Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan virtually addressed the 13th National Seed Congress held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. In his address, he highlighted the critical importance of agriculture, not only for India but for the entire world. Shri Chouhan emphasized that in a country like India, with a large population, agriculture serves as the backbone of the economy, providing livelihood to millions. He further noted that India has been fulfilling its domestic food requirements while also exporting fruits and vegetables to other nations, embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family).
Shri Chouhan discussed an ongoing campaign in India aimed at increasing production, reducing costs, ensuring fair prices for crops, compensating for losses, and diversifying agricultural practices. He highlighted the approval of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) by the Union Cabinet, which aims to promote sustainable farming practices. He cautioned against the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have adversely affected soil health and human well-being.
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Shri Chouhan stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisions providing people with pure and nutritious food that is beneficial for human health and maintains the earth's fertility. He emphasized the need for increased agricultural productivity to meet global food demands, highlighting the vital role of quality seeds.
The Minister praised the recent release of 109 new seed varieties by ICAR, which are climate-resilient, water-efficient, and can be harvested in less time. He remarked that good seeds can boost agricultural production by up to 20%. To achieve this, it is essential to provide farmers with quality seeds at affordable rates and ensure timely availability. Shri Chouhan stressed that providing substandard seeds is a serious offense as it directly impacts farmers' livelihoods and agricultural output. He acknowledged the Seed Congress as a critical platform for addressing such issues and formulating solutions.
Preserving Over 3,000 Varieties of Traditional Rice: Shri Chouhan underscored the need to preserve India’s rich heritage of over 3,000 traditional rice varieties. He expressed confidence in the success of the 13th Seed Congress, driven by the active participation of scholars and experts, ensuring the availability of quality seeds for farmers and contributing to agricultural growth.
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