NAARM must focus on developing leaders, says former D-G of ICAR

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Former ICAR Director-General R.S. Paroda addressing the 51st Foundation Day celebrations of ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement

Former ICAR Director-General R.S. Paroda has called for transforming the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) into an institution focused on developing leaders in agricultural research and innovation.

Delivering the inaugural K.V. Raman Memorial Lecture at the 51st Foundation Day celebrations of ICAR-NAARM here on Tuesday, Mr. Paroda suggested establishing an ICAR Foresight Centre by leveraging existing resources.

He called for strengthening NAARM’s alumni network and expanding memoranda of understanding with academies and universities, including through South-South cooperation.

Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director-General, ICAR, Mangi Lal Jat said the Academy should focus on developing human capital with technical skills, digital literacy and managerial capabilities through strategic investments.

He also called for demand-driven training programmes and data-backed capacity building to support the transition towards value-driven and sustainable agri-food systems.

Deputy Director-General (Education) of ICAR, Yashpal Singh Malik, who addressed the gathering online, appreciated NAARM’s efforts in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, MOOCs and the creation of a digitally-enabled learning ecosystem.

Mr. Malik also appreciated NAARM’s a-IDEA agribusiness incubation facility and its target of creating 100 successful startups to promote agri-entrepreneurship.

NAARM director R.M. Sundaram outlined the academy’s 50-year journey, achievements and future roadmap.

The 'Farmers Vault' portal and 'NAARM Library' mobile app were also launched on the occasion. NAARM joint director Gopal Lal was present.

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