ICAR at 98: Strengthening India’s Climate-Resilient Agricultural Future

Furthermore, the emphasis on biofortification—the process of increasing the nutritional value of crops through conventional breeding or biotechnology—aligns with India’s broader goals of addressing 'hidden hunger' and malnutrition. These advancements are critical for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes, as they ensure that the food provided to vulnerable populations is not only calorie-dense but also rich in essential micronutrients. For an aspirant, this development underscores the intersection of scientific innovation and policy implementation. It highlights how institutional research acts as a backbone for the 'Second Green Revolution,' which focuses on sustainability, resource efficiency, and nutritional security rather than just yield maximization. Understanding ICAR’s role is essential for analyzing how India plans to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, while simultaneously adapting to the global climate crisis. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper III, particularly under sections concerning major crops, cropping patterns, and the application of science and technology in agriculture. Aspirants can cite these developments in answers related to food security, climate change adaptation strategies, and the role of R&D in enhancing farm productivity and nutritional outcomes.