The Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr S Ayyappan interacted with the senior officers of the lBS National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie on Thursday.
Ayyappan sought possible collaboration between the academy and ICAR to sensitise the stakeholders and administrators during the discussion which dwelt on various measures taken to boost agriculture and food self-sufficiency.
Along with ICAR DDG (Education) Dr Arvind Kumar and National Academy of Agricultural Research director Dr Sl Goswami, Ayyappan discussed various issues with the academy director Padamvir Singh and other senior officers for mutual understanding of the strengths, available facilities available and possible cooperation.
They discussed the extent of agriculture potential, research and demonstration facilities of the country, status of development in agriculture, future course of action planned at the national level, the cooperation sought from various sectors and other related issues.
Ayyappan highlighted the pros and cons of present day agriculture in India along with recent developments including the Farmers First and Student Ready programmes of ICAR to attract farmers and students towards improved agriculture. Initiatives taken to achieve food self-sufficiency and provide livelihoods to marginal farmers were also discussed.
Earlier on Wednesday, he also interacted with the director and scientists of Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute. He expressed interest in developing a dedicated TV channel under the 12th plan period to popularise the agriculture related inventions, technologies, products, activities etc. spread across the country for the benefit of wide range of stakeholders.