Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday dedicated 184 newly developed varieties of 25 field crops to the nation, marking a significant milestone in India’s agricultural research and food security journey.
The new varieties, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), were unveiled at the AP Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said India has transformed from a food-deficit nation into a global food provider, calling it a historic achievement in agricultural growth and food security.
Highlighting India’s rising global stature, Chouhan said the country has overtaken China in rice production to become the world’s largest producer. India’s rice output has reached 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China’s 145.28 million tonnes, thereby strengthening national food security and India’s role as a reliable global food supplier.
Emphasising the importance of agricultural research, the Minister said, “Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and the soul of farming lies in seeds. Quality seeds are the foundation of productivity, nutrition, and food security.” He underlined that research must deliver timely benefits to farmers and set a clear target, stating that newly released crop varieties should reach farmers within three years. “Research is meaningful only when its benefits reach the fields on time,” he added.
The Minister also stressed the government’s focus on nutritional security, noting that India’s goal is not only to produce sufficient food but also to ensure nutritious and high-quality crops, with special emphasis on pulses and oilseeds.
Calling for stronger coordination, Chouhan urged central and state governments, agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, and the private sector to work together to accelerate seed production, field demonstrations, and farmer awareness. Reiterating the government’s vision, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly progressing towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation, with farmers at the centre of this transformation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, said that the number of crop varieties developed and released in the past decade exceeds those released over the previous four to five decades, reflecting the unprecedented momentum given to agricultural research. He said future crop development will focus on climate resilience, bio-fortification, suitability for natural and organic farming, and solutions for challenges such as acidic and saline soils, making Indian agriculture more sustainable and resilient.
Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, said comprehensive reforms are being implemented in the seed sector to ensure innovations reach farmers faster and more transparently. He added that the seed multiplication rate has been increased by 1.5 to 2 times, while national and state seed corporations are ensuring the availability of quality seeds at affordable prices.
