Climate-Resilient Seed: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday released 109 varieties of high-yielding, climate-friendly, and bio-fortified (a process that enhances the nutritional value of food crops) seeds of agricultural and horticultural crops. This initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity and farmers' income. These varieties have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and they relate to a total of 61 crops. These include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. PM Modi launched these seeds at three experimental agricultural plots in the Pusa campus in Delhi. On this occasion, the Prime Minister also interacted with farmers and scientists.

Importance of value addition in agriculture

According to an official statement, Modi, while discussing the importance of these new varieties with the farmers, emphasized the importance of value addition in agriculture. The farmers present on the occasion said that these new varieties related to 61 crops will be very beneficial for them due to their low cost.

The Prime Minister discussed the importance of millet and emphasized how people are turning to nutritious food. He also talked about the benefits of natural farming and the growing interest of the general public towards organic farming.

Farmers should get information about the benefits of new varieties

PM Modi said that people have started consuming and demanding organic food. According to the statement, the farmers also appreciated the efforts of the government and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in promoting natural farming.

PM Modi suggested that KVKs should actively inform farmers about the benefits of new varieties being developed every month. The Prime Minister also praised the scientists for developing these new crop varieties.

Helps to increase production and reduce costs

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that today is a historic day for farmers as 109 varieties of seeds for 61 crops have been released. This will help in increasing the income of farmers, increasing production, and reducing costs.

Chauhan said that the seeds of these crops are climate-friendly and can give good harvests even in adverse weather. He said that these varieties are rich in nutrition. Scientists said that they are working as per the Prime Minister's suggestion to bring less popular crops into the mainstream.

Which crops are included?

Crops include cereals, millets, fodder, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and fiber crops. Horticultural crops include new varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants. Prime Minister Modi has been advocating sustainable farming methods and climate-friendly methods to increase the income of farmers since 2014.

He has consistently emphasized on promoting 'bio-fortified' varieties, and linking them with government initiatives like the mid-day meal scheme and Anganwadi services to tackle malnutrition.