Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties, which could lead to a second Green Revolution in India.
The new rice varieties will undergo laboratory cultivation, followed by the creation of breeder seeds.
These will be multiplied and certified for farmers, a process that usually takes 4-5 years, but efforts are being made to reduce this time.
The development is part of India's vision for a developed nation, focusing on improving farmer prosperity through modern agricultural techniques.
The new rice varieties will save irrigation water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to environmental conservation.
The development of these varieties is seen as a balance between increased agricultural production and environmental sustainability.
ICAR Director-General emphasized the importance of demand-driven research and gathering farmer feedback to ensure the research meets their needs.
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