Agriculture, along with its allied sectors, stands as the cornerstone of livelihood for a substantial portion of India's population. Approximately 70% of rural households depend on agriculture, and within this, 80% are classified as small and marginal farmers. In the arid and semi-arid regions, rainfed agriculture covers about 51% of the country's net sown area and contributes nearly 40% of the total food production, showcasing the diversity and resilience of India's agricultural landscape.
Despite these significant agricultural efforts, India is confronted with challenges, including the sobering reality of over 190 million undernourished people and a quarter of the world's hungry population. In response to these challenges, the Government of India has been actively engaged in strengthening the agricultural sector. Initiatives such as the Minimum Support Price, crop insurance, and the commitment to doubling farmers' income reflect a proactive approach to supporting farmers and de-risking agriculture.
The Minimum Support Price ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, providing economic stability and encouraging agricultural productivity. Crop insurance serves as a safety net, protecting farmers from unforeseen losses due to natural disasters or crop failure. The ambitious goal of doubling farmers' income addresses financial well-being and underscores a vision for a more prosperous and sustainable future for rural communities.
These initiatives collectively foster resilience, sustainability, and prosperity within the agricultural sector. By recognizing the importance of addressing challenges and implementing targeted measures, India is actively working towards ensuring that agriculture continues to be a reliable source of livelihood, leading to improved food security and enhanced well-being for its rural communities.
Since its inception, ICRISAT has received unwavering support from the Government of India. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of India and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) on March 28, 1972, laid the foundation for the establishment of the iconic ICRISAT Patancheru campus. This sprawling campus, spanning 1390 hectares, is located in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana state, and features state-of-the-art research facilities and precision research fields.
In 2013, India made a significant investment in ICRISAT's research endeavors. Collaborating with leading institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Institute of Millets Research, State Agriculture Universities, and state governments including Telangana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, ICRISAT has worked tirelessly to develop and release improved crop varieties, revive rainfed agriculture, undertake watershed management, and promote the adoption of millets and legumes. Our partnership has made significant contributions to national flagship programs such as Self Sufficiency in Pulses and Oilseeds, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Per Drop More Crop, Mission on Agricultural Mechanization, and Doubling Farmers' Income, among others.
ICRISAT's research efforts have consistently informed policy decisions in India. In 2019, ICRISAT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), outlining a five-year plan for agricultural research in India. A testament to our strong bond, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the ICRISAT campus on February 5, 2022, marking the commencement of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of ICRISAT.
Together with our partners, we have strived to revolutionize Indian agriculture, enhance food security, and uplift the lives of farmers. We are proud of the achievements we have made, and we look forward to continuing our shared mission of transforming agriculture and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for India.
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Sorghum
Pearl Millet
Chickpea
Pigeonpea
Groundnut
Finger Millet
ICRISAT - India (Headquarters)
Hyderabad
Phone: +91 8455683071
Fax: +91 8455683074
Email: icrisat-ind@icrisat.org
Address: Patancheru 502324, Telangana, India
ICRISAT - India (Liaison Office)
Delhi
Phone: +91-11-25840294
Fax: +91 1125841294
Address: CG Centers Block, NASC Complex, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, New Delhi
110012, India
26 Apr 2024