On 16th July 2026, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) organized a programme of live viewing of the event of 98th Foundation Day of ICAR from New Delhi at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad.
This webcast was attended by ICAR-CRIDA staff, and effectively conveyed the message of all the dignitaries present in the programme to the participants.
On the 98th Foundation Day of ICAR, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR said that science-based research and innovation are the biggest forces behind Indian agricultural transformation.
He said that in the last one year ICAR has developed 386 new crop varieties (of which 94% are climate-tolerant) and 117 horticultural varieties. He also said that significant achievements were made in animal health, fisheries, natural farming, agricultural mechanization and climate-friendly agriculture.
He said that ICAR is committed to building a prosperous farmer, a healthy society, a clean environment and self-reliant India through science-based, demand-driven and sustainable agricultural transformation.
On the occasion of the 98th Foundation Day of ICAR, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said that ICAR has become the pioneer of Indian agricultural transformation today. He attributed the remarkable achievements of the country in food grains, horticulture, dairy and fish production to ICAR's scientific research and innovation.
He called upon the scientists to ensure timely transfer of technology from laboratories to the field while linking research with farmers' needs.
On the occasion of the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), KVK Ranga Reddy of ICAR-Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) organized “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” plantation programme on 16th July 2026 at the Bhuvan Research Farm (BRF).
The plantation drive was conducted with the objective of promoting environmental conservation, increasing green cover, and encouraging sustainable lifestyles among the staff and the community.
The programme witnessed the active participation of Dr. Santanu Kumar Bal, Project Coordinator (AICRPAM), Dr. I. Srinivas, Officer Incharge BRF, Dr. D.B.V. Ramana, Officer Incharge Varun Research Farm, Dr. Chandrakant M. H., Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Dr. T.V. Prasad, Principal Scientist, Dr. K. Srinivas, Principal Scientist, Dr. B. Sarkar, Principal Scientist, Dr. A. Gopal Krishna Reddy, Senior Scientist, Dr. A. Keerthika, Senior Scientist and all Subject Matter Specialists (SMS’s), Technical Officer, administrative staff of KVK, staff of Bhuvan Research Farm, Hayathnagar, and students of the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWEP) programme actively participated.
As part of the initiative, 36 saplings were planted to promote environmental conservation, enhance green cover, and reinforce ICAR's commitment to sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship. The plantation drive reflected the collective commitment of the participants towards protecting the environment and fostering a greener future.
Following the plantation programme, the ICAR-CRIDA, KVK team conducted a farmers-scientist interaction meeting at Arutla Village, Manchal Mandal. Farmers were sensitized about the history, achievements, and contributions of ICAR towards agricultural research, technology development, and farmer welfare.
An interactive session was also held on the El Nino phenomenon, its likely impact on rainfall, crop production, and water availability, along with climate-resilient agricultural practices to minimize its adverse effects. The programme concluded with active farmer participation and discussions on adopting appropriate climate-smart farming strategies. Around 46 farmers (31 Male & 15 Female) from Arutla Village, Manchal Mandal actively participated in the event.
