Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Sharad Pawar Ji, Dr.S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, Dr. R.B.Lal, President, Indian Agricultural Universities Association, Dr. Arvind Kumar, DDG (Education), ICAR , ICAR, Shri Rajiv Mehrishi, Secretary, ICAR, Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, Senior Officers of the ICAR, Distinguished Guests, Personnel from Media, Ladies & Gentlemen.
I am happy to be among the Vice-Chancellors, ICAR Directors and other Research managers of National Agricultural Research System. I have in the few months in office as MOS (Agriculture) realised that the ICAR stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity to transform and sustain Indian Agriculture. I have reviewed the higher education and research and extension framework of ICAR more than once with a view to strengthen the ongoing efforts. The problems are rather known to all here. I must share my sense of what we need to do now.
From a macro perspective the entire higher education sector in Agriculture and Allied subjects needs a big push- both economically and technologically. We need possibly a three fold increase in the number of PhDs , Post Doctoral, Masters and Bachelor degree holders. PhD studentships must be fully integrated with the research priorities of ICAR and each 3 year research project must have as many PhD candidates as possible accommodated. Without working out the numbers and prioritizing research engagement especially in cutting edge areas like nano technology, biotechnology and instrumentation in agriculture, we cannot fully sustain our historic momentum in agriculture.
I understand that we are falling short of our estimation of various categories of agriculture Graduates in 2010 as projected in 2000 by the Applied Manpower Research Institute. Some crucial supporting cadres are totally underdeveloped in the country--for example Para veterinarians, Veterinary nurses, Fisheries Diploma holders and Agricultural Technicians. A surplus of these cadres in a country where Graduate professionals instinctively gravitate towards urban centres for various reasons has meant that most of our outreach is hit by the classic ‘last mile’ problem. If we could use Krishi Vigyan Kendras to position a sub-block cadre of agricultural professionals irrespective of whether they are with ICAR, State Government or local government or even NGO’s or Private Companies, an organic link could be established with the farmer, generating real time “farm intelligence” and imparting knowledge inputs. The country has, through recent experiences realized the need to have a constant ear on the ground to grasp what the farmer is thinking. Our thoughts should now crystallise over creating those listening, responding and reacting cadres. Without these, our institutional structure resembles a massive brain without the limbs to move. A farm intelligence system may be a bit futuristic, but no doubt it will read distress signals much before they manifest as suicides and catastrophe.
Our International co-operation and Private/voluntary sector engagement need to be strengthened. ICAR’s International fellowships programme must be made to function fully. The Department of Personnel already gives flexible funding to in-service candidates to gain doctoral training in the World’s premier Universities. ICAR must be able to refrain a cohort of excellent candidates, over the years by competitively choosing graduates from our SAU’s and national Institutes. A mandatory service period with ICAR can be demanded from them.
As time has elapsed the managerial excellence required from our Scientist Managers have also increased. We should introspect whether we have moved ahead adequately with the times. Clerical cadres are inadequate to provide adequate leadership and timely disposal of administrative documents without losing institutional memory. Middle managerial talent has to be positioned. An ICAR wide Enterprise Resource Platform (ERP) solution could be thought of. This, with KVK to ICAR HQ connectivity could make ICAR work real time. I find even routine matters like establishment of KVK’s suffering from lack of timely processing .
We also need to see whether the senior positions of Scientists and Centre Directors and above have adequate participation from women. I understand that the Department of Science and Technology have separate budget lines for training and upgrading skills of women Scientists. I would like to see more strong managerial training and positioning of our women Scientists in senior positions without prejudice to overall competitiveness.
Communication has not exactly been our strong point. The trouble with our innovations is that it ends with the baton being handed over to the State departments or Agencies. The gestation period is too high. Since the system does not monetize either the cost or results of innovation in Agriculture the demand factor is weakened. With its wide network and reach of institutions, ICAR must capture the entire imagination of the farm community through daily interaction. ICAR’s innovations and innovators must be household names in farm house holds. A television and net based platform where ICAR programmes on farm innovations, application and feedback are aired daily is very possible. ‘ICAR’ could easily become the most recognised knowledge brand in Indian Agriculture.
I must recommend more funding and engagement of private and non profit sectors in R&D and education. It is not good enough if we think about engaging Private Sector in a “business as usual “manner. A clear identification of priorities must emerge and rigorous analysis of various key industrial players undertaken. The engagements must result in win win situations than one sided gains. One can readily see a huge role for Private Sector in communication and commercialisation of innovations. This could be a huge force multiplier for our efforts.
Since I have on various occasions highlighted the need for protect our IPR and focus on data basing for conserving new findings and our traditional wisdom, I am not repeating them today.
Today, one thing is clear. ICAR will have to do most of this without the comfort of a quantum jump in resources. We shall definitely plead forcefully for more, but more has its limits. I am sure the leadership of ICAR under the Captainship of Dr. Ayyappan, will rise to the occasion. The key lies in pruning what can be pruned and pushing resources into where the thrust should be.
The SAU’s except for a handful, need very fundamental de-bureaucratization, strengthening and managerial upgrading. The financial and performance parameters of many SAU’s are below ideal. Unlike Medical and Engineering education Agricultural education except for Veterinary Sciences does not have independent regulators. In ICAR has, therefore, the added responsibility of expanding without diluting quality standards as well.
The distinguished academics here may like to consider some of these points in their deliberations. Capturing this historic opportunity to redeem our pledge to the millions of farmers in the country is an imperative. We cannot afford to fail in it.
I wish the conference all success and hope that we can together meet up to the challenges.
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