Presently, India is the top rice producer in the world, going past China, with a total amount of 150.18 million tonnes, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday, when he launched 184 new types of 25 crops.
These new seeds that produce more crops would help increase crop production and improve farmers’ earnings, he stated, while telling the ministry officials to make sure the farmers get these new types quickly.
The minister presented 184 better types of 25 farm crops created by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at an event in the country’s capital, according to an official announcement.
Yield success story
Speaking at the event, Chouhan mentioned that the country has had great success in creating seeds that produce more crops. Since the official process started in 1969, there have been 7,205 types of crops officially recognised, including rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and fibre crops, among others.
Post-2014 boost
Chouhan shared that the government led by Narendra Modi has approved 3,236 types of high-yielding crops, which is more than the 3,969 types recognised between 1969 and 2014. The minister pointed out that India has changed from a country that did not have enough food to one that provides food to the world.
Chouhan said, “India now makes more rice than China and is the biggest producer in the world.” India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, while China’s is at 145.28 million tonnes, he said, calling it an amazing accomplishment. India is now selling rice to other countries, he mentioned.
Chouhan stated that the country has lots of food stored, which ensures India has enough food for its people.Talking about the 184 new types launched on Sunday, the minister said that farmers will gain because they will help produce more crops of better quality. He stressed how important it is to make sure that every farmer gets good seeds.
Pulses, oilseeds focus.
The minister also requested farm scientists to concentrate on growing more pulses and oilseeds so that India can provide enough for itself.
Crop-wise breakup
Chouhan stated that the country has started a new era of agricultural progress, pushed by creating seeds that produce more and can handle different climates.
The Union minister stated that this achievement is because of the joint work of the ICAR’s All India Coordinated Projects on crops, agricultural universities at the state and central levels, and private seed companies.
The 184 types recently launched 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 types, made by ICAR institutes, agricultural universities at the state/central levels, and private seed companies, can handle different climates, produce a lot, and resist major pests and diseases.
According to the announcement, these modern varieties were developed to tackle challenges like climatic shifts, highly saline earth, water scarcity, and similar environmental pressures, alongside promoting ecological and sustainable agricultural practices.
Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi mentioned that the rates of seed growth have been increased by 1.5 to 2 times to make more seeds available. National and state seed companies are making sure there are good seeds at prices people can afford, he added.
