India, Oct. 27 -- Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to introduce a grading system for agricultural universities and colleges to ensure greater quality and accountability in agricultural education. Drawing a comparison with engineering and medical fields, he said agricultural studies must be pursued with equal seriousness and professional rigour, as "the nation's food security depends on it".

Addressing a gathering of agriculture students and faculty at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Chouhan said the future of Indian agriculture lies in its students.

"Agriculture feeds the nation and ensures food security. While we have achiev...