The Indian  Council  of  Agricultural  Research OCAR)  is  an  autonomous  apex  body  responsible for the  organization and management of research and education in the fields of agriculture, animal sciences and fisheries in India. It was set up in 1929 on the recommendation of the  Royal Commission of  Agriculture.

During the past 60 years the council has developed a Very strong infrastructure for agricultural  research  and  education  comprising 41 research institutes, 4 national bureaux, 1 national academy of agricultural research management, 25 national research centres, 9 project directorates, 69 All-India Co-ordinated  Research  Projects, and has  also  fostered  the  growth  of  26 agricultural universities.

Through the research efforts of the Council, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production. As   pointed out by the Rockefeller Foundation, "the speed with which India's  farmers  and  scientists  have given  their country  an approach  to abundant  food  supply has not been duplicated anywhere in the world including the  United  States."

For providing India with a highly effective scientific agricultural research system,  the ICAR was awarded the King Baudouin International Development Prize of 4  million Belgian Francs in 1988.

India's phenomenal progress on food front is characterized by many landmarks. 'Green Revolution' was brought about by the high­ yielding crop varieties in the early sixties. 'Blue' and 'White' Revolutions with manifold increase in fish and milk production followed. The country is now on the threshold of yet another revolution, popularly called 'Yellow Revolution', which will usher self-sufficiency in the production of oil seeds and edible oil.

With a high degree of scientific capability, the ICAR is currently  engaged in evolving an efficient and sustainable nutritional food security system to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India