PM Modi Unveils 109 Advanced Seed Varieties Developed by ICAR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release 109 seed varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) tailored for different climatic zones. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that these varieties include cereals, maize, oilseeds, and horticulture, aiming to boost production while reducing water consumption and pest infestation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release 109 seed varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Sunday. These varieties are designed for different climatic zones and are specific to various areas, according to Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Modi will unveil the seed varieties in an event in the national capital. The varieties include 23 of cereals, nine of rice, two of wheat, one of barley, six of maize, and a range of other crops including sorghum, millet, lentil, and oilseeds, according to Chouhan.

Chouhan also stated that the agriculture budget has significantly increased, and a special package has been allocated to mitigate the impact on farmers due to international conditions affecting fertilizer supply. Agriculture, which contributes to 17 per cent of the economy and employs nearly 50 per cent of the population, remains a top priority for the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)