Urgent Call for ICAR Recruitment to Boost Farm Education

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged ICAR to urgently fill vacant positions, enhancing agricultural education. Addressing a conference, he vowed to engage with state leaders on this issue. A 2025 report highlighted ICAR's staffing shortages. Chouhan stressed practical training for students to drive rural development.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took decisive action on Monday to address staffing shortages within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which he believes will enhance farm education. Speaking at the National Agricultural Students' Conference, Chouhan emphasized the urgent need to fill vacant positions at ICAR.

The minister highlighted a 2025 parliamentary committee report that revealed ICAR's significant staffing shortages, with 3,550 posts unfilled as of March 31, 2025, mostly in scientific, technical, and administrative roles. This shortage poses a risk to agricultural education and the future of students in this field.

Chouhan urged ICAR to expedite recruitment, aiming to fill at least 50% of vacancies by 2025. He also encouraged agricultural students to actively partake in addressing shortcomings and called for a competitive model in university ratings to adopt global best practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)