The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), under its National Agricultural Research System (NARS), has made remarkable progress over the last decade by developing over 2,900 improved field crop varieties and hybrids across India. These advancements are aimed at strengthening climate resilience, enhancing nutritional quality, and boosting farm productivity.

Between 2014 and 2024, ICAR and its associated institutions developed 2,661 crop varieties that are tolerant to both biotic (pests, diseases) and abiotic (drought, heat, salinity) stresses. These span a wide range of crops—cereals, oilseeds, pulses, fibre crops, forage, and sugarcane. Notably, 537 of these varieties were specially bred for extreme climatic conditions, utilizing advanced precision phenotyping tools for accurate trait selection and development.

To address nutritional security, ICAR released 152 biofortified crop varieties. These include:

• Rice – 14 varieties
• Wheat – 53 varieties
• Maize – 24 varieties
• Millets – 26 varieties
• Oilseeds – 21 varieties
• Others – multiple additional biofortified options

In the horticulture sector, 819 new varieties have been developed, including 19 biofortified varieties of fruits, vegetables, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants.

To ensure timely availability of quality seeds, ICAR has ramped up breeder seed production for the Rabi 2024–25 and Kharif 2025 seasons. These seeds are being disseminated to national and state seed corporations, private companies, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and other production entities for large-scale multiplication. In addition, farmer-led seed production programs are being encouraged to enhance local-level access and empowerment.

To spread awareness, ICAR is leveraging multiple platforms—Doordarshan, All India Radio, print, and social media. Furthermore, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are actively demonstrating these improved varieties directly to farmers through field demonstrations and on-ground support.

Seed distribution is being prioritized in Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and North East Himalayan (NEH) regions to ensure inclusive growth and equitable access.

In alignment with India’s national agricultural goals, the Government of India is implementing the Seed Village Programme under the Sub-Mission on Seed & Planting Material (SMSP) and the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS). These initiatives, spanning 2024–2030, aim to boost seed availability and achieve oilseed self-sufficiency, contributing to a more resilient and self-reliant agriculture ecosystem.

Source- ICAR