Organization of research is theme based, with each major theme headed by a senior professional. Within the first decade of its existence, NCAP has completed pioneering research studies in several hither to unexplored and emerging areas and has worked with many of the national and international policy and development research institutions.

The Centre's significant research contributions are in the areas of research investment and research resource allocation, Trade Liberalization and WTO and its implications in agriculture and private sector participation in agricultural extension. NCAP has significantly contributed to policy research and advise in the area of agricultural research resource allocation, research prioritization and impact assessment, equity effects of irrigation, trade liberalization, impact of WTO on Indian agriculture, impact of tenancy reforms, pubic investments in agriculture etc.