Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced 386 improved varieties in 44 crops over the past year, with 94% being climate-resilient and 29 biofortified.
The Minister unveiled 43 enhanced crop varieties, 17 advanced agricultural technologies, and 14 publications to commemorate ICAR’s 98th Foundation Day. These innovations include Basmati and climate-resilient rice varieties, an indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine, and a digital Swine Disease Atlas.
In a bid to enhance technology commercialization, 72 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with 51 industry partners to expedite the transfer of ICAR-developed technologies to farmers, as highlighted during the Foundation Day event.
Union Minister Chouhan stressed the importance of climate-resilient agriculture, self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, quality agricultural education, technology commercialization, and wider dissemination of innovations through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network.
