Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will inaugurate the 96th Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Foundation and Technology Day today. The event will witness the release of 40 innovative new technologies designed to advance agricultural practices and recognize the efforts of developers in the field.
The exhibition will showcase novel technologies developed by various ICAR institutes, aiming to enhance agricultural production, improve quality, and increase farmers’ income. Sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture will be a central theme, highlighting eco-friendly technologies for crops such as rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and millet (Shree Anna), along with other commercial crops.
The exhibition will also focus on mechanization, precision farming, and value-added products, emphasizing improved agricultural technologies and high-value horticultural crops. A special fruit diversity show will feature nearly 400 varieties of mangoes, 80 varieties of bananas, 50 temperate fruits, and 120 minor fruit varieties.
Additionally, the exhibition will demonstrate ICAR’s robust extension system and innovations in the education system, which play a crucial role in promoting agricultural success. Technologies for animal science, poultry, and fisheries will also be presented, benefiting stakeholders in these sectors.
Among the highlighted technologies will be a handheld device for nutrient and water stress detection in field crops, an AI-IoT enabled jute fibre grading system, industrial cut-resistant gloves developed using multi-layer weaving technology, and Biothermocol, a mycelium-based packaging material from crop residue.
This event underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure a prosperous and resilient agricultural sector.