Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Inaugurate Agri-Tech Event in New Delhi Tomorrow

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Photo Source: @OfficeofSSC/X)

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela (PKVM) 2025 is set to be inaugurated in New Delhi tomorrow, February 22, 2025, by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), the event will run until February 24, 2025, under the theme “Unnat Krishi – Viksit Bharat,” focusing on advanced agriculture for a developed India.

The valedictory session on February 24 will be graced by Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, while Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE and Director General of ICAR, will preside over the inaugural and concluding ceremonies.

This year’s PKVM will showcase live demonstrations of innovative crop varieties and technologies developed by IARI. Exhibits will feature advanced agricultural solutions from ICAR Institutes, Agricultural Universities, KVKs, FPOs, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and public and private companies. The event will also host technical sessions and interactions between farmers and scientists on crucial topics such as Climate Resilient Agriculture, Digital Agriculture, Crop Diversification, Entrepreneurship Development for Youth and Women, Agricultural Marketing, and Farmers’ Innovation. Additionally, Pusa Seeds of essential varieties will be available for purchase, alongside on-spot agro-advisories.

IARI has significantly contributed to agricultural advancements, particularly in developing climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop varieties. In 2024, 27 new cultivars across 10 crops were released, including 16 varieties and 11 hybrids. These encompass bread wheat, rice, maize, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeon pea, mung bean, lentil, mustard, and soybean. Notably, superior Basmati rice varieties like Pusa Basmati 1718 and Pusa Basmati 1692, as well as disease-resistant varieties PB 1847, PB 1885, and PB 1886, contributed to 90% of the 5.2 million tons of Basmati rice exports, generating Rs. 48,389 crores in 2023-2024. Short-duration non-Basmati rice varieties Pusa 1824 and Pusa 2090, and aromatic hybrid Pusa RH 60, were also introduced, tailored for regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Nutritional security remains a priority, with the release of eight biofortified cultivars. These include high iron and zinc bread wheat (HI 1665) and durum wheat (HI 8840), as well as multi-nutrient Pusa Biofortified Maize Hybrid 5, enriched with α-tocopherol, provitamin A, lysine, and tryptophan. Additionally, two double zero mustard varieties, Pusa Mustard 35 and Pusa Mustard 36, were launched, offering high yields with low erucic acid and glucosinolates content, suitable for regions like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.

IARI’s commitment to crop diversification is evident through Integrated Farming System Models (IFS) designed for economic and ecological benefits. The 1.0 ha model, incorporating crops, dairy, fishery, duckery, biogas, fruit trees, and agro-forestry, generates net returns up to Rs. 3,79,000 per hectare annually while creating 628 man-days of employment. Similarly, the 0.4 ha model integrates polyhouse culture and mushroom cultivation, yielding a net income of Rs. 1,75,650 per acre annually.

The institute has also made remarkable progress in horticulture, releasing 268 improved vegetable varieties in 48 crops, including hybrids in brinjal, onion, cucumber, Indian bean, bitter gourd, and musk melon. Nutritionally superior varieties such as Pusa Prateek and Pusa Rudhira in carrot, Pusa Lal Bhindi-1 in okra, and Vitamin C-rich Pusa Vilayati Palak in spinach have been developed. Additionally, two soft-seeded guava varieties and a semi-dwarf papaya variety were introduced to enhance fruit cultivation.

To address seed quality and soil health, IARI launched the ‘Speedy Seed Viability Kit’ for rapid testing of seed viability, and the Pusa STFR Meter, a cost-effective digital tool that analyzes 14 crucial soil parameters, including micronutrients. For sustainable farming, the Pusa Decomposer offers an eco-friendly solution for residue management, now available in a ready-to-use powder form. The farm Sun Fridge, an off-grid solar cold store, supports the preservation of perishable produce directly on farms.

IARI’s commitment to integrated pest management is showcased through the PUSA MeFly KIT and PUSA CueFly KIT, designed to combat fruit fly infestations. Additionally, point-of-care diagnostic kits for rapid detection of viruses in chilli and mung bean crops and the Pusa Dhan Bakanae Parikshan Kit for identifying pathogens in rice have been developed, reinforcing the institute’s dedication to advancing agricultural technology.

The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025 is set to be a significant event that celebrates agricultural innovation and empowers farmers with advanced technologies. The mela will showcase IARI’s groundbreaking research and promote knowledge exchange, contributing to the goal of a prosperous and resilient agricultural sector in India.

First published on: 21 Feb 2025, 11:55 IST

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}