ICAR Roadmap 2047 Targets Crop Diversification and Higher Farm Output

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for 2047 focused on crop diversification, productivity enhancement and sustainability, according to a PTI report. The strategy seeks to gradually reduce dependence on rice and wheat cultivation while increasing acreage under maize, nutritional cereals, pulses and horticulture crops.

Developed in consultation with NITI Aayog, the roadmap outlines production, efficiency and environmental targets for the agriculture sector. ICAR has also established 52 task teams to drive demand-led research and support the long-term vision for Indian agriculture.

ICAR Crop Diversification Plan for Rice and Wheat

A key feature of the roadmap is the planned diversification of cropping patterns across the country. ICAR intends to cap the area under rice cultivation at 53-55 million hectares while pursuing a similar reduction in wheat acreage.

The strategy aims to encourage greater cultivation of maize, nutritional cereals, pulses and horticulture crops. According to ICAR, the shift is intended to improve resource utilisation, strengthen food systems and support evolving consumption and market requirements.

ICAR Agriculture Production Targets by 2047

The roadmap sets several production goals for 2047 across major agricultural sectors. ICAR aims to increase total agriculture production to 2.1 billion tonnes from the current 1.3 billion tonnes.

Horticulture production is targeted to rise to 797 million tonnes from 369.7 million tonnes, while milk output is projected to increase to 628 million tonnes from 247.87 million tonnes. Fisheries production is expected to reach 40 million tonnes from 19.5 million tonnes, and agroforestry cover is planned to expand to 50 million hectares from 28.4 million hectares.

ICAR Focus on Farm Mechanisation and Resource Efficiency

The roadmap places significant emphasis on improving efficiency across the agricultural value chain. Farm mechanisation levels, currently estimated at 47%, are targeted to exceed 80% by 2047.

Nutrient use efficiency is expected to rise from 35% to more than 75%, while water use efficiency is projected to increase to a range of 40% to 80%. ICAR also aims to reduce post-harvest losses, currently around 20%, to zero through improved technologies, infrastructure and management practices.

HARVEST Scheme and Research Strategy Explained

To support the roadmap, ICAR has formed 52 task teams operating under a defined theory-of-change framework. The council also launched HARVEST, which stands for Harnessing Agri-Food Research, Vibrant Extension and Education for Science-led Transformation.

The integrated initiative combines 8 existing ICAR schemes into a single framework designed to improve coordination and implementation. Supporting mechanisms will include a Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment platform, a central data management system, a knowledge and communication strategy, and a national gender platform.

Read More: Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill Passed to Recognise Women as Farmers.

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Conclusion

ICAR's roadmap for 2047 outlines a broad transformation agenda for Indian agriculture centred on diversification, efficiency and sustainability. The strategy seeks to balance crop production with resource conservation by reducing dependence on rice and wheat cultivation and promoting alternative crops.

It also sets ambitious targets for agricultural output, mechanisation, water management and post-harvest efficiency. Through new research frameworks and the HARVEST scheme, ICAR aims to align scientific innovation with the long-term needs of the agriculture sector.

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