“One Scientist, One Product” Programme
Context:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will launch the “one scientist, one product” programme to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry.
- The initiative will involve 5,521 scientists who will each focus on developing a specific product, technology, model, concept, or publication.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Science and technology)
Key Highlights:
- Release of New Crop Varieties: As part of its 96th foundation day celebrations, ICAR will announce the release of 323 new varieties of 56 crops, including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugar cane. Among these, 289 are climate-resilient varieties and 27 are bio-fortified varieties.
- Five-Year Monitoring Plan: The programme will be monitored at the institute level every three months and at the headquarters level every six months. The initiative is designed to span five years, with annual targets set for each scientist or group of scientists.
- Focus on Seed Hubs: This year, ICAR is prioritizing the establishment of seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses varieties to boost agricultural productivity.
- Development of New Seed Varieties and Farm Technologies: ICAR is working on developing 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of the Centre’s 100-day action plan, with plans to launch these by mid-September.
- Significant Increase in Bio-Fortified Varieties: In 2023-24, about 16 million hectares are under bio-fortified varieties of different crops, such as wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, ICAR released 2,593 high-yielding varieties, including 2,177 climate-resilient varieties and 150 bio-fortified crop varieties.
Significance of ICAR’s Initiatives
- Enhanced Research and Innovation: The “One Scientist, One Product” programme is set to significantly boost research and innovation in agriculture and animal husbandry. By tasking 5,521 scientists with developing specific products, technologies, models, concepts, or publications, ICAR aims to harness a wide range of expertise and ideas. This targeted approach is expected to yield significant advancements and practical solutions for the agricultural sector.
- Climate Resilience: The release of 289 climate-resilient crop varieties is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. These varieties are designed to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses, ensuring stable and improved agricultural yields even under adverse environmental conditions. This resilience is vital for securing food production and farmers’ livelihoods in the face of changing climate patterns.
- Nutritional Security: The introduction of 27 bio-fortified crop varieties will play a significant role in improving nutritional security. These crops are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, addressing malnutrition and enhancing the overall health of the population. Bio-fortification is a sustainable way to deliver micronutrients to large sections of the population, particularly in rural areas.
- Agricultural Productivity: Prioritizing the establishment of seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses varieties aims to boost agricultural productivity. These seed hubs will ensure the availability of quality seeds, leading to higher crop yields and better returns for farmers. Increased productivity in these essential crops will contribute to the country’s self-sufficiency in food production.
- Accelerated Technological Development: The goal of developing 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of the Centre’s action plan underscores the commitment to rapid technological advancement in agriculture. These new developments will provide farmers with cutting-edge tools and practices, improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in farming operations.
- Economic Impact: With the cultivation of bio-fortified varieties spanning 16 million hectares, the economic impact is substantial. Enhanced production and the deployment of climate-resilient technologies are expected to lead to better crop yields, increased farmer incomes, and overall economic growth in the agricultural sector.
- Long-Term Monitoring and Accountability: The five-year monitoring plan ensures that the progress and impact of these initiatives are systematically tracked. Regular assessments at both the institute and headquarters levels will help in identifying challenges, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring that the objectives of the programmes are met effectively.
