109 new crop varieties developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) were unveiled at the India Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that promise to increase productivity and farmers income. These varieties include a diverse range of 61 crops, designed to enhance productivity, reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability.
The newly released 109 varieties of 61 crops include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Among the field crops are cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton and fibre crops, while the horticultural crops include various fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tuber crops, spices, flowers and medicinal plants. These seeds have been developed to be climate-resilient, ensuring robust yields even in adverse weather condition.
Features of the New Varieties
- Climate Resilience: Engineered to withstand adverse weather conditions such as droughts, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperature.
- High Yields: Designed to produce more crops from the same area, enhancing overall productivity.
- Nutritional Enrichment: Many varieties are biofortified to provide enhanced nutritional benefits, contributing to better health outcomes.
- Environmental Sustainability: Created with eco-friendly methods, needing fewer chemicals and improving soil health.
“Today’s program highlights the effective transition from lab to land. It emphasizes the shift towards nutritious foods like millets and the necessity for Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to regularly update farmers on new crop varieties.”
“Today marks a significant milestone for farmers as the release of 109 varieties from 61 crops will enable them to produce more, earn more and reduce costs. These climate-friendly seeds are designed to thrive even in adverse conditions and are rich in nutrition. Within three years, farmers will have access to all 109 varieties. Our domestic mango varieties are now more productive and visually appealing, reducing the need for imports and boosting farmers’ incomes. All varieties are suitable for natural farming, with ongoing research to further enhance their benefits.”
The event was attended by Union Ministers of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Choudhary and Ram Nath Thakur, along with the Director General of ICAR & Secretary, DARE, Dr. Himanshu Pathak. They were joined by local farmers and ICAR officials, marking a significant step forward in India’s agricultural innovation.
