Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
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Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a comprehensive review of the functioning of the ICAR after expressing dissatisfaction at the functioning of Pune-based National Research Centre for Grapes where he went on a surprise visit, signalling the government’s growing impatience with the pace and effectiveness of India’s farm research ecosystem.Chouhan has directed the M L Jat, director general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to submit a detailed report on what needs to be done to revamp the organisation, indicating that the government will be looking at structural and accountability changes in the country’s apex agricultural research network.The move assumed significance as the government is pushing for higher farm productivity, climate-resilient crops and stronger export competitiveness in horticulture and allied sectors. The surprise visit also underscores a broader message from the government that research institutions will be increasingly subjected to performance scrutiny amid rising pressure to deliver commercially viable outcomes for farmers.In the review meeting he held on May 16, Chouhan laid down a clear direction on the functioning, accountability, quality and farmer-oriented results of ICAR’s 113 research institutions, which are the pivot of the country’s agricultural progress.Chouhan expressed his displeasure and observed the shortcomings he found during a surprise inspection on May 15 at the National Research Centre for Grapes. The minister found the head of the institute did not even have basic knowledge about the research centre“At first I was requested to avoid visiting the field, saying there were no grapes yet. On reaching there, I saw that the grass was growing in the nursery. How justified is the answer that workers are not available to cut? The key officials there could not give a proper answer to any of the questions, when I asked what they are doing for exports, arrangements to deal with diseases, plan to increase varieties. None of the answers was satisfactory.“The presentation of the Institute was also very monotonous. The farmers told me that they buy the varieties from private nurseries, as the Institute’s nursery is of no use,” Chouhan said in a statement.The minister also told the senior officers of ICAR that he was deeply disappointed with the situation that unfolded during the inspection and it was a clear indication that there is an urgent need for systemic reform in some of the institutions.He said that the goal of research institutes should not be just formal functioning, but should be to provide solutions to the real needs of the farm, farmers and market. Chouhan also directed Jat to constitute a team of 8-10 scientists/officers and conduct surprise inspection of all the 113 institutions of ICAR. He himself will also conduct surprise inspections of various institutions. “The purpose of the inspection is not just to find shortcomings, but to make the institutions more competent, responsive and effective by understanding the real situation,” he told ICAR’s scientists.Chouhan has directed to organize review meetings of all the institutions and said that this entire corrective agenda should be seen moving forward before the Foundation Day of ICAR on July 16.Published on May 17, 2026
