Afghanistan delegation visits ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

9 July 2026, New Delhi

A senior-level Afghanistan delegation visited the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The delegation was warmly received by Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, who welcomed the members and highlighted the institute’s historic role in transforming India from a food-deficit nation into a food-surplus country.

Dr Rao briefed the delegation on the mandate and contributions of ICAR and ICAR-IARI in advancing Indian agriculture. He emphasized the institute’s achievements in developing high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties, promoting Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), precision farming, protected cultivation, and sustainable natural resource management, along with its strong research infrastructure and academic excellence.

During the programme, Dr D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, delivered a presentation on the achievements of Indian agriculture and ICAR’s pivotal role in ensuring food and nutritional security through research, innovation, and technology development. He highlighted ICAR’s contributions in crop improvement, climate-resilient agriculture, precision and digital agriculture, water-use efficiency, millet promotion, pulse self-sufficiency, and sustainable agricultural development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Dr C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi highlighted the research potential of the Institute in different domain of agriculture. 

Dr Anupama Singh, Joint Director (Education) and Dean, ICAR-IARI, apprised the delegation about the capacity-building and academic excellence of the Institute.

An interactive session was also organized with the scientists of ICAR-IARI, during which both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in crop improvement, seed systems, climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, water management, technology transfer, and capacity building. It was suggested to constitute a joint working group of ICAR-IARI Afghanistan to develop a collaboration in plan for research, education and extension.

The delegation also visited the Nanaji Deshmukh Plant Phenomics Facility Centre, a world largest plant phenomics facility, the Integrated Farming System Model, and the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT). The visit provided first-hand exposure to ICAR-IARI’s advanced research facilities and innovative technologies for sustainable agricultural development.

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