Indian Council of Agricultural Research
ICAR is India's apex government agricultural research body, coordinating 113 research institutes, 78 agricultural universities, and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras to deliver crop science, extension, and digital advisory services to smallholder farmers nationwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1929
- HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Indian Council of Agricultural Research does
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is India's statutorily designated apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing agricultural research, education, and extension, operating under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Established in 1929 and headquartered at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, ICAR oversees the National Agricultural Research System comprising 113 research institutes, 74 State Agricultural Universities, 4 deemed universities, and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) that serve as district-level extension centers across 651 districts. The organization focuses on crop science, horticulture, natural resource management, agricultural engineering, animal science, and fisheries, and has been a central driver of India's food security trajectory, with national foodgrain production rising from 50.8 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 376.5 million tonnes in 2025-26 and India surpassing China as the world's largest rice producer at 150.18 million tonnes.
ICAR's portfolio spans R&D outputs (2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties released between 2014-2025, 184 new seed varieties released in January 2026, genome-edited rice varieties Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100), digital advisory platforms (Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-driven multilingual platform integrating AgriStack farmer records with ICAR's research package, and Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra, a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot), and frontier biotechnology (POC1/Plant OpenCRISPR-1, the world's first AI-designed plant genome editor published in New Phytologist). The organization is wholly government-funded through annual budgetary allocations from the Government of India, does not operate commercial pricing, and distributes research outputs, seed varieties, and advisory services free of charge or at subsidized rates through government schemes and the KVK extension network.
The business model is a government budgetary support model in which ICAR receives annual allocations (reportedly rising from ₹27,662 crore to ₹1.40 lakh crore in recent years) and channels these into research programs, educational grants, extension services, and partnerships with CGIAR centers (IRRI, ICRISAT, ICARDA), EMBRAPA (Brazil), Russia's Federal Center for Animal Health, Argentina's INTA, Chile's INIA, Israel's planned IINCA, Dalhousie University (Canada), ICMR (SEHAT Mission), NDDB (dairy), and Dr Reddy's Foundation (vocational training). Revenue mechanics are entirely non-commercial; reach is measured in farmers served (1.85 million via NICRA) rather than paying customers, and the primary GTM motion combines community-led extension through KVKs and field campaigns (Save the Fields/Khet Bachao Abhiyan) with direct-to-consumer digital advisory through multilingual AI platforms.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Legal name
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Website
- https://icar.org.in
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1929
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ICAR is India's apex government agricultural research body, coordinating 113 research institutes, 78 agricultural universities, and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras to deliver crop science, extension, and digital advisory services to smallholder farmers nationwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Indian Council of Agricultural Research industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Research and Education Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Crop Production (11511), Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities (92614)
- SIC
- Agricultural Services (700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Higher Education Governance & Quality Policy Research (EDADADAI)
Keywords
Where Indian Council of Agricultural Research is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Delhi
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
Indian Council of Agricultural Research business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Government Funding (Budgetary Support): ICAR operates as a government-funded research organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, receiving budgetary allocations from the Government of India. Funding increased from ₹27,662 crore to ₹1.40 lakh crore over recent years to support agricultural research, education, and extension activities across the network of institutes and universities.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Indian Council of Agricultural Research product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ICAR is the apex statutory body coordinating agricultural research, education, and extension across India, operating 113 research institutes, 74 State Agricultural Universities, 4 deemed universities, and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. It develops and disseminates climate-resilient crop varieties, AI-powered digital advisory platforms, genome editing technologies, and a national extension network delivering research-based services to farmers free of charge or at subsidized rates.
Product overview
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) operates as India's premier agricultural research organization with 113 research institutes and a network of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The portfolio includes AI-powered digital advisory tools (Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra chatbot, Bharat-VISTAAR platform), genome editing technology (POC1), online education through ICAR e-courses, and a portfolio of 20+ peer-reviewed research journals. The ecosystem integrates traditional research capabilities with modern AI tools to support India's agricultural sector across crop science, animal science, fisheries, and agricultural engineering domains.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra AI-powered multilingual WhatsApp chatbot developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, providing 24/7 research-based advisory services on crop management, pest control, and irrigation to oilseed farmers free of charge, without requiring any app download.
- Bharat-VISTAAR Multilingual AI-driven digital advisory platform announced in Union Budget 2026, integrating AgriStack digital farmer records with ICAR's agricultural practices package to provide customized crop advisories, weather-linked insights, soil recommendations, and region-specific best practices in multiple Indian languages to farmers.
- POC1 (Plant OpenCRISPR-1) Genome Editing Platform AI-designed genome-editing platform for plants developed by ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, enabling precise gene knockout, base editing, and prime editing without introducing foreign genes, with applications for improving yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional content.
- ICAR e-Courses Online education platform providing agricultural courses under the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) to strengthen the capacities of agricultural universities and learners across India.
- ICAR Research Journals Portfolio Portfolio of open-access and subscription-based agricultural research journals including the Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, and 20+ other peer-reviewed publications for researchers and academics.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) Network Network of 731 district-level agricultural science centers that serve as frontline extension centers providing technology dissemination, training, and advisory services to farmers across India, with presence in 651 districts.
- 184 Improved High-Yielding Crop Seed Varieties 184 high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties of 25 crops released by ICAR, spanning rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, Bt cotton, and other crops, with pest and disease resistance traits for distribution to farmers.
- SEHAT Mission (with ICMR) Joint ICAR-ICMR mission integrating agricultural and health research under a One Health approach, with a five-pronged action plan promoting biofortified crops, integrated farming systems, and research linking agriculture to nutrition and lifestyle disease outcomes.
Quantifiable outcome
- India became world's largest rice producer with 150.18 million tonnes output (2025-26), surpassing China's 145.28 million tonnes
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Indian Council of Agricultural Research technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability8 records
Feature4 records
Indian Council of Agricultural Research partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)coreICAR and ICMR jointly launched the SEHAT Mission (Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation) addressing India's dual burden of malnutrition and rising non-communicable diseases through a 'One Health' approach integrating agricultural and medical research.
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)coreICAR and IRRI discussed potential collaboration between ICAR and IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi for improved rice production technologies, seed systems, and direct-seeded rice practices.
- CGIAR System OrganizationcoreICAR signed MoU with CGIAR for strengthened collaboration in agricultural research, building on India's long-standing relationship with international agricultural research centers. CGIAR operates a global network of research centers including IRRI, ICRISAT, and ICARDA.
- Dalhousie University (Canada)minorDalhousie University partnered with ICAR to establish the Tirupati Tri-Institutional Global Innovation Campus linking graduate training and research with industry across sectors including digital agriculture. The partnership includes a $520,000 Indo-Pacific Scholarships funding envelope from Global Affairs Canada.
- Dr Reddy's FoundationcoreICAR and Dr Reddy's Foundation signed a five-year MoU to enhance vocational training and capacity building in modern agricultural practices across rural India. The partnership combines ICAR's research expertise with DRF's extension models through the Lead Farmers Platform model, initially focusing on six states.
- ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas)coreICARDA inaugurated facilities of its Food Legume Research Platform in Amlaha, Madhya Pradesh, strengthening India's domestic research infrastructure for food legumes. Since 2014, FLRP has implemented 34 R&D projects, mobilized USD 50 million, released 158 crop varieties, and reached 550,000 direct beneficiaries.
- Israel (India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture - IINCA)coreIndia and Israel signed MoU to establish the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA) at ICAR focusing on developing advanced agricultural technologies including precision farming and satellite-based irrigation systems. This strategic partnership builds on the elevated bilateral relationship announced during PM Modi's February 2026 visit to Israel.
- Quad AI-ENGAGE InitiativeminorICAR participates in the $2.4 million Quad AI-ENGAGE initiative with U.S. NSF, Australia's CSIRO, and Japan's JST investing in six international research projects leveraging AI to modernize agriculture across the Indo-Pacific region.
- National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)coreICAR signed MoU with NDDB to deepen collaboration in multidisciplinary research, innovation and extension across India's dairy sector. The partnership aims to combine ICAR's scientific expertise with NDDB's strong field presence to accelerate technology development and capacity building.
- Chile (INIA)minorChile and India formalized a Joint Action Plan 2025-2027 between Chile's Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) and ICAR focusing on scientific cooperation and development of high-value temperate crops including walnuts, kiwifruit, apples, almonds, berries, peaches, plums, pistachios, and pine nuts.
- Brazil's EMBRAPAcoreICAR signed MoU with Brazil's EMBRAPA to develop climate-resilient soybean crops under the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform framework as part of India's broader strategy to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Russia (Federal Center for Animal Health)minorIndia and Russia signed MoU between ICAR and Russia's Federal Center for Animal Health to enhance cooperation in agricultural research, innovation, and capacity building in animal health.
- Argentina (INTA)minorIndia and Argentina signed ICAR-INTA Work Plan 2025-27 covering sustainable agronomy, crop and animal biotechnology, livestock improvement, and digital agriculture through joint research, germplasm exchange, and structured training programs.
- CGIARcoreCGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) listed as international agricultural organization partner, operating centers including IRRI, ICRISAT, ICARDA, and others collaborating with ICAR.
- FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization)coreFAO listed as international agricultural organization partner for food security and agricultural development cooperation.
- BRICS Agricultural Research PlatformcoreICAR participates in the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform facilitating cooperation among BRICS nations including joint research projects and training programmes on climate-resilient crops.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Indian Council of Agricultural Research competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation): Brazil's national agricultural research corporation with a comparable mandate to develop tropical agriculture and operate a network of research centers. ICAR and EMBRAPA have an active MoU under the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform to develop climate-resilient soybean crops, making them the closest structural peers globally.
- CGIAR System Organization: Global partnership of international agricultural research centers (IRRI, ICRISAT, ICARDA, CIMMYT) coordinating research on food security. ICAR holds an active MoU with CGIAR and serves as a national counterpart in India, making it a direct peer in the international agricultural research ecosystem.
- IRRI (International Rice Research Institute): Global rice research organization collaborating with ICAR on improved rice production technologies, seed systems, and direct-seeded rice practices through IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi. Direct peer in the rice research domain where ICAR has achieved the 150.18 million tonne breakthrough.
- ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas): International agricultural research center focused on dryland crops with a Food Legume Research Platform operating in Madhya Pradesh, India. ICARDA has implemented 34 R&D projects in India, released 158 crop varieties, and reached 550,000 beneficiaries — directly comparable peer in dry-area agricultural research.
- INTA (Argentina's National Agricultural Technology Institute): Argentina's national agricultural research institute with comparable mandate in sustainable agronomy, crop and animal biotechnology, and livestock improvement. ICAR-INTA Work Plan 2025-27 covers joint research, germplasm exchange, and structured training — directly comparable public-ag-research peer.
- INRAE (France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment): France's national public agricultural research organization operating across crop science, animal science, and environmental research. Comparable in scope to ICAR's multi-disciplinary research mandate, with similar role in coordinating national agricultural research priorities and extension.
Broad incumbents
- CSIRO (Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): Australia's national science agency covering agriculture among broader portfolios. ICAR participates in the $2.4M Quad AI-ENGAGE initiative alongside CSIRO, positioning them as peers in AI-driven agricultural modernization research.
- USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS): U.S. federal in-house research agency within the USDA, conducting agricultural research across similar domains as ICAR. Comparable scale and government-funded research mandate, though embedded within a larger USDA portfolio rather than operating as an autonomous apex body.
Regional players
- Rothamsted Research (UK): One of the oldest agricultural research institutions in the world, focused on crop science and sustainable agriculture. Comparable as a long-established public agricultural research institution, though operating in a different geographic and funding context than ICAR.
- INIA (Chile's Agricultural Research Institute): Chile's national agricultural research institute operating in a different geography with similar scientific mandate. ICAR-INIA Joint Action Plan 2025-2027 covers high-value temperate crops (walnuts, kiwifruit, apples, almonds, berries), making it a peer in crop science research collaboration.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Indian Council of Agricultural Research social profiles
Digital presenceIndian Council of Agricultural Research financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Indian Council of Agricultural Research leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Indian Council of Agricultural Research subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Indian Council of Agricultural Research funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Indian Council of Agricultural Research M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments2 records
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Frequently asked questions about Indian Council of Agricultural Research
What does Indian Council of Agricultural Research do?
ICAR is the apex statutory body coordinating agricultural research, education, and extension across India, operating 113 research institutes, 74 State Agricultural Universities, 4 deemed universities, and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. It develops and disseminates climate-resilient crop varieties, AI-powered digital advisory platforms, genome editing technologies, and a national extension network delivering research-based services to farmers free of charge or at subsidized rates.
Is Indian Council of Agricultural Research a public or private company?
Indian Council of Agricultural Research is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Indian Council of Agricultural Research founded?
Indian Council of Agricultural Research was founded in 1929. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Indian Council of Agricultural Research based?
Indian Council of Agricultural Research is headquartered in New Delhi, India, in the Asia region.
How does Indian Council of Agricultural Research make money?
One revenue line is on record: government Funding (Budgetary Support).
Who are Indian Council of Agricultural Research's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), CGIAR System Organization, IRRI (International Rice Research Institute), ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas), INTA (Argentina's National Agricultural Technology Institute) and INRAE (France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment). Broad incumbents are CSIRO (Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). Regional players are Rothamsted Research (UK) and INIA (Chile's Agricultural Research Institute).
Does Indian Council of Agricultural Research have an API?
No public API is recorded for Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
What industry is Indian Council of Agricultural Research in?
Indian Council of Agricultural Research's product category is Agricultural Research and Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADADAI, Higher Education Governance & Quality Policy Research. Its NAICS code is 11511 and its SIC code is 700.