A felicitation ceremony was held by the Agricultural Research Service Scientists’ Forum on 15.05.2025 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, to honor Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, ICAR. The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries from the National Agricultural Research System. Among the dignitaries present were Dr. D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), Dr. A.K. Nayak, DDG (Natural Resource Management), Dr. S.N. Jha, DDG (Agricultural Engineering), Dr. Manivannan, President, ARSSF, Dr. C. Vishwanathan, Joint Director (Research), IARI, and Dr. R.N. Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), IARI. In his inspiring address, Dr. Jat emphasized the urgent need to reorient and reprioritize Indian agriculture. “The world is looking towards India’s agriculture. Business as usual will not work anymore,” he said, highlighting the complex challenges confronting Indian agriculture and the shared responsibility of ICAR, NARES, and ARSSF in addressing them. He underscored the importance of collective action, urging ICAR to lead the way while working inclusively with the entire agricultural ecosystem. “ICAR alone cannot tackle these challenges. It is our duty and responsibility to take the whole system along for the cause of the nation,” he stated. Dr. Jat made a passionate appeal to scientists to look beyond routine metrics and foster innovation. “This is the time to do away with the scorecard system of ICAR. A focused and specialized approach is required for scientific advancement,” he said. He also called upon every scientist to mentor at least two young researchers or students, advocating for a culture of mutual respect and collaboration irrespective of designations. The program concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment by the agricultural research community to work towards a sustainable and resilient future for Indian agriculture.
https://www.iari.res.in/files/Latest-News/ARSSF_Felicitates_16052025.pdf
