PM UNVEILS 109 CLIMATE-RESILIENT SEEDS

Why in the news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release 109 new climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop seed varieties developed by ICAR, aimed at improving yield and water efficiency for farmers.

PM UNVEILS 109 CLIMATE-RESILIENT SEEDS - UPSCsource-TH

About the News:

  • Prime Minister will unveil 109 varieties of 61 crops, including 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops.
  • Field Crops: Includes cereals, millets, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and fibre crops.
  • Horticultural Crops: Covers fruits, vegetables, plantation, tuber crops, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.

Key Developments

  • New Seed Varieties: ICAR has created 109 new crop seed varieties designed to be more resilient to climate variations.
  • These seeds are engineered to consume less water and produce higher yields.
  • Objective: The new varieties aim to enhance agricultural productivity while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Significance

  • Climate Resilience: The seeds are expected to help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions by reducing water usage and increasing crop productivity.
  • Bio-Fortification: The bio-fortified seeds are designed to improve the nutritional quality of crops, which benefits overall public health.
  • Impact on Farmers: The introduction of these seeds will provide farmers with more robust tools for sustainable agriculture.
  • The release of these advanced seeds highlights the government’s commitment to supporting farmers with innovative solutions for climate challenges and boosting agricultural sustainability.