Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 new crop varieties at the India Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, asserting on the significant progress expected as farmers increasingly adopt natural farming practices. These new varieties are high-yielding, climate-resilient, and bio-fortified, reflecting the ongoing shift away from pesticides towards more sustainable methods.
During his visit to PUSA, PM Modi interacted with farmers, acknowledging their growing commitment to eco-friendly farming. Despite heavy rainfall, he continued engaging with the farmers, even offering to hold umbrellas for them.
PM Modi encouraged farmers to experiment with these new seed varieties on a small scale first, asking if they were willing to test them before wider adoption. He reiterated his dedication to accelerating agricultural development, citing recent initiatives as proof of his resolve.
The PM highlighted the importance of research and innovation in agriculture, referencing Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s addition of Jai Vigyan. He introduced Jai Anusandhan, stressing the significance of research, and noted that the release of these 109 varieties exemplifies this commitment.
The new varieties span a wide range of crops, including cereals, millets, oilseeds, pulses, and more, as well as horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the development of these seed varieties, noting their potential to enhance farmers’ profits, improve public nutrition, and boost exports. He confirmed that PM Modi’s initiative aims to integrate scientific advancements directly into agricultural practice, highlighting the government’s commitment to increasing farmers’ incomes and continuing support for agricultural innovation.
