ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad Marks 98th ICAR Foundation Day with Webcast, Plantation Drive and Farmers–Scientists Interaction

16 July 2026, Hyderabad

ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, celebrated the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with a series of programmes, including a live webcast of the national Foundation Day celebrations, the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation drive and a Farmers–Scientists Interaction programme, reaffirming the Institute's commitment to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and farmer outreach.

Addressing the Foundation Day programme, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare & Rural Development, described ICAR as the pioneer of India's agricultural transformation and attributed the country's remarkable achievements in foodgrain, horticulture, dairy and fisheries production to the institution's scientific research and innovations. He called upon scientists to ensure timely transfer of technologies from laboratories to farmers' fields by aligning research with the needs of farming communities. The celebrations commenced with the live webcast of the 98th ICAR Foundation Day programme from New Delhi, attended by ICAR-CRIDA staff.

During the national event, Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted that science-based research and innovation are driving India's agricultural transformation. He informed that ICAR had developed 386 improved crop varieties, of which 94% are climate-tolerant, along with 117 horticultural varieties during the past year, while also making significant advancements in animal health, fisheries, natural farming, agricultural mechanisation and climate-friendly agriculture. He reiterated ICAR's commitment to building a prosperous farming community, a healthier society, a cleaner environment and an Atmanirbhar Bharat through science-led, demand-driven and sustainable agricultural transformation.

As part of the celebrations, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), ICAR-CRIDA, organised the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation programme at the Bhuvan Research Farm (BRF). The initiative aimed to promote environmental conservation, enhance green cover and encourage sustainable lifestyles among staff and the farming community. A total of 36 saplings were planted, reflecting the Institute's commitment to ecological stewardship and sustainable agriculture.

The plantation drive witnessed the participation of Subject Matter Specialists, Technical Officers, administrative staff, personnel from Bhuvan Research Farm, Hayathnagar, and students of the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWEP) programme.

Following the plantation programme, the ICAR-CRIDA KVK team organised a Farmers–Scientists Interaction at Arutla Village, Manchal Mandal, where farmers were sensitised about ICAR's history, achievements and contributions to agricultural research, technology development and farmer welfare. An interactive session on the El Niño phenomenon focused on its likely impact on rainfall, crop production and water availability, while experts shared climate-resilient agricultural practices to minimise adverse effects.

The programme concluded with active discussions on climate-smart farming strategies and participation of 46 farmers, including 31 men and 15 women, from Arutla Village.

(Source: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)