Bridging the gap between genomics and practical breeding across Asia and Africa

As genomics increasingly shapes modern agriculture, Digital Sequence Information (DSI)—digital data derived from plant DNA—is emerging as a pivotal tool for crop improvement, enabling breeders to identify desirable traits without repeatedly accessing physical germplasm. Recognizing that the rapid growth of genomic data has outpaced many national research systems, particularly in developing countries, ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) recently hosted a five-day hands-on DSI training workshop from 8–12 December 2025 at its Hyderabad headquarters.

Organized in collaboration with AfricaRice and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the workshop formed part of the CGIAR Genebanks Accelerator initiative. It strengthened technical and institutional capacities of 18 scientists from 12 countries across Asia and Africa, providing practical training in managing and analyzing DSI, and integrating genomic data into genebank databases.

“ICRISAT continues to promote the effective use of plant genetic resources through training programs, strengthening human capacity to translate scientific advances into tangible gains for food and nutrition security,” said Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General – Research & Innovation, ICRISAT.

Highlighting the importance of regional coordination, Dr Marie-Noelle Ndjiondjop, Head of the Monty Jones Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa, emphasized that the training enables national and global research systems to operate on a shared platform, improving the use of genomic tools across genebanks. Participants committed to establishing regional Communities of Practice (CoP) in Asia and Africa to ensure sustained peer learning and collaboration.

ICRISAT and partner experts led lectures, discussions, and hands-on lab sessions covering the full workflow from DNA extraction to high-throughput genotyping and SNP analysis. Participants also toured key facilities, including the Genebank, Speed Breeding Facility, Plant Quarantine Laboratory, Climate Change Biology Facility, and Aflatoxin Laboratory, witnessing how advanced research tools support the entire crop improvement pipeline—from germplasm conservation to farmer-ready varieties.

The workshop also identified two NARS Champions, Dr Jean Sangare (Mali) and Dr Puneet GM (India), to co-lead the CoPs, reinforcing regional ownership and long-term impact. Dr Damaris Odeny, Principal Scientist – Genomics, explained that DSI accelerates breeding decisions, reduces costs and time, and ensures that benefits reach breeding programs and farmers efficiently.

At the valedictory, Dr Hari Upadhyaya, former Head of the ICRISAT Genebank, underscored that meaningful scientific advances must be guided by ethics, integrity, and the courage to uphold rigorous standards—foundations essential for future-ready genebanks in a genomics-driven era.