In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s agricultural sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed approximately 2,900 new crop varieties over the past decade. This revelation was made by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary in a recent address to the Lok Sabha. The Minister was responding to a query from Member of Parliament V. Vaithilingam, who sought information on the Centre’s initiatives to enhance agricultural technology in the country.
Choudhary highlighted that the government has launched several schemes focused on upgrading agricultural technology. These initiatives are designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and boost farmers’ income. One of the most notable endeavors is the Digital Agriculture Mission. This mission harnesses cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and geospatial data to improve crop monitoring, soil management, and weather forecasting.
The 2,900 crop varieties developed by ICAR include 2,661 that are resilient to various biotic or abiotic stresses. Additionally, 156 new technologies, machines, and process protocols have been developed to enhance both production and post-harvest processes in agriculture. This technological advancement is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and resilience of India’s agricultural practices.
The implications of these developments are profound. The introduction of stress-tolerant crop varieties can help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change, pests, and diseases, thereby ensuring more stable yields. The Digital Agriculture Mission, with its emphasis on data-driven decision-making, promises to revolutionize how farmers approach cultivation, making it more precise and less wasteful.
Furthermore, the focus on Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors indicates a holistic approach to agricultural development. The training and farmer interface programs conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Agricultural Universities will play a crucial role in disseminating these technological advancements to farmers across the country. By equipping farmers with the latest tools and knowledge, these programs aim to foster a more technologically savvy and productive agricultural community.
This push towards technological innovation in agriculture is timely, given the growing challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and the need to feed a rapidly growing population. The initiatives outlined by the Minister underscore the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to create a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector. As these technologies and varieties are adopted more widely, they could pave the way for a greener, more prosperous future for India’s farmers and the nation as a whole.
