ENA Sectors 2026-04-07 17:25:37 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Apr 7 (KNN)</strong> The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has constituted a high-level Special Task Force (STF) to address emerging global challenges and strengthen Indias agricultural resilience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The initiative, led by Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of ICAR, aims to develop data-driven strategies to ensure national food and input security.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Boost to Farmer Outreach</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As part of the action plan, ICAR will intensify its Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme to expand farmer engagement. The campaign will prioritise 100 aspirational districts, delivering comprehensive agricultural practices and building confidence at the grassroots level.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Efficient Fertiliser Use</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A dedicated drive will promote balanced use of fertilisers and bio-inputs. District-level assessments will be conducted to rationalise fertiliser consumption in key crops such as wheat and rice, improving resource efficiency.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Crop Diversification Strategy</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The STF will also focus on diversification by mapping millet-growing regions and promoting high-value alternatives in low-productivity areas. Initiatives like integrating eco-fisheries in rice fields during the Kharif season aim to enhance farmer incomes.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Technology-Driven Interventions</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">ICAR plans to scale up technological and mechanised solutions, including Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR). These efforts will be supported by real-time advisories under strengthened agrometeorology programmes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To ensure effective implementation, nodal officers have been appointed across divisions to track weekly progress and coordinate a unified action plan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The task force will meet as required, leveraging institutional expertise and feedback systems to provide timely inputs to the government for policy decisions.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 45710 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/icar-sets-up-task-force-for-data-led-farm-reforms-food-security-amid-global-challenges 2026-04-07 17:25:37 knnindia.co.in