Daily News Analysis

ICAR’s ‘One Scientist-One Product’ Scheme

stylish_lining

 The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) introduced the ‘One Scientist-One Product’ program on July 16, 2024, to enhance agricultural and animal husbandry research by leveraging the expertise of its scientists.

Key Features of the Program:

  • Objective: Each of ICAR's 5,521 scientists will focus on developing a specific product, technology, model, concept, or notable publication.
  • Annual Planning: Scientists will select their projects at the beginning of each year.
  • Monitoring: Progress will be reviewed quarterly at the institute level and biannually at the headquarters.
  • Duration: The program will operate for five years, initially concentrating on high-yielding oilseeds and pulses.

Focus Areas and Goals:

  • Seed Development: ICAR aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within the first 100 days of the program.
  • Bio-Fortified Crops: ICAR's efforts have already led to the cultivation of bio-fortified crops on approximately 16 million hectares (Mha) in 2023-24.
  • Variety Releases: Since 2014-15, ICAR has released 2,593 high-yielding seed varieties, including 2,177 climate-resilient and 150 bio-fortified varieties, significantly enhancing crop production even under adverse conditions.

Significance of the ‘One Scientist-One Product’ Program

1. Enhanced Focus and Accountability:

  • By assigning specific products or technologies to individual scientists, the program aims to increase accountability and focus on research outcomes.

2. Accelerated Innovation:

  • The initiative is designed to fast-track the development of innovative agricultural solutions, particularly in high-priority areas like oilseeds and pulses.

3. Improved Research Outcomes:

  • Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure that research projects align with ICAR’s strategic goals and contribute to tangible advancements in agriculture and animal husbandry.

4. Strategic Goal Achievement:

  • The program supports ICAR's broader goals of increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing climate resilience, and improving food security through the development of high-yielding and bio-fortified crop varieties.

Potential Impact

  • Agricultural Productivity: Development of high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties could lead to increased crop productivity and stability.
  • Food Security: Improved seed varieties and farm technologies can contribute to better food security by boosting production and reducing losses.
  • Scientific Excellence: The program encourages a culture of innovation and excellence within ICAR, positioning it as a leader in agricultural research and development.

Inclusivity of People with Disabilities in STEM Education

Current Situation: India has nearly 63 million people with disabilities (NFHS-5), but their representation in STEM fields is very low. Despite strong laws like the Right to Educat
Share It

National Handloom Day and the Swadeshi Movement

National Handloom Day Date: Celebrated every year on 7th August in India. Significance: Marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905, which promoted indigenous indus
Share It

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Why in the News? India recently called for significant reforms at the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a high-level mini-ministerial meeting in Paris ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conferen
Share It

Israel-US-Iran Conflict

Recently, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, a significant military strike aimed at Iranian nuclear infrastructure and balli
Share It

Philippines President’s Visit to India (2025)

In 2025, during the Philippines President's state visit to India, both nations elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The visit reaffirmed the 1952 Treaty of Friends
Share It

India's Participation in the 51st G7 Summit

India participated as an Outreach Country in the 51st G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Canada in 2025. Key Outcomes of the 51st G7 Summit (2025): Kananaskis Wildfire Charter:
Share It

Quit India Movement (QIM)

India commemorates 8th August every year as Quit India Movement Day (also known as August Kranti Diwas) to honor the historic movement that demanded the immediate end of British colonial rule in I
Share It

National Waterway-57 (Kopili River)

The National Waterway-57 (NW 57), running through the Kopili River in Assam, has been officially operationalised, marking a significant step in India’s development of Inland Water Transport
Share It

Union Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, aiming to address long-standing challenges and transform India into a global sportin
Share It

CIMMYT’s Financial Crisis

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a pivotal institution in the development of agricultural research for maize, wheat, and related crops, is facing significant financia
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS