Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 new crop varieties today at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. These crops, known for their high yield, climate resilience, and nutritional benefits, are expected to support both environmental sustainability and reduced agricultural costs.
During the event, Modi engaged with farmers and scientists, highlighting the value of these new varieties in advancing agricultural productivity. He emphasized the growing importance of millets and the shift towards nutritious food. The farmers expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts in promoting natural farming practices.
Modi also recommended that Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) regularly update farmers about the benefits of newly developed varieties to enhance awareness and usage.
The released varieties include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Field crops encompass cereals, millets, forage, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and fiber crops. The horticultural crops feature diverse fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tubers, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praised the release of these varieties, noting their climate adaptability and nutritional value. He highlighted that these crops would enhance productivity and income for farmers while reducing expenses. Chouhan also mentioned that within three years, farmers will have access to all 109 varieties. He pointed out that domestic mango varieties now surpass imported ones in quality and productivity.
Chouhan also shared Modi’s proposal for monthly expert interactions between KVKs, ICAR, and state agricultural universities to address current agricultural issues through collaborative learning.
The event was attended by Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary and Ram Nath Thakur, as well as Dr. Himanshu Pathak, DG ICAR & Secretary, DARE, and 30 local farmers along with ICAR officials.
