98th Foundation Day of ICAR Celebrated at ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow with one day Training- cum-Agricultural Input Distribution, and "EkPedMaakeNaam" Plantation Drive
ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (ISRI), Lucknow celebrated the 98thFoundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi on 16 July 2026. The occasion featured one-day training–cum-agricultural inputsdistribution under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), and a "EkPedMaakeNaam" plantation campaign.
The programme was inaugurated by ShriLaxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Hon'ble Minister for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills, Government of Uttar Pradesh. In his address, he appreciated India's remarkable progress in agriculture, noting that the country has transformed from being dependent on food grain imports to becoming self-reliant and a significant exporter of agricultural products. He paid tribute to Padma Shri M. S. Swaminathan for his invaluable contribution to making India self-sufficient in agriculture.The Minister emphasized the need to create greater awareness about the use of nano-fertilizers. Referring to the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, he stressed the importance of reducing India's dependence on imports of edible oils and pulses. He also praised ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow for its outstanding contribution to sugarcane research.
The Guest of Honour, Shri. Sanjay Singh Gangwar, Hon'ble Minister of State for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills highlighted Uttar Pradesh's position as the leading sugarcane-producing state in India. He discussed the state's sugarcane area and production and called for achieving a productivity target of 115 tonnes per hectare through research, technological advancements, and farmer-centric interventions. He also stressed the need to fulfill the vision of the Hon'ble Union Agriculture Minister for establishing 100 Smart Villages across the country.
Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow provided detailed information on the institute's ongoing research projects and advanced sugarcane production technologies.
During the programme, farmers watched the live telecast of the 98thFoundation Day Celebration of ICAR, New Delhi. Agricultural inputs were distributed to 100 farmers and farm women under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Head of the Crop Improvement Division, highlighted the importance of improved sugarcane varieties, while Dr. N. K. K. Rathod delivered a detailed lecture on quality seed production in sugarcane.The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Dinesh Singh, Project Coordinator (Sugarcane), while the proceedings were conducted by Dr. Anita Sawnani.
As part of the celebration, a"EkPedMaakeNaam" plantation drive was organized at the institute's PrakritiSamrastaUpvan, where the Director and all institute staff along with their mothers.