Former ICAR Director-General R.S. Paroda has urged NAARM to transform into a premier institution for developing leadership in agricultural innovation and research. The call emphasizes digital literacy and strategic human capital investment.

  • NAARM should evolve into a hub for developing leaders in agricultural research and innovation.
  • Establishment of an ICAR Foresight Centre is recommended using existing resources.
  • Emphasis on strengthening alumni networks and international South-South cooperation.
  • Focus on emerging technologies like AI, MOOCs, and digital learning ecosystems.

Speaking at the 51st Foundation Day celebrations of ICAR-NAARM in Hyderabad, former ICAR Director-General R.S. Paroda emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in the institution's mission. He advocated for transforming the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) into a global leader focused on cultivating leadership within the agricultural research and innovation sectors.

During the inaugural K.V. Raman Memorial Lecture, Mr. Paroda suggested the strategic establishment of an ICAR Foresight Centre by leveraging current institutional resources. He further stressed the importance of strengthening NAARM’s alumni network and expanding international collaborations through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global academies, specifically highlighting the potential of South-South cooperation.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as global food systems face unprecedented pressures from climate change and population growth, the transition to value-driven and sustainable models requires highly skilled managerial talent. NAARM's ability to produce these leaders is critical for national food security.

The future of agriculture lies not just in better seeds, but in better management and innovative leadership.

Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director-General of ICAR, underscored that the academy must prioritize human capital development. He noted that strategic investments should focus on technical skills, digital literacy, and managerial capabilities to support a demand-driven training model.

Adding to the digital perspective, ICAR Deputy Director-General (Education) Yashpal Singh Malik lauded NAARM's integration of emerging technologies. He specifically highlighted the institution's progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI), MOOCs, and the creation of a digitally-enabled learning ecosystem. He also praised the a-IDEA agribusiness incubation facility, which aims to foster 100 successful agri-startups.

The event also marked the launch of the 'Farmers Vault' portal and the 'NAARM Library' mobile app, signifying a robust move toward digital accessibility in agricultural education. NAARM Director R.M. Sundaram provided a comprehensive overview of the academy's 50-year legacy and its future roadmap.

Did You Know?: The a-IDEA facility is specifically designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and market-ready agribusiness startups.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the a-IDEA facility at NAARM?
It is an agribusiness incubation facility aimed at promoting agri-entrepreneurship and creating successful startups.

2. How is NAARM integrating technology into education?
Through the use of AI, MOOCs, and mobile applications like the NAARM Library app.