ICAR sets up Special Task Force on agricultural resilience amid global geopolitical shifts
ICAR has set up a high-level Special Task Force to plan strategies for agricultural resilience amid global geopolitical shifts, the Agriculture Ministry said on 7 April 2026, including widening 'Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav' to 100 aspirational districts.
Summary
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has set up a high-level Special Task Force to address emerging global challenges and plan mitigation strategies for agriculture, the Agriculture Ministry said on 7 April 2026. At its first meeting, chaired by the Secretary DARE and Director General of ICAR, it outlined a framework for national food and input security: widening the 'Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav' campaign with priority on 100 aspirational districts; a campaign for balanced use of fertilisers and bio-inputs with district-wise assessment for wheat and rice; mapping millet-growing regions and promoting high-value alternatives in low-productivity rice areas; and mechanical solutions such as Direct Seeding of Rice, backed by real-time weather advisories. Nodal officers in each Subject Matter Division will monitor weekly progress.
Key facts
- Body
- ICAR Special Task Force
- Chair (first meeting)
- Secretary DARE & DG, ICAR
- Outreach
- 'Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav' to prioritise 100 aspirational districts
- Inputs
- Balanced fertiliser and bio-input use; district-wise assessment
- Technology
- Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the ICAR Special Task Force's framework (April 2026), the 'Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav' campaign will prioritise how many aspirational districts?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 100
ICAR said the widened MGMG campaign will prioritise 100 aspirational districts.
The ICAR Special Task Force emphasised 'DSR' as a mechanical intervention. What does DSR stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Direct Seeding of Rice
The ICAR release refers to mechanical solutions including Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR).