Union Minister of Agriculture Assumed Office

Shri Singh addressed the agricultural scientists and senior officials of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He emphasized upon the participation of private sector as partners in agricultural research, education and extension so as to bring in more investment in these key areas. Shri Singh took keen interest and also appreciated the initiatives proposed by ICAR during the 12th Plan which include Secondary Agriculture, Farmer FIRST, Student READY, ARYA (Attracting & Retaining Youth in Agriculture), Agri-Tech Foresight Centre, National Agri-Science Foundation, National Agri-Innovation Foundation, National Agri-Science Foundation and Vision-2050 for Science-led Agriculture.

Earlier, Dr. S.Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR and Shri Arvind R. Kaushal, Additional Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR welcomed the Ministers and introduced the key officials of DARE and ICAR. Dr. Ayyappan also made a brief presentation about the present condition of Indian agricultural research, challenge, new initiatives.

Deputy Directors General, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, National Director of NAIP and senior officials of DARE and ICAR were present on the occasion.

(Source: NAIP Mass Media Project, DKMA, ICAR)