President of India Graces 62nd Convocation of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute

9th February 2024, New Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 62nd convocation of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Indian Agricultural Research Institute has made an unparalleled contribution to achieving food security in India. This institute has not only efficiently carried out research and development work related to agriculture but has also ensured that such research reaches the ground. She was happy to note that this institute has developed more than 200 new technologies. Between 2005 and 2020, IARI has developed more than 100 varieties and has more than 100 patents in its name.

The President said that a large population in India earns livelihood from agriculture. Agriculture also contributes significantly to India's GDP. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that this base of our economy grows as much as possible and that there is no hindrance to it. She was happy to note that the government is working to increase the income of farmers, promote new agricultural methods, and provide a smooth irrigation system. The government has significantly increased the MSP for all crops to provide income security to the farmers.

The President said that we all are aware of the problems related to farmers and agriculture. Many of our farmer brothers and sisters are still living in poverty. We will have to move forward with greater urgency in ensuring that farmers get the right price for their produce and move from a life of poverty to prosperity. She expressed confidence that when India emerges as a developed nation in the year 2047, the Indian farmers will be the pioneers of this journey.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, was the Guest of Honour.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General; (ICAR); Shri. Shri. Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); Dr. Anupama Singh, Dean and Joint Director (Education); Dr. Viswanathan Chinnusamy, Joint Director (Research) and Dr. Rabindranath Padaria, Joint Director (Extension) of ICAR-IARI, also graced the occasion.

Dr. A. K. Singh, Director, IARI provided comprehensive insights into the institute's advancements in wheat and Basmati rice varieties.

Currently, IARI's wheat varieties cover approximately 9 million hectares, contributing about 40 million tons of wheat to the nation's granary. The wheat varieties developed by the institute cover an expansive area of approximately 13 million hectares, contributing a staggering 55 million tonnes of wheat annually.

(Source: ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)