PM Narendra Modi Unveils 109 New Crop Varieties to Boost Farming in India
New Delhi, August 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced 109 new types of crops that are high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. This initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity and resilience against climate change.
Interaction with Farmers and Scientists
During the event, PM Modi spoke with farmers and scientists, emphasizing the importance of these new crop varieties. He highlighted the role of value addition in agriculture and discussed how these innovations could reduce farmers’ costs and benefit the environment.
Focus on Millets and Organic Farming
PM Modi also stressed the growing importance of millet and the shift towards more nutritious food choices. He praised the benefits of natural farming and noted the increasing trust in organic farming practices among the public. The Prime Minister pointed out the rising demand for organic foods, reflecting a trend towards healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.
Farmers’ Appreciation and Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
Farmers at the event expressed their gratitude for the government’s efforts in promoting natural farming. They also appreciated the contributions of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in raising awareness. PM Modi urged KVKs to inform farmers about the benefits of these new crop varieties regularly.
Details of the New Crop Varieties
The 109 crop varieties released include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Field crops consist of various cereals, including millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and other potential crops. Horticultural varieties include different types of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tuber crops, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.
Government’s Broader Strategy
This initiative follows the recent Budget announcement, which highlighted the release of these crop varieties. The government aims to introduce 1 crore farmers to natural farming over the next two years, supported by certification and branding. Additionally, 10,000 bio-input resource centres will be established to facilitate this transition.
To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government plans to strengthen their production, storage, and marketing. This strategy aligns with the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and focuses on increasing the production of oilseeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. The government is also promoting green and sustainable agricultural practices.
Doubts Revealed
PM Narendra Modi -: PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, which means he is the leader of the country.
109 new crop varieties -: These are new types of plants that farmers can grow. They are designed to give more food, be strong against bad weather, and have more nutrients.
high-yielding -: This means these crops can produce a lot of food from each plant.
climate-resilient -: These crops can survive and grow well even if the weather is not good, like during droughts or heavy rains.
biofortified -: These crops have extra vitamins and minerals to make them healthier to eat.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute -: This is a big place in New Delhi where scientists study how to make farming better.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India.
agricultural productivity -: This means how much food we can grow on farms.
value addition in agriculture -: This means making farm products better or more useful, like turning milk into cheese.
natural and organic farming -: This is a way of growing food without using chemicals, making it healthier for people and the environment.
self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds -: This means growing enough of these foods in India so we don’t need to buy them from other countries.