The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), released 184 new high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties across 25 crops in January 2026. The release includes 60 varieties of rice, 50 of maize, 24 of cotton, and several varieties of pulses including lentils, chickpea, and pigeon pea. These varieties have been developed to withstand drought, flood, and heat stress while delivering higher productivity. The move aims to address food security challenges, reduce import dependence for edible oils and pulses, and increase farm incomes. In a landmark achievement, India became the world's largest producer of rice during 2024-25, producing 150.18 million tonnes (MT), surpassing China for the first time. This milestone is attributed to the adoption of improved seed varieties, better irrigation coverage, and strengthened agricultural extension services. The new cotton varieties aim to improve fibre quality and pest resistance, reducing dependence on pesticide input costs. The maize varieties are particularly significant as maize is increasingly used for poultry feed, ethanol blending, and starch production. ICAR scientists developed these varieties using conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, and in some cases biotechnology tools. The government has directed state agriculture departments to facilitate rapid seed multiplication and distribution to ensure farmers can access these varieties within the upcoming Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons.