ICAR Vision 2020

Abstract

A planning process, based on the unbiased introspection of the past performance and the clear vision of the future, is the key to the success of any vibrant organization. The agricultural revolution in India is one of the best cited examples of sound planning and effective implementation of our post-independence era. The process of the planning is a continuum, and must go on with an eye on the contemporary changes and those in the offing. The ICAR has not only effectively responded to the challenges in the past but has also successfully overcome them. Despite having attained household food security and impressive gains in the production of other agricultural commodities, the challenges concerning alleviation of poverty, household nutrition security and the conservation of our natural resources are indeed daunting, and require immediate attention of all concerned. In addition, the process of globalization during the last few years has left us with no option to think seriously as to how we should reorient and bring in needed changes to meet the demands of the new world-order in an effective manner. We need to do forward looking and to be proactive to have appropriate agricultural research agenda and policies in place to generate world-class, cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of our farmers and consumers, while maintaining global competitiveness. It is with this background that each ICAR institution has prepared its perspective plan. Adopting a bottom-up approach, formulation of this Vision 2020 document was initiated. The document is the outcome of the strenuous efforts, discussions, brainstormings and valuable suggestions of the eminent persons, drawn not only from the agricultural research stream but also from other disciplines, administrators, planners, representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector and the farmers. Their valuable inputs have helped in shaping this document in its present form, and hence are gratefully acknowledged.