Ever wondered how your favourite fish dishes are always available at your local market? A lot of it has to do with the folks at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), who are working hard to make sure our fishy friends are thriving and the people catching them are happy too.

Imagine a team of experts who have the biggest job of ensuring India stays on top of its game in farming—not just on land but in the waters too. ICAR started way back in 1929, which means they’ve been around for nearly a century! They’re the bosses of farming research, making sure that everything from your morning milk to your rice and veggies is produced efficiently and sustainably.

ICAR has this part called the Fisheries Extension Network. Their latest mission? To ensure all the new and smart fishing technology reaches those who need it most—our fisherfolk! Imagine having a gadget that tells you where the fish are biting or using less harmful ways to catch them that also keep the oceans happy. That’s what they’re all about!

ICAR is also the teacher’s pet when it comes to farming education. They set the rules on what’s taught in schools about farming, making sure everyone’s on the same page. But it’s not just about growing crops; they also look after how we teach about taking care of animals and our forests.

Back in 2009, some wise folks suggested making one big organisation to oversee all sorts of education, including farming, to avoid any mix-ups and ensure everyone knows what everyone else is doing. It’s like having a captain of a ship who makes sure all the different departments are working together smoothly.

ICAR doesn’t just keep all their discoveries to themselves. They have a bunch of programmes that make sure farmers everywhere get to learn about the latest and greatest ways to boost their crops and catch more fish without harming the environment. They even have a special fund just for farmer’s bright ideas called the Farmers Innovation Fund!

In case you’re into clean eating, ICAR is too! They’ve got special models for farming that don’t need chemical stuff, making sure the food on your plate is as natural as it can be.

With an initiative called ARYA, ICAR is making farming appealing again for the young folks, showing them that it’s not just about old-school ways but also about using technology and innovation to bring fresh ideas to the field.

And guess what? ICAR was a big part of the Green Revolution, which massively increased how much food we grow in India. We’re talking about a huge boost in everything from grains to milk and even eggs!

ICAR is like a big family with lots of specialised centres all over India, focusing on everything from bamboo research in Aizawl to forest studies in Dehradun. They make sure that no matter what part of farming you’re interested in, there’s something happening.

So, next time you munch on that delicious fish curry or crunch on fresh veggies, remember there’s a huge team of scientists, researchers, and farmers behind every bite, making sure it’s tasty, sustainable, and helping communities thrive. ICAR’s contributions are making waves in more ways than one, proving that farming is truly fascinating!

Old school, new tech

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been around since 1929, making it nearly a century old! Despite its age, it’s at the cutting edge of introducing smart technology to fisheries, ensuring both the health of marine life and the efficiency of the fishery industry.

Gadget fishing

ICAR is helping fisherfolk by developing gadgets that can tell where the fish are biting. This not only helps in catching fish but does so in a way that’s kinder to our oceans.

Education bosses

ICAR isn’t just about research; it also sets the standard for agricultural education in India. It determines what is taught in schools about farming, making sure future generations farm smarter, not harder.

Unified education front

In 2009, the idea was proposed to create a single supreme body to oversee all higher education, including agriculture. This would simplify learning standards across different fields, helping students get a unified, high-quality education.

Innovating from the ground up

ICAR doesn’t keep its innovations to itself. It has set up the Farmers Innovation Fund to support and incentivise farmer-led innovations, making sure practical, on-the-ground knowledge is valued and rewarded.

Natural food, naturally

As part of its commitment to sustainable agriculture, ICAR has validated over 50 organic farming models adapted to India’s diverse climatic zones. This means more natural food on your plate without the chemicals!

Farming gets a youthful makeover

With its ARYA initiative, ICAR is turning farming into a cool career choice for the youth, slowing down the rural-to-urban migration by making agriculture a viable and exciting option for young entrepreneurs.

A green revolution legacy

ICAR played a pivotal role in India’s Green Revolution, which saw a 5.6-fold increase in food grains production. This revolution wasn’t just green in colour but in practice too, pushing forward sustainable, high-yield farming practices.

A wide reach

ICAR isn’t just about plants; it oversees research in fields from bamboo and rattan in Aizawl to forest studies in Dehradun, making it a guardian of India’s diverse ecological assets.

Big wins for the little guys

ICAR’s initiatives reach all the way down to grassroots levels, connecting breakthrough research with the everyday work of farmers, which helps boost both their yields and income.

QUIZ TIME: How well do you know ICAR?

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