New Delhi, October 13: Indian agriculture needs to move beyond a production-centric approach towards an integrated agri-food system that links cultivation with market demand, marketing and value addition, Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said on Tuesday.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 10th National Convention of Agrivision–2026 at the ICAR–National Agricultural Science Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, Dr Jat stressed the importance of market research and intelligence in aligning agricultural production with consumer demand and improving farmers’ profitability.
The two-day convention, being held on October 13 and 14, has brought together around 450 students of agriculture and allied sciences from 25 states, along with scientists, senior ICAR officials, agricultural entrepreneurs and farmers.
Dr Jat emphasised the need to connect agricultural production with marketing and value addition, highlighting the importance of a broader value-chain approach to agricultural development.
The inaugural session was also attended by Dr Y. S. Malik, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR; Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal; and Dr A. K. Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University.
Dr Mishra and Dr Singh appreciated Agrivision’s activities and encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship, innovation and employment opportunities in agriculture. They also highlighted the scope for careers in agricultural teaching, research and extension services.
The convention aims to facilitate interaction among students, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and farmers, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences across the agricultural value chain.
The deliberations cover agricultural education, technological transformation, research, market-oriented agriculture, entrepreneurship and farmer-centric development.
