National Agricultural Research System

India has built up a fairly advanced agricultural research system. The Indian NARS is one of the largest systems in the world. The effective functioning of this system, in close association with Education and extension systems, has greatly contributed to the rapid Growth of agriculture after independence.

After independence, the research system has undergone some major changes. First, a number of State Agricultural Universities were established following the recommendations of the first Joint Indo-American Team in 1955. The first one was established in 1960 at Pantnagar in Uttar Pradesh and other States followed suit. There are now 37Agricultural Universities spread over different States. In addition, there are four National Institutes of the ICAR, which are involved in higher agricultural education at the postgraduate level. These are:

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi;
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar;
National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal; and
Central Institute of Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai.

These Institutes have Deemed University status, and offer their own degrees and diplomas in agriculture and allied areas. There is also a Central Agricultural University (CAU) at Imphal to cater to the needs of North-Eastern States.

Second, on the basis of critical reviews and specific policy issues emanating from the recommendations of various Review Committees, the ICAR was reorganized first in 1965 to bring centrally sponsored research activities relating to crops, commodities, animal sciences, and fisheries under one umbrella. The Commodity Committees were abolished and their research institutes as well as those under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture were merged with the ICAR so that problems of agricultural research could be viewed in their totality. The rules and bye-laws of the Council were revised to make it functionally more effective, technically competent and autonomous. The Governing Body was reconstituted, making it pre-eminently a body of scientists and those with interest in or knowledge of agriculture. An eminent agricultural scientist was appointed as the Executive Head of the ICAR and was designated as the Director General.

An innovative programme known as the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) was launched in 1979, with World Bank support, to strengthen the regional research capabilities of the Agricultural Universities to undertake location-specific and need-based research on the basis of identified agro-climatic zones. Finally, a major programme called the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) was launched in 1997, with the World Bank support, mainly to consolidate the gains of NATP through technology assessment and refinement.

The ICAR System

Among the major scientific organizations in the country, ICAR is unique in having concurrent responsibility for both research and education. As an apex body at the national level, ICAR is mainly responsible for the promotion and coordination of agricultural research in the various branches of agriculture and allied sciences in the country. In addition to its promoting and coordinating roles, ICAR is also directly involved in undertaking research at the national level, basic as well as applied, on diverse problems facing production of crops, animals, fisheries, etc., with the objective of evolving new production technologies suited to different agro-climatic conditions.

The Famine Commission Report of 1880 led to the creation of the Departments of Agriculture at the Center as well as in the Provinces with the primary duties of undertaking scientific enquiry and improvement in agriculture apart from famine relief. Dr J.A. Voelcker, Consulting Chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, laid the foundation for agricultural research in India in 1890s. His recommendations led to the appointment of the Imperial Agricultural Chemist in 1892, the Imperial Mycologist in 1901, and the Imperial Entomologist in 1903. This was the beginning of inducting scientific temper into agriculture. Most importantly, his work was instrumental for the establishment of the Imperial (now Indian) Agricultural Research Institute in 1905 at Pusa, Bihar. Agricultural Colleges were also established at Pune, Kanpur, Sabour, Nagpur, Coimbatore, and Lyallpur (now in Pakistan). Organized scientific research on the problems of Livestock started with the establishment of the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory (now known as Indian Veterinary Research Institute) at Mukteswar in 1889. This was preceded by the establishment of Veterinary Colleges at Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, and Lahore (now in Pakistan).

The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is a Network of public and private research institutions that conducts research on agricultural issues. The NARS is funded by the federal government and state governments, and it is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The NARS has a long history of conducting research on agricultural issues. The first agricultural experiment station was established in 1862, and the NARS was formally established in 1914. The NARS has played a major role in the development of new agricultural technologies, such as hybrid corn, high-yield varieties of rice, and genetically modified crops.

The NARS is organized into four major areas: agricultural research, agricultural extension, agricultural education, and agricultural economics. Agricultural research is conducted at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and at regional research centers. Agricultural extension is conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), which is a PARTNERSHIP between the USDA and the land-grant universities. Agricultural education is conducted at land-grant universities and at other colleges and universities. Agricultural economics is conducted at land-grant universities and at other research institutions.

The NARS is a vital part of the U.S. agricultural system. The NARS conducts research that helps to improve agricultural productivity, reduce food costs, and protect the Environment. The NARS also provides education and outreach to farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.

The NARS is facing a number of challenges, including budget cuts, declining enrollment in agricultural programs, and competition from private research institutions. However, the NARS remains committed to conducting research that will help to ensure the future of agriculture in the United States.

Here are some specific examples of the NARS’s work:

The NARS has developed new varieties of crops that are resistant to pests and diseases. This has helped to reduce the use of pesticides, which can harm the environment.
The NARS has developed new methods of Irrigation that help to conserve water. This is important in areas where water is scarce.
The NARS has developed new methods of pest control that are less harmful to the environment. This includes the use of biological controls, such as predators and parasites.
The NARS has developed new methods of Soil management that help to prevent erosion and improve crop yields.
The NARS has developed new methods of water management that help to conserve water and prevent flooding.
The NARS has developed new methods of Food Processing that help to reduce food waste.
The NARS has developed new methods of food distribution that help to ensure that everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.

The NARS’s work is essential to the future of agriculture in the United States. The NARS is committed to conducting research that will help to ensure that agriculture is sustainable, productive, and environmentally friendly.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about agriculture:

What is agriculture?
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating Plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.
What are the different types of agriculture?
There are many different types of agriculture, but some of the most common include:
Subsistence agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family.
Commercial agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce crops or livestock for sale.
Industrial agriculture: This type of agriculture is characterized by large-scale production and the use of modern technology.
Organic agriculture: This type of agriculture uses natural methods to grow crops and raise livestock.
Sustainable Agriculture: This type of agriculture is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the benefits of agriculture?
Agriculture provides us with food, fiber, fuel, and other essential products. It also plays a role in the economy, providing jobs and income for millions of people around the world. Agriculture can also help to protect the environment by conserving water and soil Resources.
What are the challenges of agriculture?
Agriculture faces a number of challenges, including Climate change, pests and diseases, and competition from other land uses. These challenges can make it difficult for farmers to produce enough food to meet the needs of a growing Population. Agriculture can also have a negative impact on the environment, such as through soil erosion and Water Pollution.
What are the future trends in agriculture?
The future of agriculture is uncertain, but some of the trends that are likely to shape it include:
Climate Change: Climate change is already having a significant impact on agriculture, and it is likely to become even more of a challenge in the future. Farmers will need to adapt to changing weather patterns and find ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases are a major threat to agriculture, and they are likely to become even more of a problem in the future. Farmers will need to find new ways to control pests and diseases without harming the environment.
Competition from other land uses: Agriculture is competing with other land uses, such as housing and development, for land. This is making it more difficult for farmers to find land to grow crops and raise livestock.
Technological advances: Technological advances are likely to play a major role in the future of agriculture. New technologies, such as precision agriculture and vertical farming, could help farmers to produce more food with less land and water.
What can I do to help support agriculture?
There are many things you can do to help support agriculture, including:
Buy local food: Buying local food supports local farmers and helps to reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.
Eat less meat: Meat production is a major contributor to climate change. Eating less meat can help to reduce your impact on the environment.
Support sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture practices help to protect the environment and conserve resources. You can support sustainable agriculture by buying products from farmers who use sustainable practices.
Get involved in your community: There are many ways to get involved in your community and support agriculture. You can volunteer at a local farm, join a farmers’ market, or start a community garden.

Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about agriculture:

What is the main goal of agriculture?
(A) To produce food for humans and animals
(B) To protect the environment
(C) To create jobs
(D) To generate income
Which of the following is not a major type of agriculture?
(A) Crop production
(B) Livestock production
(C) Aquaculture
(D) Forestry
What is the most common type of crop grown in the world?
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Corn
(D) Soybeans
Which of the following is not a major livestock species?
(A) Cattle
(B) Pigs
(C) Chickens
(D) Fish
What is the main goal of livestock production?
(A) To produce meat
(B) To produce milk
(C) To produce eggs
(D) To produce wool
Which of the following is not a major environmental issue related to agriculture?
(A) Soil erosion
(B) Water pollution
(C) Air Pollution
(D) Climate change
What is the main goal of environmental protection in agriculture?
(A) To reduce soil erosion
(B) To reduce water pollution
(C) To reduce air pollution
(D) To reduce climate change
Which of the following is not a major job in agriculture?
(A) Farmer
(B) Rancher
(C) Fisherman
(D) Logger
What is the main goal of job creation in agriculture?
(A) To provide EMPLOYMENT for people in rural areas
(B) To provide food for people in urban areas
(C) To protect the environment
(D) To generate income
Which of the following is not a major Source Of Income from agriculture?
(A) Crop sales
(B) Livestock sales
(C) Tourism
(D) Government subsidies

I hope these questions were helpful!