HYDERABAD, OCTOBER 16, 2025: Prioritisation of research is important while adopting the change, said Dr Mangilal Jat, DG, ICAR and Secretary, DARE, while addressing the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). He was the Chief Guest at the 114th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS) closing ceremony at NAARM today. Translating the idea into reality, and working with limited resources, is the need of the hour for career progression, he added. While addressing the FOCARS probationers, he stressed the need for commitment to serve the nation for the cause of humanity and the population. He advocated that scientists know their weaknesses, and work on them to grow personally, while turning the challenges into opportunities
FOCARS is the flagship capacity building programme for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) aims to develop a cadre of professional researchers who can contribute to achieving ICAR’s vision 2050. The trainees had field experience training at 80 KVKs across seven States.
Dr. R Venkattakumar, Course Coordinator, presented the detailed report while stressing on the innovations brought to this foundation training. Dr. Smruthi Ranjan Padhan and Dr. Ranjitha M R were adjudged as Best Trainees of this batch, were felicitated by Dr Jat.
Three Publications, i.e., “Gallery of Concept Notes for Agricultural Research”; “Wealth of Indigenous Science in Agriculture” and “Souvenir of 114th FOCARS” were released on the occasion by the chief guest.
Earlier, Dr. Gopal Lal, Acting Director, ICAR-NAARM welcomed the gathering. He advised the probationers to be the torch bearers of the Indian agriculture through innovative research. 105 Scientist probationers, representing 41 disciplines of ARS and 21 states of the Country underwent foundation training of 3-months duration, and got posting at various ICAR institutions across the country. Dr. Umesh Hudedamani, co-course coordinator proposed vote of thanks. Faculty, scientists and staff of the Academy took part in the valedictory function.
