ICAR Unveils New Era in Rice Research with Speed Breeding Facility

ICAR initiated a Rs 12 crore speed breeding facility and Rs 1.6 crore seed godown to enhance rice variety development. Led by Director General Mangi Lal Jat, these facilities aim for higher yields and climate resilience in agriculture, crucial for Viksit Krishi Viksit Bharat.

ICAR Director General Mangi Lal Jat laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art speed breeding facility worth Rs 12 crore and launched a modern seed godown costing Rs 1.6 crore on Wednesday. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the cultivation of rice varieties with enhanced yield potential and climate resilience.

The newly inaugurated speed breeding facility aims to drastically reduce the crop breeding cycles, facilitating quicker improvements in rice production. Meanwhile, the modern seed godown will serve a pivotal role in providing safe storage and timely distribution of quality seeds, strengthening farmers' access to better resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Jat highlighted the significance of these projects in aligning advanced research efforts with efficient seed systems. This endeavor, he noted, marks a critical step toward realizing the vision of Viksit Krishi for Viksit Bharat—Developed Agriculture for a Developed India. The gathering also witnessed remarks from esteemed figures such as ICAR Deputy Director General D K Yadava and ICAR-IIRR Director R M Sundaram.