On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 new and advanced varieties of 61 crops. These include nine varieties of rice, seven varieties each of sugarcane and oilseeds, and 40 varieties of horticultural crops. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to regularly inform farmers about the benefits of these newly developed varieties each month to reduce farming costs. He highlighted that these varieties will help increase yields and improves crop quality, allowing farmers to command better prices and boost their income. Additionally, these crops are expected to reduce water usage in farming by up to 20%.
At the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi launched the 109 high-yielding, climate-resistant, and biofortified crop varieties. During the event, he engaged with farmers and scientists, who reported that the new varieties would help reduce their costs and have a positive environmental impact. Emphasizing the importance of millets (Shri Anna), the Prime Minister noted the growing trend towards more nutritious food options. Farmers also praised the government's efforts to promote natural farming. The Prime Minister recommended that KVKs actively educate farmers about the benefits of these new varieties each month.
The Prime Minister introduced 109 varieties of 61 crops, which include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Among the field crops, improved seeds for various cereals, including millets, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, forage crops, and fibre crops were released. In the horticultural sector, new varieties of fruits, vegetables, tuber crops, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants were launched. The Prime Minister also stressed the promotion of biofortified crop varieties by incorporating them into various government programs, such as mid-day meals and Anganwadis, to combat malnutrition in India.
Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the media, stating that the release of these 109 varieties of 61 crops represents a significant milestone for farmers. These varieties will aid in increasing production, boosting income, and lowering costs. Shri Chouhan noted that the seeds are climate-friendly and capable of producing good yields even under adverse weather conditions. He also emphasized that these varieties are rich in nutrition and announced that all 109 varieties will be made available to farmers within the next three years. Additionally, he remarked that the import of foreign mango varieties is no longer necessary, as domestic varieties are more productive, visually appealing, and have better storage qualities, contributing to higher farmer income. All these varieties are also suitable for natural farming.
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