India (Commonwealth Union)_ On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a groundbreaking array of 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crop varieties at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi. This significant initiative marks a crucial step towards enhancing India’s agricultural innovation goals and fostering sustainable farming practices. The newly released varieties, referred to as seeds of change, are set to bolster farm income and productivity while addressing the environmental challenges faced by farmers. The 109 new climate-resilient crop varieties for future encompass 61 different crops, including 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops.
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The field crops introduced range from cereals and millets to oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and forage crops. The horticultural releases include a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants. This diverse array of crops reflects a comprehensive approach to improving agricultural outputs and environmental resilience. Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of integrating value addition into agriculture. He highlighted how these new varieties of high-yielding crops are designed not only to increase productivity but also to offer substantial cost savings and environmental benefits for farmers. By reducing the need for excessive chemical inputs and improving crop resilience to climate extremes, these varieties represent a pivotal advancement in sustainable farming.
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During the event at Delhi’s Pusa Campus, PM Modi engaged with farmers and scientists, discussing the transformative potential of these new varieties. He pointed out the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting biofortified crops, linking these efforts to broader initiatives such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Anganwadi services aimed at combating malnutrition in India. Additionally, Union Minister for Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, provided further details on the new varieties, including 23 seed varieties of cereals, nine of rice, two of wheat, and others spanning across diverse crop categories. This comprehensive release is part of a larger strategy to support India’s agricultural sector amidst global uncertainties and logistical challenges.
In response to the increasing demand for sustainable and organic farming practices, PM Modi highlighted the shift towards nutritious food and the growing consumer preference for organic products. He praised the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in disseminating knowledge about these new varieties and urged them to intensify their efforts in educating farmers on the benefits of these innovations. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the scientific community in developing these new crop varieties. He noted that their work aligns with his vision of integrating underutilized crops into mainstream agriculture, thus enhancing overall agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
Furthermore, in light of global supply chain disruptions, a special package of Rs 2,625 crore has been allocated to mitigate the impact on farmers due to the extended routes for fertilizer shipments. This financial support underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring that the benefits of these advancements reach the farming community effectively. Furthermore, the unveiling of 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties by PM Modi marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural landscape. These new varieties promise to enhance farm productivity, reduce environmental impact, and provide economic benefits to farmers, embodying a crucial step towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
