Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision of Agriculture: Achievements of ICAR

The country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma
Gandhi. He led freedom struggle against British empire, which transformed him into a global
leader of masses, disadvantageous and poor people. He has shown the way of social, economic
and political transformation with small steps to serve the rural poor. Non-violence, truthfulness,
democratic institutions, village industry and people-centric approach were his main principles
and teachings for the people. He had led several movements to pursue the cause of Indian
farmers, including famous protest of Champaran in 1917, Dandi March in 1930 and Quit India
Movement in 1942. These movements motivated the farmers and rural workers to join the
freedom struggle.
Mahatma Gandhi firmly believed that prosperity of agriculture and farmers should pave the
way for economic prosperity of the country. This belief has been reaffirmed in the agricultural
development process followed in India and other developing countries. Evidences are now
available indicating that agricultural growth has significant impacts on reduction of poverty and
promotion of social and economic equity. The pandemic of COVID-19 has further established
that agriculture is a strong pillar to absorb economic shocks and build resilience to economic
growth.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been at the forefront to propel
agricultural development through development and dissemination of technology, building
human capital and establishing the rural centres to serve the farmers. The Council has
developed partnerships with the organizations serving farmers and rural people. One of the
important components of ICAR strategy is increasing agricultural productivity in harmony
with nature. The needs of unprivileged farmers, marginal production environments, and rural
youth have been accorded high priority in research programs of the Council. Similarly, gender
mainstreaming, outscaling of farmers? innovations, farmers? participatory approach, and
institutional change for higher efficiency has been corner stones of research approach of ICAR.
In other words, the Council has followed the principles of Mahatma Gandhi to make Indian
agriculture prosperous, empower farmers, and strengthen village institutions. The efforts made
by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras to develop skills of rural women and small farmers, and to
provide services at the doorstep of farmers have contributed to the Gandhian vision.
This publication documents the major contributions of ICAR to promote sustainable
development, technological empowerment of people in inaccessible areas, enhance value of
farm produce, and promote rural livelihood options. Conservation of biodiversity, soil and
water, yield improvement of millets in hill areas, improvement of indigenous cattle, goat
development, support for fishermen, and food processing options for households are some of
the notable examples.
I compliment ICAR for bringing out this publication that shall be useful for policy makers and
public agencies to take the task of agriculture and rural development on the Gandhian way. This
is the need of the hour when there is weakening of the values of rural communities and rising
pressure on natural resources.