ICAR Unveils 386 Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties

New Delhi, July 16,2026 India is strengthening its agricultural future by investing in research, innovation and climate-resilient farming. As agriculture faces the twin challenges of climate change and rising food demand, scientific advancements are becoming increasingly important in improving productivity, nutritional security and sustainable growth. Marking its 98th Foundation Day, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) highlighted a series of achievements that reflect its growing role in shaping the country's agricultural landscape. Speaking at the celebrations in New Delhi, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that ICAR developed 386 improved crop varieties across 44 crops over the past year, with 94 per cent being climate-resilient and 29 biofortified. He described ICAR as the “trailblazer of India’s agricultural transformation” and said the newly developed varieties are aimed at strengthening climate resilience, improving nutritional security and enhancing farm productivity. Stressing the partnership between researchers and cultivators, Chouhan said, “Farmers are the soul of agriculture, while scientists are its brain.” He also called for demand-driven research, climate-resilient farming, self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, quality agricultural education, commercialization of technologies and wider outreach through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra network. Presenting ICAR's annual achievements under the theme “Reflecting on 365 Days, Reimagining Agriculture for Viksit Bharat 2047,” Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, ICAR, Dr. M.L. Jat said that higher production in crops, horticulture, livestock and fisheries generated an additional economic value of nearly ₹1.70 lakh crore during 2025-26, while agricultural research alone contributed around ₹55,000 crore. He said ICAR technologies directly benefited nearly one crore farmers and reached over five crore farmers through media and social media platforms. The Foundation Day also witnessed the release of 43 improved crop varieties, 17 advanced agricultural technologies and 14 publications, along with the signing of 18 international MoUs and 72 agreements with 51 industry partners to accelerate technology transfer and strengthen research collaboration. The event also showcased several key innovations, including new Basmati and climate-resilient rice varieties, export-oriented mango production technology, India's first indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine, a Digital Swine Disease Atlas and an affordable cassava harvester for smallholders. Appointment letters were also handed over to 150 regularised temporary daily-wage workers. With scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and farmers participating in the celebrations, the event reinforced ICAR's commitment to science-driven, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural development, supporting India's long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.