In the heart of India’s vast agricultural landscape, a silent revolution is taking root, one that promises to transform the lives of millions who depend on farming for their livelihood. This revolution is not of the fields or the crops, but of the minds that cultivate them. Agricultural education, research, and training are emerging as the new frontiers in India’s journey towards agricultural prosperity, with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the helm of this change.
ICAR, established in 1929, is the apex body for coordinating agricultural research and higher education in India. It oversees a nationwide network of 113 national research institutes and 74 agricultural universities, making it one of the world’s largest agricultural research networks. ICAR’s role is not just limited to research; it also sets academic standards and accredits institutions through the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board. This vast network has been instrumental in spearheading the Green Revolution and continues to lead in developing climate-resilient, high-yield varieties and farming technologies.
The government’s vision of “Viksit Krishi aur Samruddh Kisan” (Developed Agriculture and Prosperous Farmer) is being realized through the synergy of agricultural education, research, and extension. The ICAR’s 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are the frontline in transferring technologies to farmers, providing them with hands-on training and practical knowledge. These KVKs have trained over 58 lakh farmers between 2021-22 and 2023-24, with the numbers consistently increasing each year.
The role of private institutions in agricultural education is also gaining prominence. Over the past five years, the number of ICAR-accredited private agricultural colleges has risen from 5 in 2020-21 to 22 by 2024-25. This shift is expected to bring in fresh perspectives and innovative practices, further enriching the agricultural education ecosystem.
Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs) are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The Dr. Rajendra Prasad CAU in Bihar, the Central Agricultural University in Imphal, and the Rani Lakshmi Bai CAU in Jhansi are not just centers of academic excellence but also hubs of agricultural innovation. They offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, equipping students with the latest knowledge and skills in various disciplines of agriculture.
The adoption of technology is another significant aspect of this agricultural revolution. The government is actively promoting the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize farming. Applications include precision farming, drones for imaging and spraying, livestock monitoring, climate-smart greenhouses, and AI-driven pest/crop monitoring. Innovation hubs under the Department of Science and Technology’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) are working on IoT sensors for saffron production, AI/ML solutions for crop health forecasting, and yield prediction.
The start-up ecosystem is also flourishing, with the “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” program under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) fostering innovation and agripreneurship. This initiative supports start-ups in agriculture and allied sectors, aiming to boost farmers’ incomes and generate employment for rural youth.
In conclusion, the agricultural landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by education, research, and technology. The implications of this revolution are far-reaching, promising to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ultimately, improve the lives of millions of farmers. As India strives to achieve its national vision of “Viksit Krishi aur Samruddh Kisan,” the role of agricultural education and training will be pivotal in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.