India’s agricultural sector has witnessed an unprecedented transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2024. With a focus on innovation, self-reliance, and sustainability, the government has implemented groundbreaking policies that have led to the development of high-yielding and climate-resilient crops. This period has been marked by a significant boost in agricultural research, seed distribution programs, and enhanced farmer welfare initiatives, reinforcing the foundation for a prosperous and self-sufficient agrarian economy.
Breakthrough in Crop Development
Under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), 2,900 location-specific improved crop varieties and hybrids have been developed over the past decade. This includes:
- 1,380 varieties of cereals
- 412 of oilseeds
- 437 of pulses
- 376 of fiber crops
- 178 of forage crops
- 88 of sugarcane
- 29 of other crops
A remarkable 2,661 of these varieties exhibit tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, making them essential for combating the challenges of climate change. Additionally, 537 varieties have been specially developed using precision phenotyping tools for extreme climate resilience.
Furthermore, the past ten years have seen the introduction of 152 biofortified crop varieties, including rice, wheat, maize, millets, oilseeds, and pulses. These biofortified crops help address malnutrition, ensuring better nutrition for millions of Indians.
Revolutionizing Horticulture
The horticulture sector has also seen remarkable progress, with 819 new varieties released and notified. These include:
- 123 fruit crop varieties
- 429 vegetable crop varieties
- 71 potato & tropical tuber crops
- 53 flowers and ornamental plants
- 19 bio-fortified varieties
These advancements bolster India’s position as a global leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Strengthening Seed Production and Distribution
To ensure farmers across the nation benefit from these scientific advancements, the Modi government has prioritized the production and distribution of high-quality seeds. Breeder seed production is systematically planned from Rabi 2024-25, and steps have been taken to expedite seed delivery to farmers by involving key seed production agencies like:
- National Seed Corporation Ltd. (NSCL)
- State Seed Corporations
- Public Sector Undertakings
- Private Sector and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Moreover, seed multiplication programs at the farmers’ level through the Farmers’ Participatory Seed Production Programme ensure widespread adoption.
Empowering Farmers through Awareness and Training
Recognizing the importance of awareness and education in technology adoption, the government has taken extensive steps to promote improved crop varieties among farmers. This includes:
- Broadcasting through Doordarshan and All India Radio
- Frontline demonstrations by ICAR and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) conducting farmer training programs
- Special schemes under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and North East Himalaya (NEH) programs
Seed Village Programme: A Game-Changer
One of the most significant interventions has been the Seed Village Programme, a part of the Sub-Mission on Seed & Planting Material (SMSP) under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission. This initiative ensures that high-yielding, biofortified, and climate-resilient seeds are available at the village level, directly benefitting farmers.
Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided for seed distribution:
- 50% subsidy for cereal seeds
- 60% subsidy for oilseeds, fodder, and green manure crops
This initiative has greatly enhanced agricultural productivity and farmer income, paving the way for a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS)
To achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production, the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) has been approved for 2024-2031. This mission provides:
- 100% funding for breeder seed procurement
- 60:40 or 90:10 cost-sharing for seed distribution in value chain clusters
- 100% funding for farmer training programs
- Up to ₹1 crore for setting up seed hubs and storage units
- Subsidies for post-harvest infrastructure, training, and demonstrations
This ambitious mission is set to significantly boost domestic oilseed production, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen the rural economy.
A Decade of Transformational Change
The Modi government’s unwavering commitment to agricultural innovation, farmer welfare, and self-reliance has ushered in a new era of prosperity for India’s farming community. The strategic development of high-yielding and climate-resilient crops, coupled with proactive policies, extensive seed distribution programs, and farmer training initiatives, has laid the foundation for a sustainable agricultural revolution.
As India marches toward its vision of Viksit Bharat, these agricultural advancements ensure food security, economic growth, and resilience against climate change, making the nation truly Atmanirbhar in every sense of the word.
The future of Indian agriculture is brighter than ever, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the relentless efforts of India’s scientific and farming communities. Jai Kisan!
