The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 142 biofortified varieties since 2014. These include 124 varieties of field crops and 18 varieties of horticultural crops, contributing to the nation’s agricultural diversity and nutritional content. A press release on these varieties was issued on December 8, 2023.
The field crops encompass a range of staples, with notable quantities developed in rice (10 varieties), wheat (43 varieties), maize (20 varieties), pearl millet (11 varieties), small millets (13 varieties), lentil (2 varieties), chickpea (2 varieties), and more. Additionally, 18 biofortified varieties of horticultural crops, such as sweet potato, amaranthus, greater yam, potato, cauliflower, okra, grapes, banana, guava, and pomegranate, have been introduced.
Importantly, these biofortified varieties have demonstrated no adverse impact on ecological conditions, particularly soil and water. Being conventionally bred varieties, their water and nutrient requirements align with those of traditional varieties. Furthermore, all biofortified varieties are either equal to or superior in yield compared to conventional varieties of respective crops. The production cost of these varieties is not higher than existing ones in the market, as there is no yield penalty, and cultivation does not incur additional costs.
Since the 2019-20 period, approximately 37,425.7 quintals of breeder seed for biofortified varieties have been produced and supplied to various public and private seed production agencies. This seed is then multiplied to foundation and certified seed, which is subsequently distributed to farmers for cultivation. Over the past six years, more than 10 million hectares, including areas cultivating wheat, rice, pearl millet, mustard, and lentil, have been covered under biofortified varieties.
Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), assistance is provided to farmers through state and union territory programs. These interventions include cluster demonstrations on improved farming practices, demonstrations on cropping systems, seed production, distribution of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)/hybrids, and cropping system-based training. The mission also supports ICAR, State Agricultural Universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras for technology backing and technology transfer to farmers.
In the context of biofortified varieties, NFSM facilitates technology demonstrations, cluster frontline demonstrations, and frontline demonstrations. States are encouraged to produce and distribute biofortified seeds, contributing to the wider adoption of these nutritionally enhanced crops across the nation.
