(a) whether the Government proposes to provide financial assistance
for establishing more Agriculture Research Centres (ARCs) in various
States including Karnataka;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has so far assessed the performance of
various ARCs in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): There is no immediate proposal to set up an Agriculture Research Centre.
(c) Yes, Madam.
(d) The research programmes of the Agricultural Research Centres are regularly
monitored by Research Advisory Committees which comprise of eminent scientists drawn
from both within National Agricultural Research System and from leading NGOs and
private sector. In addition, all centres have their own Research Council for
reviewing the progress of research projects every six months. The Quinquennial
Review Teams (QRT) are constituted by ICAR to evaluate the functioning of the
Centres including their research agenda every five years. The action points
recommended by these bodies are taken up for improvement of the on-going research
programmes as well as formulating new programmes along with suitable supportive
infrastructure and manpower needs. This process helps in development and execution
of improved and need based annual action plans, compilation of technology inventories,
preparation of technology manuals, books, bulletins and extension literature in print
and electronic form.