In a significant move to boost agricultural sustainability and productivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released 109 new varieties of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crops at the India Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. The varieties span 61 different crops, including cereals like millets, oilseeds, pulses, and various horticultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
During the event, the Prime Minister engaged with farmers and scientists, stressing the critical role of value addition in agriculture. He pointed out that these newly developed crop varieties would help farmers reduce their expenditure while simultaneously contributing positively to the environment. The farmers, in turn, expressed their appreciation for these innovations, noting the potential benefits in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.
PM Modi also discussed the importance of millets and the increasing global shift towards nutritious and organic foods. He highlighted the benefits of natural farming, emphasizing that more people are turning to organic products due to their perceived health advantages. The farmers praised the government’s efforts to promote natural farming practices, acknowledging the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in raising awareness about these new crop varieties.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to commend the scientists for their dedication and innovation in developing these new crop varieties. The scientists reported that their work aligns with PM Modi’s earlier suggestion to bring underutilized crops into the mainstream, thus expanding the diversity and resilience of India’s agricultural output.
Among the 109 varieties released were 34 field crops, including sugarcane, cotton, and forage crops, and 27 horticultural crops, such as tuber crops, spices, and flowers. These developments are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability across the country.
