National Speed Breeding Crop Facility Inaugurated to Enhance Crop Quality and Quantity

The first-of-its-kind "National Speed Breeding Crop Facility" was inaugurated at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali by Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a historic move for the country's agricultural industry. This cutting-edge facility marks a significant step towards fulfilling Prime Minister Modi's vision of doubling farmers' income, empowering them economically, and fostering the growth of Agri-StartUps across the nation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative potential of the facility, stating that farmers will now have unprecedented opportunities to enhance both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of their crops. Facility's specialized biotechnology-driven approach is poised to revolutionize crop improvement programs, particularly benefiting North Indian states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the key highlights of the initiative is its focus on developing climate-resistant crops. Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined the importance of this technology, noting that it will liberate farmers from the constraints of seasonal cultivation, enabling them to pursue farming regardless of climatic conditions. This forward-looking approach is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring food security for India's growing population.

Highlighting recent achievements in the field of agricultural biotechnology, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the role of modern genetic techniques in crop cultivation. He cited examples such as the successful cultivation of tulips by CSIR Palampur and the development of the unique "108-petal lotus" by CSIR Lucknow, showcasing the potential of merging traditional agricultural practices with cutting-edge technologies to drive economic growth.

Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government's commitment to fostering India's bio-economy, emphasizing its exponential growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized the importance of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry in driving sustainable economic development and promoting green growth strategies.

Minister expressed optimism about India's economic trajectory, projecting it to emerge as the world's third-largest economy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. He emphasized the crucial role of agriculture sector in this journey, highlighting the government's initiatives to bolster bio-economy through special schemes and investments.

Prof. Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director of NABI, hailed the inauguration of the speed breeding crop facility as a milestone in agricultural research and development. He outlined the facility's potential to accelerate the breeding of various crops, including wheat, rice, soybean, pea, and tomato, by leveraging controlled environmental conditions to achieve multiple crop generations annually.

The inauguration of the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility signals a new era of innovation and progress in Indian agriculture. With its focus on leveraging biotechnology and modern scientific techniques, the facility promises to empower farmers, enhance crop productivity, and contribute significantly to India's journey towards sustainable growth and prosperity.