What ICAR Does
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body in India for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture—including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences. With over 100 ICAR institutes and more than 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) spread across almost every district of the country, it is one of the largest national agricultural systems in the world.
For a Lean Farmer, ICAR and its local KVK network are critical resources for eliminating guesswork in seed selection, pest management, and soil nutrition.
How Farmers & Agri-Entrepreneurs Benefit
- District Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Walk-in access to agricultural scientists for soil health testing, crop disease diagnosis, and region-specific cultivation practices.
- Breeder & Foundation Seeds: Access to climate-resilient, disease-resistant, and high-yield seed varieties developed by regional ICAR institutes.
- Agri-Business Incubation (ABI): Many ICAR institutes host Agri-Business Incubation centers that support agri-startups and entrepreneurs with technology commercialization, lab testing, and mentoring.
How to Approach & Connect
- For Field Advisory & Seeds: Locate your nearest district KVK via the KVK Portal and visit or call the Senior Scientist & Head of the center.
- For Agri-Entrepreneurs & Startups: Explore technology licensing and incubation programs through Agrinnovate India or individual ICAR institute ABI units.
- Kisan Call Centre (Toll-Free): Dial 1800-180-1551 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) in 22 regional languages for immediate agronomic advice.