Overview

The Priority Setting, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PME) Cell at the ICAR-National Institute of Seed Science & Technology (ICAR-NISST) is a dedicated unit established in accordance with the directives of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The PME Cell serves as a vital management tool to guide the institute's research endeavors, ensure effective resource allocation, and assess the impact of its scientific contributions to seed science and technology.

The core mandate of the PME Cell is to institutionalize a systematic and transparent mechanism for the strategic management of research projects. It integrates the perspectives of scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure that the institute's research agenda remains relevant, efficient, and aligned with national priorities and societal goals. The Cell functions as a central facilitation unit, supporting the entire lifecycle of research projects, from conception to completion and impact assessment.

Major Functions and Activities

1. Research Priority Setting:
   • Coordinates and synthesizes the recommendations from the Quinquennial Review Team (QRT), Research Advisory Committee (RAC), Institute Research Council (IRC), and other guiding documents to define the institute's research priorities.
   • Annually updates and presents a report on these priorities to the Director to guide the sanctioning and assignment of new research projects.
   • Facilitates the formulation of new project proposals (RPP-I) by scientists, ensuring their alignment with the identified institutional priorities.
2. Project Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Coordinates the annual monitoring of all ongoing research projects (RPP-II) by constituting expert committees to review progress against set targets and timelines.
   • Arranges for the final evaluation of all completed projects (RPP-III) to assess the achievement of objectives and document key outcomes and learnings.
   • Facilitates the process of technology validation and impact assessment for successful technologies developed by the institute.
3. Documentation and Database Management:
   • Maintains and regularly updates a comprehensive institutional database on all research activities and outputs, including publications, technologies developed, IPRs, consultancy projects, and project reports.
   • Acts as the nodal point for the maintenance of all Research Project Files (RPFs), ensuring they are complete and authenticated.
   • Compiles and provides scientific information and data for various institutional and ICAR-level reports, such as the DARE/ICAR Annual Report, ICAR Reporter, and other communications.
4. Coordination and Facilitation:
   • Functions as a crucial liaison between scientists, the institute's administrative and finance sections, and the ICAR headquarters on matters related to research management.
   • Coordinates the preparation and processing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for collaborative research with other national and international organizations.
   • Facilitates the timely submission of research papers and other scientific documents for publication.
5. Capacity Building:
   • Organizes regular meetings, workshops, and training programs to sensitize scientists and research managers on best practices in priority setting, monitoring, and evaluation.

Contact Information:

In-Charge, PME Cell
ICAR-National Institute of Seed Science & Technology
ICAR Campus, Mau – 275103 (U.P.)
Email: pme.seed@gmail.com