India's Bold Agricultural Revolution: 100 New Seeds and Technologies in 100 Days

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to introduce 100 new seed varieties and farm technologies in 100 days, focusing on climate-resilient and biofortified varieties. This initiative is part of the government's 100-day action plan to enhance India's agricultural sector, involving extensive workforce efforts and the establishment of seed hubs.

In a transformative move aimed at revolutionizing India's agricultural sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plans to develop 100 new seed varieties and an equal number of farm technologies within a 100-day timeframe, according to a senior agriculture ministry official.

This ambitious initiative, part of the government's 100-day action plan, emphasizes climate-resilient and biofortified seed varieties, along with innovative farm technologies. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak outlined the plan during the institution's 96th Foundation and Technology Day celebrations, stating, "We're actively working on two key action plans: '100 new seed varieties in 100 days' and '100 technologies in 100 days.'"

ICAR aims to unveil these innovations, potentially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's involvement, around mid-September when the 100-day period concludes. Employing a workforce of 5,521 scientists nationwide, ICAR's research spans various crops and technologies in water management, mechanization, and plant protection. To enhance adoption at the farm level, ICAR is establishing 'seed hubs' across the country, prioritizing high-yielding oilseeds and pulses, and targeting significant expansions in 174 and 130 districts, respectively.