The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed around 2,900 varieties of crops in the last ten years, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary has informed the Lok Sabha.
Replying to a question by Member of Parliament V. Vaithilingam on Centre’s initiatives for upgradation of agriculture technology in the country, the Union Minister said several schemes had been initiated to upgrade agriculture technology aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and farmers’ income.
“The Digital Agriculture Mission is a major initiative that leverages technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and geospatial data for better crop monitoring, soil management and weather forecasting. ICAR has developed 2,900 varieties out of which, 2,661 varieties are tolerant to one or more biotic or abiotic stresses. About 156 technologies/machines/process protocols were developed for production and post-harvest production of agriculture,” he said.
Relevant technologies related to the development of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sector have also been developed. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Agricultural Universities are conducting training and farmer interface programmes to promote latest technological developments in the field of agriculture, he said.
Published – February 05, 2025 09:04 pm IST