Addressing a gathering of Multi-Stakeholder Convention on 'RevivingAgro-Biodiversity in Rainfed Areas through Traditional Varieties for Climate-Resilient Agriculture' in New Delhi, the Union Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized the need to promote traditional varieties of agriculture and horticulture. He said that his Ministry is keen to promote traditional varieties through various schemes related to agriculture and horticulture, such as NMNF, Farmers' Producer Organizations (FPOs), Seed Development programs and NFSM. Describing the importance of traditional varieties he said that it has unique traits such as better taste, aroma, color, cooking quality, and nutritional richness etc. 

The development of the blueberry sector in India over the past several years has been marked by substantial growth, driven by increasing consumer demand, technological advancements, and government support, says Shubha Rawal, head of sourcing of IG International: 'Acknowledging the significant market opportunities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has recognized a variety of globally in-demand exotic fruits, including blueberries, as commercially valuable. Consequently, the ministry has instructed state horticulture departments to increase the cultivation areas dedicated to these fruits.'

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched 10,000 new multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) on Wednesday and asserted that the government will achieve its target of establishing 2 lakh such societies before the five-year timeline. Addressing the launch event, Shah said prosperity through cooperation cannot be achieved unless cooperatives function effectively at the panchayat level.

The area under oilseeds and pulses is lower but wheat coverage is higher during the current rabi season. As of December 20, 93 per cent of the normal area has been covered with farmers bringing 32 lakh hectares (lh) under cultivation last week.