Research Management in India - New Change Needed

I. Research Management and Innovative Composite Packages

-ICAR research results and end products are directly applicable to farmers. Most of research is commodity based research. Our farms are mixed or composite farming units. They need a wholesome package for their crops, vegetable, cows, poultry and other related trees and plants. None of the ICAR or SAU institutes have come up with such research packages. I would suggest to formulate a group of scientists, extension education personnel and farmers to propose new research projects on the theme proposed.

-The attempt to formulate transferable technologies and strategies, the whole national agricultural research system be named as "Farm Business Management and Research" with more emphasis on end results and delivery system. We must involve farmers’ field and known practices to evolve result applicable to specific, regions location and ecosystems.

II. NARS ( National Agri Research System)

Top priority in ICAR/SAU is given to research for teaching. Most of the funds are spent on tuning research. A review of scientific achievement of last six decades could not fetch Indian Agriculture a single noble-price. This speaks our weakness in planning and execution of research at ICAR level. Is it that the ARS System with emphasis on merit, innovation and ability has changed to some other criterion? I came to know that ASRB standards in assessment have been changed quite frequently. More emphasis is given to oral tuning ( Viva) than service, publication or research achievements. We except from a system next only to USA to produce scientific inventions even half as that of USA. On internet, I have checked our contribution ( Agri. Research) is less that 2% in citations. This is a serious concern.

III. Leadership in Research Institutes and SAU

The pattern of appointment of Directors, Vice-Chancellors of ICAR institutes, SAU has been quite surprising. An individual is appointed many times after retirement in ICAR and in SAU. This leads to giving such assignment to a favored few, depriving merit and efficiency. Many of the SAU directors and scientists with equal merit do not find leadership assignment in ICAR institutes. Conversely, when he or she deserved the leadership of SAU, a retired person is either appointed or his tenure is extended. Is this the cause for our negative growth in ICAR.

IV. Reforms needed

I am confident that DG ICAR with high score of ability shall see that meritorious and knowledgeable scientists in particular in temperate regions are also given due consideration. Top most priority needs to be given to the ability and honesty. I would suggest following reforms:-

-Top most priority is to be given to extension education. A new role model needs to be evolved where products of research reach directly to the farming community. I would recommend renaming of the extension education system as Farm Business Management, so that research, management of farms, farmers fields, industry set ups, NGO, extension functionary are directly linked to deliver results. This would mean research on specific locations as farmers’ fields. Now that farm insurance is in vogue, we may venture to experiment at farmers’ door.

-SAU/ICAR location-specific research units need to be linked to KVK’s to deliver research results.

-ARS assessment system, emphasizing merit, work and efficiency needs to be revived. The fresh system of career advancement needs further improvement.

-The direct selection process in ICAR/SAU needs to be improved. There shall be more marks for work done achievements of oral viva. We must introduce an oral presentation for selection of leaders.

-The farmers should write the APR’s of scientists, directors and Vice-chancellors. Those popular with farming community need to reward.

-Reward and award system in the ICAR and SAU should be transparent.