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Key Points

Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan praised the launch of two genome-edited rice varieties as a historic milestone for Indian agriculture. He linked the breakthrough to PM Modi’s vision of modern farming and food security. The new varieties aim to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. Chouhan also introduced a strategy to optimize crop cultivation for pulses and oilseeds.

Key Points: Shivraj Chouhan Hails Genome-Edited Rice as Golden Achievement

  • Chouhan credits Modi’s leadership for agricultural progress
  • New rice varieties aim to boost production and sustainability
  • India exports ₹48,000 crore worth of Basmati annually
  • Scientists honored for groundbreaking genome-editing research
2 min read

This achievement will be written in golden letters: Shivraj Chouhan on launch of two genome-edited rice varieties

Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan celebrates India’s breakthrough genome-edited rice varieties, emphasizing food security and Modi’s agricultural vision.

"Today’s achievement will be written in golden letters. – Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

New Delhi, May 5

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties in India, at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex in Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India's vision for a developed nation is being realised, and farmers are moving towards prosperity. Today's achievement will be written in golden letters. During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister Modi had called upon farmers to adopt modern techniques to overcome agricultural challenges. Inspired by his words, ICAR scientists have made exceptional achievements in the field of agriculture with the creation of these new varieties."

He further said that the development of these new crops would not only enhance production but will also yield positive results in environmental terms.

Chouhan emphasised that in the coming times, there is a need for ensuring food security, increasing nutritious production, and providing food for both India and the world, while making India the food basket of the world. He stated, "We are proud that our efforts have led to the export of 48,000 crore worth of Basmati rice annually."

The Minister also urged the need to take further steps to increase the production of soybean, arhar, tur, lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses.

Chouhan also introduced the "Minus 5 and Plus 10" formula, explaining that it involves reducing the area of rice cultivation by 5 million hectares while increasing rice production by 10 million tons in the same area. This would free up space for the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.

He urged the farmers, especially the young farmers, to adopt advanced farming techniques. Chouhan said, "We need to take agricultural research to the farmers. When agricultural scientists and farmers come together, miracles will happen."

Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, virtually congratulated the scientists.

Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, DA&FW, Moef&cc, highlighted that the new varieties announced by ICAR today could be a game-changer for Indian agriculture:

On this occasion, the Minister also honoured the scientists who contributed to the research of the two varieties.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is truly a proud moment for Indian agriculture! 🇮🇳 Our scientists are doing remarkable work. As a farmer's son, I know how important such innovations are for small farmers. Hope these new varieties reach the fields soon and benefit everyone.
P
Priya M.
While the achievement is commendable, I hope proper safety testing is done before mass cultivation. We've seen issues with GM crops before. The "Minus 5 Plus 10" formula sounds interesting but implementation will be key. Farmers need proper training for these new techniques.
A
Amit S.
Great news! But will these benefits actually reach small farmers or only benefit big agri-businesses? The government must ensure fair distribution and pricing. Also, we must preserve our traditional rice varieties - they're part of our heritage.
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Punjab where rice cultivation has caused groundwater issues, I welcome the reduction in cultivation area. But will farmers get proper support to switch to pulses and oilseeds? MSP for these crops must be guaranteed first.
V
Vikram J.
Excellent step towards food security! With climate change affecting crops, we need such innovations. Hope the government provides subsidies for farmers to adopt these new varieties. Jai Kisan! 🙏
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Neha P.
While celebrating this achievement, let's not forget the thousands of farmers who committed suicide due to crop failures. The real test will be whether these technologies can prevent such tragedies in future. Implementation is everything.

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