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PM to release 109 varieties of seeds developed by ICAR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday release 109 varieties of seeds that have been developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for different climatic zones and are area specific, Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday.

News Arena Network - Bhopal - UPDATED: August 10, 2024, 09:01 PM - 2 min read

PM to release 109 varieties of seeds developed by ICAR

Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan today held a press conference in Bhopal on the program of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 11th August, 2024.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 109 new seed varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) tailored for different climatic zones and specific regions, Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced.

The seed varieties include 23 types of cereals, nine of rice, two of wheat, one of barley, six of maize, and other varieties such as sorghum, millet, ragi, chheena, and samba. There are also two varieties of arhar, two of gram, three of lentil, one of peas, and two of green gram. Additionally, the release will feature seven varieties each of oilseeds, fodder, and sugarcane, five varieties of cotton, one of jute, and 40 horticultural varieties.

Chouhan highlighted recent advancements, stating, "The country’s scientists have done research and found a variety of paddy which gives higher production and requires 20 per cent less water. Efforts have also been made to reduce pest infestation. Science should reach directly to each farmer from laboratory to land."

The minister also underscored the increase in the agriculture budget, which has risen from Rs 27,000 crore under the previous UPA government to Rs 1.52 lakh crore, including allied sectors. A subsidy of Rs 1.95 lakh crore was provided for fertilisers last year, with this year's provision set at Rs 1.70 lakh crore, subject to increase with higher consumption.

Chouhan introduced a special package of Rs 2,625 crore this year to mitigate the impact of extended shipping routes for fertilisers due to international conditions. This package aims to prevent additional burdens on farmers.

"Agriculture comprises about 17 per cent of the economy, while it provides employment to nearly 50 per cent of the population," Chouhan added. "The farmer is not only the biggest producer but also the biggest consumer. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and the farmer is its soul. When the farmer buys something, GDP increases. Farmers are the top priority for the prime minister. The Centre is working to increase production, reduce input costs, and ensure fair prices for produce."