Continuing efforts to increase crop yields on limited land, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 new and improved varieties of 61 crops on Sunday.
This includes nine rice varieties, seven each of sugarcane and oilseeds, and 40 varieties of horticultural crops.
All the varieties are nutritious and tailored to fit local climates and regions. They have been developed over a long period by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
During the event, Prime Minister Modi talked with farmers and scientists about the advantages of natural farming and the increasing demand for organic food grains.
PM gave suggestion
The Prime Minister suggested that Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) should regularly update farmers about the benefits of new crop varieties being developed each month to help lower cultivation costs.
The government is focused on applying scientific advancements directly to farming. He released these new varieties during a visit to the ICAR campus fields in the capital.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of adding value to agriculture. He noted that efforts are underway to bring research findings directly to the fields.
Farmers will benefit from using improved seeds, as this will lower cultivation costs and have a positive impact on the environment.
Demand for organic food increased
Discussing the growing trust in natural and organic farming, the Prime Minister noted that people are increasingly choosing organic foods due to their nutritional benefits, which is driving higher demand.
He pointed out that the shift towards coarse grains is an example of this trend. The central government believes that improved seeds are essential for achieving higher yields at lower costs.
The PM mentioned that climate change is causing the earth to warm, which makes it essential to have seeds that are climate-friendly, yield more, and require fewer pesticides.
After extensive research, scientists have developed new varieties that are suited to various climates and soils.
One such variety of paddy will need 20 percent less water for cultivation and will also have fewer pest problems.
Varieties of these crops released
The 109 varieties of 61 crops released include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops.
The field crops consist of improved seeds for cereals, millet, fodder crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and fiber.
The horticultural crops feature various fruit varieties such as mango, pomegranate, guava, and bael, as well as vegetables like tomato and gourd, and include tubers, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.
Cereals include rice, wheat, barley, maize, jowar, bajra, ragi, chheena, and samba.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan described today as a historic day for agriculture and farmers.
He noted that the new varieties can produce good yields even in challenging weather conditions.
