PGS 505 | NARS & GARS | All you need to know

The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in India is a network of agricultural research institutions and organizations, both public and private, that work together to generate and disseminate knowledge and technologies related to agriculture and allied fields.
The NARS is coordinated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which is the apex body for agricultural research and education in India. It includes a number of research institutes, state agricultural universities, national research centers, and other institutions involved in agricultural research and development.
The main objective of the NARS is to conduct research to address the emerging challenges faced by the Indian agriculture sector, and to develop new technologies and innovations that can help farmers increase their productivity and income. Some of the major areas of research focus within the NARS include crop improvement, soil science, plant protection, agricultural engineering, and livestock production.
The NARS also works to facilitate the transfer of technologies and knowledge generated through research to farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector. This is achieved through a range of activities, including training programs, extension services, and partnerships with other organizations involved in agricultural development. Overall, the NARS plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of the agriculture sector in India, which is a major source of livelihood for millions of people in the country.
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in India plays an important role in partnering with the Global Agricultural Research System (GARS) to address global challenges related to agriculture and food security.
Through collaboration with GARS, the NARS can access new technologies and innovations developed by international research institutions, and can share its own research findings and expertise with the global community. This partnership helps to leverage resources and expertise from around the world to address common challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The NARS and GARS collaborate on a range of research and development initiatives, including joint research projects, exchange of scientists and experts, and capacity building programs. These collaborations help to generate new knowledge, technologies, and practices that can benefit farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector, both in India and globally.
In addition, the NARS and GARS collaborate on policy development, advocacy, and awareness-raising initiatives related to agriculture and food security. This helps to ensure that the research findings and innovations generated by the partnership are effectively disseminated and adopted by relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, and consumers.
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in India strengthens its capacities at the national and regional level through a range of strategies and initiatives, including:
Developing human resources: The NARS invests in the development of its human resources by providing training and capacity building programs for researchers, scientists, and extension workers. This helps to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as agricultural biotechnology, precision agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture.
Improving research infrastructure: The NARS works to improve research infrastructure by upgrading research facilities, laboratories, and equipment. This helps to support high-quality research and development activities.
Establishing partnerships: The NARS collaborates with other research institutions, both within India and globally, to strengthen its research capabilities and enhance its capacity to address emerging challenges.
Enhancing knowledge management: The NARS places a strong emphasis on knowledge management, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This helps to ensure that research findings and innovations are effectively communicated to stakeholders and can be used to inform policy and practice.
Strengthening institutional frameworks: The NARS works to strengthen its institutional frameworks, including policies, regulations, and governance structures, to support effective research and development activities.
Engaging with stakeholders: The NARS engages with stakeholders, including farmers, extension workers, policymakers, and private sector actors, to ensure that research findings are relevant, accessible, and effectively applied.
Overall, these strategies and initiatives help to strengthen the capacity of the NARS at the national and regional level, enabling it to better address emerging challenges related to agriculture and food security.