Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced 109 high-yielding, new biofortified crop varieties to combat climate change varieties at the India Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister also spoke with farmers and scientists on the occasion. When discussing the relevance of these new crop varieties to combat climate change, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for value addition in agriculture. The farmers stated that these new types will be highly advantageous, not only in reducing their expenses but also in positively impacting the environment, instilling a sense of optimism about the future of agriculture.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of millet and how people are shifting towards more healthy diets. He also discussed the benefits of natural farming and the public’s growing trust in organic agriculture, noting that people have begun to consume and demand organic foods. Farmers appreciated the government’s efforts to promote natural farming.

Later, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the media, emphasising that today is important for farmers since the 109 kinds of 61 crops that have been released will let them produce more new crop varieties to combat climate change, earn more money, and spend less. Shri Chouhan stated that the seeds of these crops are climate-friendly and can produce a healthy crop even in poor conditions. He also stated that these types are high in nutrients. The program is an excellent example of a lab-to-land program, highlighting the integral role of farmers in the process.

In response to media enquiries, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that within three years, farmers will obtain seeds from all 109 kinds. Furthermore, he stated that imports of exotic mango kinds are no longer required because our own variety is more prolific, aesthetically beautiful, and has superior keeping properties, all of which can boost farmers’ incomes. All of these varieties are suitable for natural farming, and research into this area is underway, instilling a sense of hope about the future of agriculture.

Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, has proposed that specialists from KVK, ICAR, and state agricultural institutions meet with farmers once a month. The purpose of this exchange should be to address a current agricultural issue and seek solutions through mutual learning.

The farmers also praised Krishi Vigyan Kendras’ (KVK) efforts to raise awareness. The Prime Minister advised that KVKs proactively teach farmers about new varieties developed each month to raise awareness about their benefits.

The Prime Minister also praised the experts for developing these new crop varieties to combat climate change. The experts stated that they have been working in accordance with the Prime Minister’s request to mainstream underutilised crops.

The Prime Minister released 109 kinds of 61 crops, including 34 field crops and 27 horticulture crops. Field crops included cereal seeds such as millets, pasture crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fibre, and other potential crops. Horticultural crops include a variety of fruits, vegetable crops, plantation crops, tuber crops, spices, flowers, and medicinal crops.

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