New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI): 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)