1,017 Varieties of Agricultural Crops, 206 of Horticultural Crops Developed since 2018

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha informed that the National Agricultural Research System (NRAS) has developed as many as 1,017 varieties of 69 field crops and 206 varieties of 58 horticultural crops. 

These varieties have been developed by NARS over the past 3 years, i.e. from 2018 to 2020 and the current year.

NARS, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), comprising of various ICAR institutes and central/state agricultural universities, is engaged in the development of new crop varieties high yield and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance of field crops and horticultural crops. 

ICAR has a strong network of All India Research Projects (AICRP) / All India Network Projects (AINP), coordinated by various ICAR institute. They are operational in the various Central and state Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes, for development of new crop varieties of field and horticultural corps.  

Currently, 44 AICRPs/AINPs of field and horticultural crops are operational through 50 SAUs/CAUs/DUs and 55 ICAR institutes across the country at 1,017 locations. 

ICAR has also approved Rs. 3340.32 crores for these research universities or Institutes during 2018-19 to 2021-22. Moreover out of the total amount, Rs. 2420.32 crores has been utilized till 2020-21.

About National Agricultural Research System (NARS)

India has developed a fairly advanced agricultural research system. The National Agricultural Research System is one of the largest systems in the world. The effective working of this system, in close cooperation with education and extension systems, has significantly contributed to the rapid growth of agriculture after independence.

Horticulture Crops

Horticulture can be broadly defined as the science & art of cultivating fruits, vegetable & flowers and crops such as spices, condiments & other plantation crops. In other words, it is a science of growing garden plants.