The Union Minister launched the National Fast Breeding Crop Facility

Date: March 11, 2024.
Location: National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali.
Inaugurator: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh

Key Points:

Objective: Improve crop quality and quantity, in line with PM Modi’s aim of doubling farmers’ income, empowering them economically, and boosting Agri StartUps.
Beneficiaries include farmers, scientists, researchers, and plant breeders throughout India, particularly in North Indian regions such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
The facility’s focus is on developing climate-resistant crops that allow for year-round farming, maintaining food security, and tackling climate change challenges.
Technological Advancements: The use of biotechnology for rapid seed development and a controlled environment for crop breeding, allowing for more than four generations of crops each year.
The Modi government has placed a strong emphasis on bio-economy growth, with India’s bio-economy growing 13 times in the last decade to more than $130 billion by 2024.
Future Outlook: Dr. Jitendra Singh forecasts India becoming the world’s third-largest economy under PM Modi’s leadership, with agriculture playing a critical role in this growth trajectory.
Significance: NABI’s role in facilitating transformational improvement and value addition in agriculture, which contributes to India’s long-term growth and prosperity.
Achievements and Examples.
Tulip cultivation: A success tale from CSIR Palampur.
CSIR Lucknow developed the 108-petal Lotus, which won an award in the KBC television series.
Bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry: Powering India’s future bio-economy and encouraging green growth.
Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech (UNaTI) Mission (Poshan Abhiyan): NABI has made significant contributions to many regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.

Conclusion:National Fast Breeding Crop Facility

    The establishment of the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility signifies a huge step forward in agricultural research and development in India. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to harnessing technology for long-term growth, empowering farmers, and guaranteeing food security. The facility’s emphasis on climate-resilient crops and biotechnology-driven innovations is expected to transform crop development, benefiting farmers and contributing to India’s economic growth.