ICAR – All About the Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Agriculture is a key growth factor in the Indian economy. It ensures that the country is self-sufficient in food production and generates significant income through exports. Even though most elite higher education institutions do not offer courses in agricultural sciences, many new career profiles are opening up for graduates in agriculture.

What is ICAR?

One of the most esteemed institutions that conduct undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences is the Indian Council of Agricultural Research or ICAR. It is the apex institution in India for promoting, coordinating and managing the research and education in agricultural sciences.

Benefits of ICAR

As the prime agricultural science and research institution, ICAR is a one-of-its-kind organization in India. They educate and prepare agriculturists who can take the legacy of the green revolution forward. A robust agriculture sector will ensure that India is always well-equipped to face famines, droughts, and natural calamities – and they never culminate into a shortage of food. Here are some of the key benefits of ICAR –

• Educates and prepares young minds to work in the agriculture sector with corporates or the government.
• ICAR has the largest network of agricultural systems globally, with 101 institutes and 71 agricultural universities under its regulation.
• ICAR intakes students through the ICAR AIEEA or ICAR All India Entrance Examination for Admission conducted by the National Testing Agency
• Thousands of students graduate from ICAR each year to take up central and state government job posts.

Duties of ICAR

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has the following mandate –

1. Research and education in agriculture and the application of such research in agroforestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science, and allied sciences.
2. To plan, undertake, aid, promote, and coordinate the implementation of agricultural research findings in the field.
3. To spread awareness about good agricultural practices and the latest techniques/technologies in agriculture by publishing such information on their platforms.
4. To provide, conduct, and promote consultancy services in agriculture, agroforestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and allied sciences. ICAR also promotes education, training, research, and knowledge dissemination in these fields.
5. Investigating issues connected with areas of rural development in agriculture, including post-harvest technology – either independently or in collaboration with other organizations.

Contributions of the ICAR

• Played a pioneering role in the green revolution and subsequent agricultural developments
• Developed the bird flu vaccine effective on the H5N1 variant at Bhopal’s High-Security Animal Disease Laboratory.
• Scientists of ICAR were the first to sequence the Pigeon Pea genome.
• ICAR developed a mobile app named KISAAN, which stands for Krishi Integrated Solution for Agri Apps Navigation.

Career Opportunities after ICAR

Studying at ICAR makes students eligible for various jobs in the central and state governments. Some career paths suitable to graduates and postgraduates from ICAR institutions include –

• Banking – ICAR graduates and postgraduates are adept at dealing with agricultural finance and related issues. Therefore, they are well-qualified to work as an agrarian loans officer, extension officers, specialists etc., at the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• Research – Research to improve production methods and develop better pesticides and other chemicals to ensure a healthy crop falls under the scope of agricultural research students from ICAR.
• Indian Forest Service (IFS) – Working at different posts in the forest department can give you a lucrative career in government service. Candidates who study at ICAR join the Indian Forest Service as Joint secretaries, additional secretaries and other positions.
• Engineering – Agricultural engineers from ICAR work on the mechanical side of farming to develop better and more energy-efficient agriculture equipment.
• Consultation – Agricultural consultants, are often hired by the government or large-scale farmers to advise them about different ways to improve production and efficiency, better land management and refine operational processes.
• Corporate – Corporates like fertilizer manufacturing companies, agriculture product marketing companies, food processing units and industries that make agricultural equipment hire candidates with knowledge of agriculture and allied sciences.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is a unique institution that has single-handedly contributed more to the Indian agriculture sector than any other institution. ICAR plays a critical role in enhancing the country’s capacity to produce high-quality agricultural produce. And they also contribute by educating and preparing agriculturists who can continue to lead India on the growth path.

If you are a higher education institution looking to connect with ICAR and start a new program in collaboration – we can help! CollPoll helps higher education institutions get the affiliation and support they need to conduct undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences. Talk to our experts to get started!