The National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) was formulated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for strengthening the regional research capabilities of the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Assistance for the project was provided by the International Development Association (IDA), an affiliate of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). An agreement in this respect was signed in December 1978. The project was administered by the ICAR through a Project Funding Committee (PFC).
The main objective of NARP was to strengthen the regional research capabilities of the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) as an important means of finding solutions to the location specific problems in different agro-climatic zones in their respective service areas.
For this purpose, intensification of research efforts was envisaged in respect of
Cereals, millets, pulses and oilseeds, particularly those that are grown under rainfed conditions,
Farming systems involving crop-livestock and crop-fish production systems
Agronomic practices
Soil and water conservation techniques
Land use patterns for more efficient use of natural resources and ecological potential.
Development/strengthening of at least one main station in each specific agro-climatic zone in the service area of the University, supported wherever necessary, by sub-stations by providing resource of staff, equipment and infrastructure needed to strengthen on-going research and to pursue new applied research.
Provision of resources, including infrastructure for verification of research results both at the main station and substations.
Provision of resources to initiate, strengthen and accelerate basic research on topics which are crucial for long term agricultural development of the state.