New Delhi: Taking forward the initiative of getting more yield from less land in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday released 109 new and improved varieties of 61 crops. These include nine varieties of rice, seven each of sugarcane and oilseeds and 40 varieties of horticultural crops.

All the varieties are nutritious and have been developed to suit the climate and the region. These were being worked on for a long time at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). During the program, Prime Minister Modi discussed with farmers and scientists the needs and benefits of natural farming and the growing demand for organic food grains.

PM gave suggestion

The Prime Minister suggested that Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) should inform farmers about the benefits of new varieties being developed every month, so that the cost of cultivation can be reduced. The government's emphasis is on taking science to the fields. The Prime Minister released these new varieties by visiting the fields of the ICAR campus in the capital.

Discussing its need, the Prime Minister emphasized on value addition in agriculture. He said that efforts are being made to take the research findings to the fields. Farmers will benefit more by cultivating with improved seeds, as the cost of cultivation will be reduced and there will also be a positive impact on the environment.

Demand for organic food increased

While talking about the increasing trust of farmers towards natural farming as well as organic farming, PM said that people have increased the use of organic food items due to the nutritious grains. This is increasing the demand. The inclination towards coarse grains is an example of this. The central government believes that improved seeds are needed for more yield at low cost.

PM said that due to climate change, the earth is getting warmer. In such a situation, we need seeds that are climate friendly, can give more yield and in whose cultivation there is less use of pesticides. After a lot of research, scientists have prepared new varieties that are climate and soil friendly. Among these, there is also a variety of paddy that will require 20 percent less water for cultivation. The infestation of pests will also be less.

Varieties of these crops released

The 109 varieties of 61 crops released include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. In field crops, improved seeds of various cereals including millet, fodder crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fiber were released. In horticulture, various varieties of fruits like mango, pomegranate, guava, bael and vegetables like tomato, gourd etc. along with tubers, spices, flowers and medicinal plants were released.

Cereals include rice, wheat, barley, maize, jowar, bajra, ragi, chheena, samba etc. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has called today a historic day for agriculture and farmers. He said that new varieties can give good yield even in adverse weather.