Abstract:

Agricultural research continues to play a key role in National economic development and is
one of the seven pillars of the plan for modernisation of agriculture (PMA). The National
agricultural research policy (2003) emphasises a market responsive demand driven pluralistic
research system. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is designed to ensure
increased uptake and utilisation of research outputs through stakeholder involvement in all
key processes from priority setting to technology dissemination, monitoring and tracking of
impact. NARO council revisits research priorities periodically to ensure achievement of desired
impact and contribution to agricultural and national development and to keep balance
between national strategic interests, local demand and scientific excellence. NARO has
revisited research priorities to comply with prevailing stakeholder and national demands.