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).
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The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is a Network of research institutions that are responsible for conducting agricultural research in a country. The NARS is typically funded by the government and is responsible for developing new technologies and practices that can be used to improve agricultural productivity.
The NARS is typically composed of a number of different research institutes, each of which is responsible for a different area of agricultural research. For example, there may be an institute that is responsible for crop research, an institute that is responsible for animal research, and an institute that is responsible for Soil and water management research.
The NARS plays an important role in the development of agriculture in a country. By conducting research and developing new technologies, the NARS can help to improve agricultural productivity and increase Food Security. The NARS can also help to reduce POVERTY and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
The NARS is facing a number of challenges, including a lack of funding, a shortage of skilled personnel, and a lack of coordination between different research institutes. However, the NARS is also making progress in addressing these challenges. For example, the NARS is working to improve coordination between different research institutes and to develop new funding mechanisms.
The NARS is an important part of the agricultural sector in many countries. By conducting research and developing new technologies, the NARS can help to improve agricultural productivity, increase food security, and reduce poverty.
Here are some specific examples of how the NARS has made a difference in agriculture:
- The NARS has developed new varieties of crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases. This has helped to increase crop yields and reduce the use of pesticides.
- The NARS has developed new methods of Irrigation that have helped to improve water efficiency. This has helped to reduce the amount of water that is used for irrigation and has also helped to improve the quality of water Resources.
- The NARS has developed new methods of pest control that are less harmful to the Environment. This has helped to reduce the use of pesticides and has also helped to protect wildlife.
- The NARS has developed new methods of soil conservation that have helped to prevent soil erosion. This has helped to improve the productivity of agricultural land and has also helped to protect the environment.
The NARS is a valuable resource for farmers and agricultural policymakers. The NARS can provide farmers with information about new technologies and practices, and it can also help policymakers to develop policies that will support agricultural development.
The NARS is facing a number of challenges, but it is also making progress in addressing these challenges. The NARS is working to improve coordination between different research institutes and to develop new funding mechanisms. The NARS is also working to develop new technologies and practices that will help to improve agricultural productivity and reduce poverty.
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 food for the farmer and their family. It is often practiced in developing countries where there is little access to markets or other sources of food.
- Commercial agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce crops or livestock for sale. It is often practiced in developed countries where there is a large market for agricultural products.
- Intensive agriculture: This type of agriculture uses a lot of inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation, to produce a high yield. It is often practiced in developed countries where land is scarce and expensive.
- Extensive agriculture: This type of agriculture uses fewer inputs and produces a lower yield. It is often practiced in developing countries where land is abundant and labor is cheap.
- Organic agriculture: This type of agriculture uses no synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides or Fertilizers. It is often practiced by farmers who are concerned about the environmental impact of conventional agriculture.
- 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. It often involves practices such as Crop Rotation, cover Cropping, and no-till farming.
What are the benefits of agriculture?
Agriculture provides us with food, fiber, fuel, and other essential products. It also plays an important role in the economy, providing jobs and income for millions of people around the world. Agriculture can also help to improve the environment by restoring degraded land and protecting Water Resources.
What are the challenges of agriculture?
Agriculture faces a number of challenges, including Climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. These challenges are likely to become more severe in the future, as the world’s Population continues to grow and demand for agricultural products increases. Agriculture also contributes to a number of environmental problems, such as Air Pollution, Water Pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the future of agriculture?
The future of agriculture is uncertain. The challenges facing agriculture are likely to become more severe in the future, as the world’s population continues to grow and demand for agricultural products increases. However, there are also a number of opportunities for agriculture to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The future of agriculture will depend on how we address these challenges and opportunities.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a goal of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS)?
(A) To increase agricultural productivity
(B) To improve the nutritional status of the population
(C) To reduce the environmental impact of agriculture
(D) To increase the profitability of agriculture
Answer
(D)
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is a network of agricultural research institutes and universities in the United States. The NARS’s mission is to “conduct research to advance the science of agriculture and to provide information and technology to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers.” The NARS’s goals include increasing agricultural productivity, improving the nutritional status of the population, and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. However, the NARS does not have a goal of increasing the profitability of agriculture.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a component of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS)?
(A) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
(B) The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
(C) The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
(D) The National Science Foundation (NSF)
Answer
(D)
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is a network of agricultural research institutes and universities in the United States. The NARS’s mission is to “conduct research to advance the science of agriculture and to provide information and technology to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers.” The NARS’s components include the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The National Science Foundation (NSF) is not a component of the NARS.
Question 3
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is funded by which of the following?
(A) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
(B) The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
(C) The National Science Foundation (NSF)
(D) The Department of Defense (DOD)
Answer
(A)
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA is the federal agency responsible for developing and executing federal policy on agriculture, food, Natural Resources, rural development, Nutrition, and related issues. The USDA’s mission is to “provide Leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on Sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.”
Question 4
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) employs how many people?
(A) Over 100,000
(B) Over 50,000
(C) Over 25,000
(D) Over 10,000
Answer
(A)
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) employs over 100,000 people. The NARS is the largest agricultural research system in the world. The NARS’s employees include scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff. The NARS’s employees are located at over 1,000 research facilities across the United States.
Question 5
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) conducts research on which of the following?
(A) Crop production
(B) Animal production
(C) Soil and water conservation
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D)
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) conducts research on all aspects of agriculture, including crop production, animal production, soil and water conservation, and food safety. The NARS’s research is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The NARS’s research is conducted at over 1,000 research facilities across the United States.