The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has constituted a high-level Special Task Force (STF) to develop strategies aimed at strengthening India’s agricultural resilience in the face of evolving global geopolitical challenges.
The decision was taken during the first meeting of the task force, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, where a comprehensive framework was outlined to ensure national food and input security.
The task force will focus on expanding farmer outreach, optimising resource use, and promoting diversification in agriculture, while leveraging technology and improving governance mechanisms.
As part of its key initiatives, ICAR will intensify the ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ campaign, with a renewed focus on 100 aspirational districts. The programme aims to strengthen engagement with farmers by providing a complete package of scientific practices and building confidence at the grassroots level.
Efforts are also being stepped up to improve soil health and rationalise fertiliser use. A nationwide campaign will promote balanced application of fertilisers and bio-inputs, alongside district-level assessments to optimise consumption in major crops such as wheat and rice.
The task force has also prioritised crop diversification and efficient land use. This includes mapping millet-growing regions and encouraging high-value alternatives in low-productivity paddy areas, such as integrating eco-fisheries during the Kharif season to boost farmer incomes.
In terms of technology adoption, ICAR is promoting mechanical interventions like Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and strengthening advisory systems through meteorological inputs under coordinated research programmes. These measures aim to enhance productivity while reducing resource dependence.
To ensure effective implementation, nodal officers have been designated within various subject matter divisions to monitor progress on a weekly basis and coordinate a unified action plan.
The Special Task Force will meet as required, using institutional feedback and data-driven insights to provide timely recommendations to the government, with the broader goal of safeguarding India’s agricultural sector against global uncertainties.
