New Delhi: In a move poised to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and bolster climate resilience, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday unveiled 184 new varieties of 25 different crops. This development promises to provide farmers with access to improved seeds within the next three years, marking a significant stride towards a more secure and sustainable agricultural future.
The newly released varieties encompass a wide array of crops, including 122 cereal crops, 22 Bt cotton varieties, and 13 oilseed varieties. A substantial portion of the new cereal varieties, over 50%, falls under the category of coarse grains, aligning with the government's increased emphasis on nutri-cereals and climate-resilient crops. The new Bt cotton varieties are updated transgenic versions designed to increase yields and protect crops from pests, insects, and weeds, thereby reducing overall input costs for farmers. The list of new varieties also includes six varieties of pulses, 13 of oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, and six of sugarcane.
The development of these 184 new varieties is a collaborative effort by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions (ICAR), state and central agriculture universities, and private seed companies. ICAR institutions developed 60 varieties, state and central agriculture universities developed 62 varieties, and private seed companies developed 62 varieties.
Speaking at the release event, Mr. Chouhan highlighted India's remarkable transformation from a food-deficit nation to a global food provider. He proudly announced that India has surpassed China to become the world's largest rice producer, with a production of 150.18 million tonnes compared to China's 145 million tonnes in 2025. "This has also strengthened India's role as the world's food supplier," the minister stated. He emphasized that the country has entered a new era of agricultural revolution on the strength of the development of high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds.
The Agriculture Minister also stressed the government's commitment to ensuring that the benefits of various schemes reach farmers across the country within the next three years. This includes making the newly developed crop varieties commercially available to farmers within this timeframe. Furthermore, the government is considering presenting the Seed Bill at the upcoming parliament session.
These climate-resilient crops are specially bred to perform well under environmental stressors caused by climate change. These include drought-tolerant varieties, heat-resistant crops, flood-tolerant strains, and salinity-tolerant varieties. They help maintain agricultural productivity during adverse weather conditions, reducing crop failures and securing consistent food supply, especially in vulnerable regions.
The release of these 184 new crop varieties marks a significant step forward in enhancing India's agricultural capabilities and ensuring food security for its population. By focusing on climate resilience and increased productivity, these new varieties promise to empower farmers and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.
