Centre has allocated Rs 8513.63 crore for undertaking agricultural research work in 2021-22: Narendra Singh Tomar

New Delhi, Dec 10: During the year 2021-22, the Centre has allocated an amount of Rs 8513.63 crore (BE) for undertaking agricultural research work. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) works to upgrade technology and provide quality seeds of newly developed crops to farmers.  ICAR/NARS focuses on the development/adoption of new technologies such as high yielding and multi-stress resistant/tolerant and short duration varieties/hybrids in major crops.  During the period from 2014 till August 2021, a total of 1656 varieties of 75 field and forage crops have been developed which include 797 varieties of cereals, 252 of oilseeds, 250 of pulses, 189 of fibre crops, 104 of forage crops, 54 of sugarcane and 10 of other crops.  In addition, 288 varieties of horticultural crops have also been released and notified. ICAR has also developed several improved farm implements/machines and process protocols to increase efficiency, reduce cost of production and reduce post-harvest losses. Frontline demonstrations are conducted at the farmers’ field on the new varieties and technologies/ improved agricultural practices developed by NARS/ICAR by 727 Krishi Vigyan Kendras located at district level in the country to motivate them to adopt new and improved agricultural technologies. The various research activities are implemented in the country through 103 ICAR Research Institutes (including4 Deemed Universities), 63 State Agricultural Universities, 3 Central Agricultural Universities, 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI)and 727 Krishi Vigyan Kendras established in the country for undertaking research and development activities to increase agricultural production and minimize the losses in agricultural productivity. At present there is no proposal for opening new research centres in states. This information was given by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.