The correct answer is D. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
ICAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It was established in 1929 as Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and is headquartered in New Delhi.
ICAR is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry and allied subjects in the country. It has a network of 97 national research institutes, 57 national bureaus, 45 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 10 Indian Agricultural Research Institutes (IARIs) and 10 Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs).
ICAR’s mandate is to:
- Promote research in agriculture and allied subjects
- Coordinate and guide research activities in the country
- Provide training and extension services to farmers
- Promote the use of new technologies in agriculture
- Promote the development of new varieties of crops and livestock
- Promote the development of new technologies for processing and marketing of agricultural products
ICAR has made significant contributions to the development of agriculture in India. It has developed new varieties of crops that are high-yielding and resistant to pests and diseases. It has also developed new technologies for irrigation, fertilization, crop protection and post-harvest management. These technologies have helped to increase agricultural production and productivity in the country.
ICAR is also playing a major role in the development of the rural economy. It is promoting the use of new technologies in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry. It is also providing training and extension services to farmers. These activities are helping to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural people.
ICAR is a premier research organization in the country. It is playing a major role in the development of agriculture and the rural economy.