In a significant step towards increasing farmers’ income and strengthening agricultural production, the Central Government is set to launch 184 new improved varieties across 25 major crops on January 4, 2026. These advanced crop varieties are expected to enhance productivity and quality while helping farmers better cope with changing weather patterns and climate-related risks.
The new varieties will be officially released by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The launch event will be organised under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi.
Government believes that in an era marked by climate change, unpredictable weather, and rising food demand, climate-resilient and high-performing crop varieties will play a decisive role in ensuring sustainable agriculture. Keeping these challenges in mind, ICAR scientists have developed the new varieties to suit different agro-climatic zones of the country, ensuring that their benefits reach farmers directly at the field level.
The programme will witness the participation of over 250 distinguished delegates, including Secretaries from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), the Director General of ICAR, Deputy Directors General, Additional Secretaries, Assistant Directors General, and scientists from ICAR headquarters and regional institutes. Senior officials from DAFW and the National Seeds Corporation (NSC) will also be present.
Among the 184 varieties to be released, cereals account for the largest share. A total of 122 varieties belong to the cereal group, including 60 varieties of rice and 50 varieties of maize. Improved varieties of sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, and other small millets will also be made available to farmers. In the pulses category, six new varieties of pigeon pea, green gram, and black gram will be released.
Thirteen new varieties have been developed for oilseed crops, covering mustard, safflower, sesame, groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, and castor. To support livestock farmers, 11 new fodder crop varieties will also be launched.
Additionally, six new varieties of sugarcane and 24 varieties of cotton including 22 Bt cotton varieties will be made available to farmers. One new variety each of jute and tobacco will also be released on this occasion.
These newly developed varieties offer higher yields, improved disease resistance, better quality, and more efficient use of key inputs such as water and fertilisers. The government expects that the widespread adoption of these varieties will help reduce cultivation costs and significantly increase farmers’ income. Detailed information on the characteristics and benefits of each variety will also be shared during the programme.
FAQs:
Q1: When will the new crop varieties be officially launched?
A1: The new varieties will be launched on January 4, 2026, by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Q2: How many new crop varieties are being released?
A2: A total of 184 new improved varieties across 25 major crops will be released.
Q3: Which crops have the most new varieties?
A3: Cereals have the most new varieties, with 122, including rice and maize.
Q4: What are the key benefits of these new crop varieties?
A4: They offer higher yields, better disease resistance, improved quality, and efficient use of water and fertilisers.
Q5: How can farmers get detailed information about these varieties?
A5: Farmers can get detailed insights and guidance through Khetivyapar, a reliable platform for agricultural advancements.
