Sustainable Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Seed Initiatives

Context

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture have highlighted key outcomes under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), NICRA, and weather advisory services to bolster climate-resilient farming.

Seed Varietal Development (2014–2024):

ICAR has developed 2900 crop varieties, of which 2661 are tolerant to biotic and/or abiotic stresses (e.g., pests, drought, heat, and flood).
Under NICRA, 298 climate-resilient varieties were demonstrated in 11 crops across 151 climatically vulnerable districts, benefiting 11,835 farmers.

Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP):

Launched in 2014-15, merged with National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) from 2023-24.
270.90 crore allocated in 2024-25, with Rs. 206.86 crore disbursed.
Notably, 141.46 crore was used under the Seed Village Programme, which promotes decentralised seed multiplication.

Village-Level Seed Banks and Demonstrations:

Capacity building under NICRA includes seed banks and community nurseries for localised climate resilience.
Demonstrated stress-tolerant varieties include rice, wheat, soybean, mustard, chickpea, sorghum, gram, and foxtail millet.

Weather Advisory Systems for Agriculture:

Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme provides 5-day district/block-level forecasts by IMD.
130 Agromet Field Units generate advisories in English and regional languages.
Dissemination through digital platforms:
- Meghdoot App (Ministry of Earth Sciences) – available in 13 regional languages.
- Mausam App, eGramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra, Meri Panchayat, and Mausamgram Portal.