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PIB digest for Tuesday, 13 October

Improved Soybean Varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare · Agriculture · Posted 13 OCT 2026 3:12PM

What happened

The ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute organised a Soybean Harvest Day on October 9, 2026, assessing improved soybean varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270. Preliminary data indicates a promising yield of approximately 20 quintals per hectare despite adverse weather conditions, compared to India's average soybean productivity of 10-11 quintals per hectare.

Why it matters for UPSC

This release is important for UPSC civil services preparation under the agriculture syllabus, as it highlights the role of agricultural research, crop science innovations, and improved high-yielding varieties in enhancing national productivity and climate resilience.

Key objectives

  1. Assess the yield potential of improved soybean varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270.
  2. Establish a scientific basis for enhancing productivity through systematic collection of yield data.
  3. Disseminate information on high-yielding varieties and scientific production practices to farmers.