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He said that these new high-yield seed varieties will boost crop production and increase the income of farmers, and directed the ministry officials to ensure that these new varieties reach the farmers quickly.
According to an official statement, the minister unveiled 184 improved varieties of 25 regional crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at an event held in the national capital.
Addressing the program, Chauhan said that the country has achieved great success in the development of high yielding seeds.
Since the gazette notification process began in 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been notified, including rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, pulses, oilseeds, fiber crops.
Chauhan said 3,236 high-yielding varieties have been approved by the Narendra Modi-led government, while 3,969 varieties were notified between 1969 and 2014.
The minister said that India has transformed from a food deficient country to a global food provider.
“India has overtaken China in rice production and has become the world’s largest producer,” Chouhan said. Calling it an unprecedented achievement, he said India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes compared to China’s 145.28 million tonnes.
He said that India is now supplying rice to foreign markets.
Chouhan said that the country has abundant food grains reserves, which ensures India’s food security.
Elaborating on the 184 improved varieties released on Sunday, the minister said farmers will benefit as they will help in achieving higher yields and better quality of the produce.
He stressed the need to ensure that high quality seeds reach every farmer’s farm.
The minister also asked agricultural scientists to focus on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds to make India self-reliant.
Chauhan said that on the basis of development of high yielding and climate friendly seeds, the country has entered a new era of agricultural revolution.
The Union Minister said that this achievement is the result of collective efforts of All India Coordinated Projects on crops of ICAR, State and Central Agricultural Universities and private seed companies.
The 184 varieties released recently include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane, 24 cotton (including 22 Bt cotton), and one each of jute and tobacco.
These varieties, which have been developed by ICAR institutes, state/central agricultural universities and private seed companies, are climate-resilient, high-yielding and resistant to major pests and diseases.
“These newly released varieties have been developed to address challenges such as climate change, soil salinity, drought and other biotic and abiotic stresses, while also supporting natural and organic farming practices,” the statement said.
Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi said that to strengthen the availability of seeds, seed multiplication rates have been increased by 1.5 to 2 times.
He said that National and State Seed Corporations are ensuring quality seeds at affordable prices.