New Delhi, Jan 23: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has asked the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to reorient research and development in agriculture, and bridge critical gaps wherever present.

Addressing the 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Council here today, Pawar said that the pace of innovations in agriculture universities and research institutions in India is not satisfactory and therefore, remedial steps must be taken by the ICAR.

"It must put in place highly skilled and competent human resources. Similarly, there is need to revise the course curriculum of agricultural education to make it more relevant," he added.

Pawar drew the attention of the ICAR governing body towards the resources and facilities available under the recently launched Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Food Security Mission (NFSM).

"The flexibility provided to States in proposing schemes under RKVY can cover seed production and multiplication, development of watersheds, creation of farmer schools and many other areas," he said.

Under the NFSM, the Minister said: "ICAR institutes, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigynan Kendras have a role in providing technological inputs at district levels."

The AGM was attended by Minister of State for Planning M. V. Rajashekharan, Members of Parliament, State Ministers and other members of the ICAR Society. (ANI)