The ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI), known for its groundbreaking research on tobacco since 1947 has been renamed as the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA), with a focus on advancing research and development in high-value crops like turmeric, chilli, ashwagandha, and castor.

• The shift comes in response to growing public health concerns, international tobacco control policies, and the declining consumption of tobacco.
• Despite tobacco’s economic significance, its cultivation faces increasing scrutiny.
• Recognising these challenges, ICAR constituted a multidisciplinary expert committee in 2020 to reimagine the institute’s role.
• ICAR-NIRCA will lead research on crop improvement, climate resilience, post-harvest management, and export promotion for commercial crops.