ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Organises Hands-on Training on Developing Winning Research Proposals

16 June 2026, New Delhi

In a significant initiative to strengthen research excellence and enhance scientific capacity, the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, organized a two-day hands-on training programme on “Developing Winning Research Proposals” for young scientists of the Institute and its regional stations today.

The training programme was conceived with the objective of supporting early-career scientists in translating innovative research ideas into fundable projects. Through a series of interactive lectures, practical exercises, and proposal development sessions, participants gained valuable insights into identifying emerging research priorities, formulating impactful objectives, designing robust methodologies, preparing realistic budgets, and addressing the expectations of funding agencies and proposal reviewers.

Dr Y.S. Shivay, Assistant Director General (NASF), ICAR, highlighted emerging funding opportunities, national research priorities, and strategies for securing competitive grants.

During the programme, Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, conducted a special session and shared his extensive experience in scientific leadership, project development, and research innovation. He emphasized that high-quality research proposals serve as the foundation for scientific advancement and technological breakthroughs. Dr Rao encouraged young scientists to pursue need-based, multidisciplinary, and globally relevant research capable of addressing emerging agricultural challenges and contributing to sustainable development. He further stressed the importance of scientific creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking in transforming innovative ideas into impactful solutions for farmers and society.

The valedictory session was graced by Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao as Chief Guest. Appreciating the initiative, he reiterated the critical role of capacity-building programmes in nurturing the next generation of agricultural scientists and strengthening the research ecosystem of the country. Dr Rao highlighted that while young scientists possess immense talent, dedication, and innovative thinking, timely guidance and mentorship are often crucial in helping them realize their full potential.

Dr Anupama Singh, Joint Director (Education) and Dean, ICAR-IARI, in her address during inaugural session stressed on need to reorient research towards problem-solving research proposals aligning with the goals of Viksit Bharat.

Dr C. Vishwanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, in his remarks during training inauguration function called the budding scientist to constantly upgrade the skills to tackle the emerging issues of agriculture.

Dr P.S. Brahmanand, Project Director during the interaction with the participants noted that the programme was specifically designed to provide the practical exposure to the art and science of proposal writing.

The programme featured hands-on sessions by eminent experts and research leaders who shared their vast experience in project formulation, research management, and proposal evaluation, providing practical guidance on developing competitive research proposals. A insightful sessions on developing interdisciplinary and impact-oriented research proposals capable of addressing contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges was delivered during the programme.

The programme reflects ICAR-IARI's continued commitment to fostering research excellence and empowering young scientists with the skills required to compete successfully in an increasingly challenging and dynamic research environment. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, ICAR-IARI plans to extend the next phase of the training programme to young scientists from its regional stations and IARI’s Assam and Jharkhand campuses, thereby broadening the reach of this important capacity-building initiative.

A total of 44 young scientists from different Divisions and Regional Stattions of IARI participated in the programme, which aimed at equipping researchers with the knowledge and practical skills required to conceptualize, design, and develop competitive research proposals for national and international funding agencies.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)