheries and aquaculture led to a massive increase in fish production, boosting India’s seafood industry.
   
   

4. Development of Climate-Resilient Crops (2010s) – ICAR introduced drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties to combat climate change and ensure food security.
   
   

5. National Agricultural Innovation Project (2006-2014) – This initiative promoted modern agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices across India.
   
   

ICAR’s Role in Accreditation

ICAR plays a crucial role in the accreditation of agricultural universities and institutions to ensure high-quality education and research standards. Through the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board (NAEAB), ICAR evaluates academic programs, faculty, infrastructure, and research facilities.

Accredited institutions receive recognition for maintaining excellence in agricultural education, making their graduates more competitive in the field. This process helps in standardizing curriculum, improving research output, and promoting innovation in agriculture and allied sciences across India.

Initiatives of ICAR:

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) – Established to provide farmers with hands-on training, modern agricultural techniques, and real-time advisory services.
  
  

• National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) – Launched to develop climate-smart farming practices and resilient crop varieties to tackle climate change impacts.
  
  

• All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) – A nationwide initiative for crop improvement, livestock development, and sustainable farming solutions through collaborative research.
  
  

Future Goals of ICAR:

• Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture – Promote eco-friendly farming practices, soil health management, and water conservation for long-term agricultural productivity.

• Advancing Climate-Resilient Farming – Develop drought, flood, and heat-tolerant crop varieties to mitigate the effects of climate change.

• Boosting Technological Integration – Implement AI, IoT, and precision farming techniques to modernize Indian agriculture and improve efficiency.

• Strengthening Agri-Education & Research – Upgrade agricultural universities, research facilities, and training programs to produce skilled professionals.

Agricultural Research Service:

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the scientific research division of ICAR, responsible for conducting advanced agricultural research in India. It recruits scientists through the ARS examination, conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB). ARS scientists work on crop improvement, soil health, animal husbandry, fisheries, and agricultural technology, contributing to innovation and sustainable farming solutions.

Conclusion:

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plays a vital role in advancing agricultural science and technology in India. By driving innovation, improving farming practices, and addressing agricultural challenges, ARS contributes significantly to food security and sustainable agriculture. Its research efforts continue to enhance productivity, benefiting farmers and the nation’s agricultural growth.

Access Vedantu’s expert-curated NEET study material to boost your preparation and achieve a high score in the exam.

NEET 2025 Study Material 

Students can access the NEET Study Material from the table below:H2 - Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success.