The 115th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FoCARS) commenced with the inaugural ceremony at the ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. This flagship programme of ICAR, scheduled to be conducted from 11th August to 25th November 2025, is designed to orient and train newly recruited scientists of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), equipping them with the professional skills, team spirit and collaborative mind-set essential to address emerging challenges in Indian agriculture. A total of 107 participants (72 male + 35 female) have joined this FoCARS. This group of scientists with Pan India representation and has linguistic and cultural diversity.
The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Chief Guest Dr. Chhabilendra Roul, Member, Central Administrative Tribunal; Former Secretary, DoF, MoCF & Former Special Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR, New Delhi, along with Guests of Honour Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science & Agricultural Education), ICAR, New Delhi, and Shri Arun Tiwari, Missile Scientist (Retd.) DRDO, Author and Director, CARE Foundation, Hyderabad. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. D. Damodar Reddy, Course Coordinator, 115th FoCARS, who highlighted the historical background, significance, and career-shaping role of FoCARS for ARS scientists. Dr. Gopal Lal, Director, ICAR-NAARM, spoke about impactful research initiatives within the ICAR system, outlined the objectives of the programme, and administered the Oath of Allegiance to the participants, reinforcing their commitment to advancing Indian agriculture.
The inaugural session featured a series of insightful and inspiring addresses from eminent dignitaries. In his address the chief Guest Dr. Chhabilendra Roul highlighted India’s remarkable transformation from the food scarcity of the 1960s to achieving self-sufficiency and food security. While acknowledging these achievements, he emphasized the urgent need to shift focus towards nutritional security, quality enhancement, climate change adaptation, conservation of natural resources and understanding the socio-economic implications of mechanization. He urged the probationary scientists to engage in both fundamental and applied research that delivers tangible benefits to farmers and society. Dr. Joykrushna Jena, drawing on his extensive experience, spoke on the challenges and opportunities in modern agricultural systems, highlighting the importance of diversification, quality improvement, sustainability, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. He encouraged participants to work with dedication, broaden their perspectives, and embrace this new phase of their careers with enthusiasm and determination. In his motivational address, Shri Arun Tiwari passionately underscored the critical role of agriculture in nation-building, describing agricultural scientists as one of the nation’s most valuable resources. Commending ICAR’s global stature as one of the largest agricultural research organizations in the world, he inspired participants to adopt innovation, perseverance, and pride in their professional journey. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. M. Ramesh Naik, Course Coordinator, 115th FoCARS, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty and probationary scientists for their contributions to the successful commencement of the course. (Course Coordinator: Dr. D. Damodar Reddy and Dr. M. Ramesh Naik)
https://naarm.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/News-Item-115-FoCARS.pdf
