Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, graced at the 97th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Pusa, New Delhi today. On this occasion, he conferred the National Agricultural Science Awards to outstanding scientists across various categories, including women scientists, young researchers, and innovators.
He also inaugurated the ‘ViksitKrishi Exhibition’, showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies and innovations, released 10 new agricultural publications, and launched several MoUs to strengthen research collaborations.
The event was also attended by Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Framer’s Welfare; Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, MoA&FW; Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), along with Directors of various Indian agricultural research institutes from across the country, senior officials, scientists, and a large number of farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan extended his regards to the entire ICAR team on behalf of all citizens of India. The Union Minister said that ICAR also deserves congratulations on behalf of the countries with which it has signed agreements and those to which Indian agricultural products are being exported.
He further added that ICAR is worthy of gratitude from the 800 million people in India who receive food grains through the public distribution system. He emphasized that ICAR’s Foundation Day is a matter of great pride and should be celebrated as a festival.
