ICAR-IIAB Marks 98th ICAR Foundation Day with Plantation Drive and Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

Ranchi: The ICAR–Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB) celebrated the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Wednesday with a plantation drive and participation in the live telecast of the national Foundation Day programme organised by ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi.

The celebrations began with a plantation drive led by the Institute's Director, in which scientists, administrative, finance, technical and support staff actively participated. As part of the institute's Green Campus Initiative, more than 50 saplings of Terminalia, Magnolia and several other ornamental and indigenous tree species were planted at Farm A. Participants also took a collective pledge to nurture the saplings and strengthen the institute's commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development and maintaining a clean and green campus.

Following the plantation drive, faculty members and staff gathered to watch the live telecast of the 98th ICAR Foundation Day celebrations from New Delhi. The programme featured addresses by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, Ministers of State for Agriculture, and other distinguished dignitaries.

During the national event, ICAR unveiled several new crop varieties, agricultural technologies, products and publications, besides facilitating the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Technology Licensing Agreements. The programme highlighted the Council's achievements and outlined its strategic roadmap towards achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The event also reaffirmed ICAR's commitment to transforming Indian agriculture through scientific innovation, climate-resilient and sustainable farming, digital agriculture, farm mechanisation and efficient resource management. Emphasis was placed on strengthening technology transfer to farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), frontline demonstrations, farmer capacity-building initiatives and extension programmes.

As an integral institution under the ICAR system, ICAR-IIAB reiterated its commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology through research, innovation and outreach programmes aimed at enhancing food and nutritional security, farmers' prosperity, environmental sustainability, and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.