Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
ICAR coordinates and manages agricultural research and education through a network of research institutes, deemed universities, and specialized National Bureaus.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
National Bureaus are established to collect, evaluate, document, and conserve genetic resources of agricultural significance.
There are currently exactly 6 National Bureaus operating under the ICAR system:
1. ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR): Located in New Delhi, it manages plant genetic resources and germplasm conservation.
2. ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR): Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, it focuses on insect genetic resources and biocontrol agents.
3. ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP): Located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, it maps and inventories soil resources.
4. ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR): Located in Karnal, Haryana, it characterizes and conserves livestock and poultry genetic resources.
5. ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR): Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, it assesses and conserves fish diversity.
6. ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM): Located in Mau Nath Bhanjan, Uttar Pradesh, it isolates and preserves agricultural microbial cultures.
Therefore, the total number of National Bureaus under the ICAR system is 6.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The number of National Bureaus under ICAR is 6, matching Option (B).