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HomePosts Tagged "ICAR"
Acquaculture, Allied Industry, R&D, Sustainability

The Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre successfully developed and standardized the seed production technologies of Azure damsel and Ornate goby, which are of high value in the marine ornamental fish industry and have high demand globally

Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, visited the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, today. During an interactive meeting, he unveiled the significant breakthrough achieved by ICAR in the captive breeding of two marine ornamental fishes, Azure damsel and Ornate goby. The Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre successfully developed and standardized the seed production technologies of these species, which are of high value in the marine ornamental fish industry and have high demand globally. Dr Jena released the seeds of these two ornamental species to marine aquarium entrepreneurs at the function.

Azure damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) is a reef-associated fish mainly distributed in the Indo-West Pacific region, Eastern Indian Ocean, and Indonesia. This species is over-exploited from its natural habitat, which is now considered under the vulnerable (VU) category of the IUCN Red List. The larval rearing technique has been standardized for the species for the first time in India. The current market value of this fish in India is around Rs 250-350/fish, and the international market rate is USD15-25/fish.

The Ornate goby (Istiogobius ornatus) is a popular and high-value marine ornamental fish, prized for its vibrant coloration and intricate patterns. The species is exported chiefly from Sri Lanka, mainly to the United States and other developed countries. A marketable-sized (5-8 cm) fish costs Rs 200-250 in India, while the online retail trade price in international markets is 15 to 30 USD. It thrives in sandy substrates within coral reef ecosystems. ICAR-CMFRI standardized captive breeding and seed production for the first time in India.

On the occasion, Dr J K Jena also released CadalminTM Microfin, an innovative micro-feed designed for the early-stage earing of altricial marine finfish larvae of cobia and pompano. This was developed by the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition, and Health Division of the Institute.

A Field Guide for digitally smart marine fisheries production data management prepared by the Fisheries Resource Assessment, Economics, and Extension Division of ICAR-CMFRI was also released by the DDG at the function. This aims to equip field staff with essential knowledge for accurate data collection using the Fish Catch Survey and Analysis (FCSA) system, ensuring reliable data for sustainable marine fisheries management.

A training manual on ‘Know Your Marine Biodiversity and Environment-MarBiE training series-3, the latest issue of the Marine Fisheries Information Service (MFiS), and a pamphlet on ‘Culture of Colurella Adriatica: Super Minuscule Rotifer for larval rearing of fishes’ were also released on the occasion.

Dr Jena interacted with scientists, staff, and research scholars, underscoring the necessity of translating research findings into tangible benefits for the community.

Dr Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, was present on the occasion.

The Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Allied Industry, Animal Husbandry, Australia, Climate, Country, Dairy, Digital Technologies, Foodgrains, Fruits, Funding, Horticulture, India, Inputs, Interaction, Investments, Live Stock, Nature, Oilseeds, Opinions, Poultry, Pulses, R&D, Soil Health, Sustainability, Trade, Vegetables

Mr Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner calls on Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi at Krishi Bhawan New Delhi to explore platforms towards strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and allied sectors

Mr. Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi . The meeting provided an important platform to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the agriculture and allied sectors.

During the meeting, Dr. Chaturvedi underscored the significance of the longstanding and multifaceted partnership between India and Australia, with particular focus on the agricultural sector. He outlined India’s current priorities in agriculture, emphasizing that the government is not only committed to ensuring food security but also to enhancing farmers’ incomes and improving nutritional security for the population. Dr. Chaturvedi highlighted key initiatives such as crop diversification, the promotion of exports, achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses, and the strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) as vital components of India’s agricultural strategy. He also stressed the importance of technological advancements, including precision agriculture, the Digital Agriculture Mission, and the mechanization of small farms, in modernizing the sector. Additionally, he acknowledged the growing role of startups in driving innovation and transformation in agriculture.

Mr. Green, in turn, highlighted the importance of agriculture in Australia’s priorities and the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. He expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities within the agritech sector and emphasized the importance of strengthening trade ties to further these objectives. Mr. Green stressed the need for continued engagement to identify and unlock new opportunities for trade and cooperation.

Both sides agreed on the importance of advancing collaboration across various areas, including agri-tech, horticulture, digital agriculture, and agricultural machinery.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, representatives from ICAR, and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs also participated in the discussion, contributing valuable insights and enriching the dialogue.

Mr Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner

Agro Universities, R&D

The findings highlight substantial yield gaps in regions like Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, where the difference between average current yields and attainable yields ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 tons per hectare.

 As the world’s largest rice exporter and a crucial player in global food security, India has made impressive strides in agricultural productivity since the Green Revolution. However, a significant gap remains between the rice yields that farmers currently achieve and what they could potentially produce. A recent study published in Nature Communications titled “Context-dependent agricultural intensification pathways to increase rice production in India” reveals innovative strategies to narrow these gaps using data-driven methods, with a special focus on Eastern India.

The study, conducted by researchers from Cornell University, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), aimed to identify the barriers holding back rice production in seven key rice-producing states. Analysing data from over 15,800 fields, the researchers discovered that rice yields vary significantly across regions, with average yields ranging from 3.3 to 5.5 tons per hectare.

These findings highlight substantial yield gaps in regions like Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, where the difference between average current yields and attainable yields ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 tons per hectare. This gap presents a significant opportunity to boost rice production through improved management techniques and sustainable farming practices.

The study pinpointed two critical factors affecting rice yields: nitrogen (N) fertilizer uses and irrigation practices. These elements were found to be the main constraints in several states, including Bihar, Odisha, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In other areas, issues such as potassium (K) fertilizer application in West Bengal and rice variety selection in Jharkhand also played significant roles in limiting yields.

“Contrary to the common belief that Indian farmers overuse fertilizers, our findings suggest that in many regions, they are not using enough nitrogen to reach their full potential,” explained Dr. Hari Sankar Nayak from the Cornell School of Integrative Plant Science, Soil and Crop Sciences Section, and the study’s lead author. “Optimizing nitrogen and irrigation could significantly elevate productivity, especially in the most responsive fields.”

The study leveraged advanced machine learning techniques to analyse the impact of various agronomic factors on individual field yield prediction. Using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values, researchers were able to assess how each variable influenced rice yields prediction, allowing for more precise recommendations tailored to local conditions.

These analytical models indicated that targeting nitrogen and irrigation improvements in specific fields could yield productivity increases up to three times greater than those achieved by applying general recommendations uniformly across all fields. This precision approach marks a shift from traditional blanket strategies to more nuanced, data-driven interventions. The study’s findings suggest a need for a fundamental shift in agricultural policy towards

The findings highlight substantial yield gaps in

India, R&D, Seeds

The study involved 11 states; 30 districts; 7 crops; and inputs from 3,200 farmers along with 300 dealers, KVKs, and departmental officials.

 A collaborative study by Dr NT Yaduraju, Dr M R Hegde and Dr A R Sadananda and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) discussed the various weed management practices using herbicides, mechanization of weed removal, crop rotation, cover cropping, biological control among others that can lower costs by 40-60 per cent compared to traditional approaches. Experts said that it can be a game changer for farmers across India. With India’s population expected to reach 1.65 billion by 2050, effectively managing weed infestations will play an important role in boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term food security.

The report was released on Friday at a joint conference by the Directorate of Weed Research and FSII titled ‘Weed Management – Emerging Challenges & Management Strategies’. The report, which surveyed 11 states, 30 districts, 7 crops, and gathered inputs from 3,200 farmers along with 300 dealers, KVKs, and departmental officials, revealed that the average expenditure on weed control per acre varies between Rs. 3,700 and Rs. 7,900. Beyond the issue of high costs, weeds are a leading contributor to crop losses among all biotic stresses, posing a serious threat to agricultural productivity.

According to research presented at the conference, weeds are responsible for approximately 25-26 per cent of yield losses in kharif crops and 18-25 per cent in rabi crops, translating to an annual economic loss of around Rs 92,202 crore in crop productivity across India.

Experts stressed on adoption of innovative solutions, such as mechanized weeding and herbicide tolerant crops, which can reduce labour costs by up to 72 per cent. With labour shortages affecting many regions, mechanized solutions and trait solutions have become not only practical but essential.

Experts at the conference informed that the report surveyed seven major crops including rice, wheat, maize, cotton, sugarcane, soybean, and mustard, that together account for 90.37 per cent of India’s total cropped area. The recommendations for each of these crops have the potential to be a gamechanger for farmers by significantly reducing weed management costs, boosting productivity, and preventing the development of herbicide resistance in weeds over the long term.

Dr S K Chaudhari, Deputy Director General, Natural Resource Management Division, ICAR, emphasised the critical need for the seed sector to stay vigilant and proactive in the field of weed science. He stated, “The collaboration between the private and public sectors is essential to effectively tackle the challenges posed by weeds. As agricultural productivity is increasingly hindered by labour shortages and resource constraints, adopting solutions like mechanization, herbicide-tolerant traits, and precision agriculture becomes imperative to empower farmers.”

Dr P K Singh, Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, speaking at the conference regarding potential damage and losses in productivity of various crops due to weed infestation, emphasized the critical need for a robust weed management framework involving traditional, mechanical, chemical and any other innovative solutions in the context of new cropping systems like DSR, Natural Farming, Organic Farming in the present climate change regime and labour constraints.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of FSII and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, also weighed in on the challenges saying, “Technological interventions like AI-driven weed detection, drone-based mapping, and data-backed IWM strategies can redefine weed management in India. With herbicide resistance and shifting weed biotypes posing serious threats, it’s imperative we adopt precision tools that offer real-time insights and elevate our weed control methods to the next level of efficiency and sustainability.”

Emphasizing the crucial role of Herbicide-Tolerant technology, especially in countries where adopting GM technology faces various challenges, Rana noted, “Developing HT crops for existing herbicides through mutation breeding is a promising strategy and alternative. HT crop technology offers cost effective control against hard-to-manage weeds and wild species competing with main crop. However, the success and long-term sustainability of this technology depend on integrating it with a comprehensive stewardship program. A robust outreach initiative involving all stakeholders, along with institutional collaboration and oversight, is essential to ensure the effective implementation and success of HT crop systems.”

The study involved 11 states; 30 districts;

Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Company News, India, Sustainability

 The collaboration aims to enhance training and capacity-building programs for farmers and rural youth, focusing on climate-resilient agriculture practices and agricultural skill training.

In their concerted stride towards mitigating the effects of climate change, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Syngenta Foundation India (SFI), and Syngenta India Pvt. Ltd. have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Foundation Day of ICAR. The collaboration aims to enhance training and capacity-building programs for farmers and rural youth, focusing on climate-resilient agriculture practices and agricultural skill training through ICAR’s extensive network of National Research Institutes, Regional Stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Agricultural Universities.

Under this agreement, ICAR institutes and KVKs will actively participate in training programs organized by SFI and Syngenta India and vice versa. The KVKs would extend these learnings to a wider farmers’ base through their extensive network. The collaboration will focus on capacity building and extension activities, including the adoption of climate-resilient agriculture practices, safe and proper use of crop protection chemicals, and the use of precision agriculture tools such as drones, IT, IoT, and AI-based techniques.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICAR, said, “This partnership is a major milestone in our efforts to equip farmers and rural youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. By leveraging the strengths of ICAR, Syngenta Foundation, and Syngenta India, we can reach the grassroots level and make a substantial impact.”

In fact, the objectives of this MoU align with Syngenta’s new sustainability commitments, which focus on: Higher yields, lower impact; Regenerate soil and nature; Improve rural prosperity; and Sustainable operations. Syngenta India has been working extensively on climate-resilient practices including soil health, regenerative agriculture, precision farming and possesses in-built capacities to extend the knowledge through the network of Agri Entrepreneurs along with SFI.

Susheel Kumar, Country Head and MD, Syngenta India Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the importance of this collaboration, saying, “Our quality R&D, climate-resilient practices and many decades of experience of working with farmers enable us to contribute significantly to this collaboration. Having worked with farmers and rural youth through a series of innovative programs, we consider this as yet another decisive step forward in enhancing the quality of life for smallholder farmers and rural youth and contribute to our efforts at mitigating the challenges of climate change.”

Dr K C Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd highlighted how this MoU was also in sync with Syngenta’s unique I Rise (Inculcate Rural India Skill Enhancement) initiative, designed to engage rural youth in agriculture and provide them appropriate skills and help them to explore dignified and sustainable income earning opportunities in agriculture sector. This program was initiated with the pilot project in 2023 to train 1000 rural youth in 3Es approach i.e., Educate youth in agriculture through the training and mentoring program, engage them in Agri sector through employment, entrepreneurship, or by becoming a lead farmer and elevate their livelihood income.

Rajendra Jog, Executive Director, Syngenta Foundation India, highlighted the collaboration’s potential, stating, “Over the years, we have developed a huge network of agri-entrepreneurs (AEs) who are trained in modern agriculture practices and extend their knowledge and knowhow to millions of farmers across the country. Our partnership with ICAR and KVKs will enable us to leverage our network of AEs to extend comprehensive training to many more farmers and rural youth.”

The partnership also aims to promote efficient agronomic practices, support KVKs, agri-entrepreneurs, dealers, distributors, and farmers through awareness and education programs, and enhance mechanization solutions in selected clusters. The parties will explore the use of AI and ML techniques to provide expert advisory services to farmers, helping them optimize input usage and reduce costs.

 The collaboration aims to enhance training and

AgroPolicy, Carbon Farming, Nature, Sustainability

Introducing farmers to the carbon market will not only benefit them but also accelerate the adoption of environment-friendly agricultural practices

Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, launched the Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market in the Agriculture Sector and Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries in Delhi. Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of DARE and Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Senior officials of Central and State Ministries and Various Organisations related to agriculture were present on the occasion, while many stakeholders also joined the programme virtually.

In his address, Munda said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare prepared a framework to promote the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in the agricultural sector of the country to encourage small and medium farmers to avail benefits of carbon credit. Introducing farmers to the carbon market will not only benefit them but also accelerate the adoption of environment-friendly agricultural practices. He requested full cooperation from the concerned ministries of the Centre and the States and other concerned organizations to promote the carbon market in the interest of farmers. He said that work should be done in this direction in collaboration with the farmers of the southern areas, in a manner convenient for them and along with the solution; there is a need to focus its benefits on our farmers. This is the first step in which we want to ensure everyone’s participation. Global challenges like global warming are in front of all of us; hence we have to move ahead with caution. He asked ICAR to play an active role in this direction and do good work in the right manner.

Munda said that the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries will strengthen the institutional arrangements for production and certification of planting material on a large scale to promote agroforestry in the country. He asked all the stakeholders to adopt it so that quality planting material can provide assured returns and the objectives and goals of the National Agroforestry Policy can be achieved. He also urged for proper use of natural resources.

Introducing farmers to the carbon market will

Agribusiness, Agro Universities, Animal Husbandry, Company News, Dairy, Finance, Funding, Goat farming, India, Live Stock, Start ups

The funds will be utilised to further expand the startup’s reach, enabling it to empower more farmers with its innovative technology solutions like Nutrition Calculator.

eFeed, a pioneering startup revolutionizing precision animal management & feed practices and empowering farmers across the country, has announced a significant milestone with the acquisition of a grant amounting to Rs 25 Lakhs from Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Gov of India. The grant ceremony took place at the ICAR campus in Delhi and witnessed the participation of eminent leaders from ICAR, including joint directors. Founded in December 2020 by Kumar Ranjan, eFeed has swiftly risen to prominence by focusing on the crucial intersection of animal nutrition, animal health, environmental sustainability, and economic development of the cattle industry. The startup is dedicated to highlighting the pivotal role of a nutritional diet in the growth of domesticated animals, with a primary focus on cattle. E-Feed aims to empower farmers with cost-effective solutions specifically tailored to enhance the well-being and productivity of cattle.

As part of eFeed’s commitment to sustainable livestock, the startup actively addresses methane emissions by promoting balanced ration (TMR) & localised feed formulations and implementing practices that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the livestock sector.

Kumar Ranjan, Founder and CEO of eFeed, expressed his enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “This grant from ICAR Pusa is a testament to the impactful work we have been doing at eFeed. It is a recognition of our commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of animals, farmers, and the environment. We are excited about the possibilities this grant opens up for us to reach more farmers with our technology solutions and demonstrate tangible increases in milk output.”

The grant, awarded by the prestigious Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Pusa, is a significant boost to eFeed’s growth plans. The funds will be utilised to further expand the startup’s reach, enabling it to empower more farmers with its innovative technology solutions like Nutrition Calculator. eFeed aims to demonstrate a substantial impact on the increase in milk output, thereby contributing to the overall productivity and sustainability of the livestock and dairy sector.

eFeed’s unique approach involves not only providing farmers with advanced technology solutions but also imparting crucial knowledge about localized animal nutrition. The startup conducts training programs to educate farmers about the dietary requirements of different animal species, organic feed processing, and the preparation of feed using readily available resources at home.

Since its inception, eFeed has rapidly gained traction, collaborating with over 1.2 lakh farmers across the country. The startup’s commitment to empowering farmers with the right techniques and practices for animal feed production has garnered widespread acclaim.

In addition to its focus on animal nutrition, eFeed emphasizes the integration of sustainable animal culture with the food security value chain. This holistic approach aligns with the broader goal of ensuring a secure and sustainable food supply for the growing population.

eFeed’s collaboration with ICAR Pusa marks a significant step forward in its journey to make a lasting impact on agriculture, animal welfare, and food security. The startup remains dedicated to its mission of transforming the lives of farmers and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.

The funds will be utilised to further

Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, Water

PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination.

A path-defining memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau, Uttar Pradesh and Plasma Water Solutions India Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of a fast-emerging US Ag Tech company, Plasma Water Solutions Inc.

The agreement was signed by Dr Chinnusamy Viswanathan, JD(R), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, ICAR- IISS, Mau & Ms. Pragya Kalia, MD, PWS India in the presence of Dr. Shiv Kumar Yadav, Principal Investigator & Principal Scientist, Division of Seed Science and Technology (DSST), ICAR-IARI, Dr. Sangita Yadav, Principal Scientist, DSST, ICAR-IARI and Dr. Pramod Kumar, In-charge PME Cell, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Plasma Water Solutions proprietary breakthrough cold-plasma technology converts water from any source, in continuous flow & real time to Plasma-ized WaterTM (PW). PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination, accelerated growth, preventing the transmission of plant pathogens and enhancing stress tolerance during the crops cycle. Under this MOU, IARI and IISS of ICAR will undertake standardization of seed treatment (ST) in various crops, validating the standardized ST in demonstrations/field trials at different locations and generating data under the research project entitled “Standardization, Performance Evaluation and Field Demonstrations of PW Treatments for Enhanced Planting Value in Wheat, Mustard, Lentil, and Tomato crops against heat stress and normal conditions.”

Complimenting the two teams from Germany, Robert Hardt, President and CEO, Plasma Water Solutions Inc, said, “Ours is a science-based technology & we believe in continuous refinement by joining hands with the leading science & research institutes globally keeping customers at the centre of all our R&D efforts. We are extremely proud to be associated with the Apex organisation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in India & wish to see this working in favour of Indian farmers.”

Enhancing productivity in the most climate smart sustainable manner is a key objective of IARI. We look forward to work on this tech along with PWS India to study the utility of PW technology to enhance crop productivity sustainably, said Dr Chinnusamy Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Pragya Kalia, MD, Plasma Water Solutions India, said, “This is a strategic step towards making our technology effective for small farmers of India. Through ICAR partnership, we would not just validate & demonstrate benefits of our tech for natural farming & productivity but also standardize the applications considering various agro-climatic conditions & local practices.”

PW technology is used for seed treatment,

AgroPolicy, Dairy, Live Stock, R&D

Yak Churpi, a naturally fermented milk product made from yak milk

Churpi is prepared from the milk of Arunachali yak, which is a unique yak breed found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Yak Churpi, a naturally fermented milk product made from yak milk, has been given recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) of Arunachal Pradesh.

Dr Mihir Sarkar, Director, ICAR- National Research Centre on Yak said it is a major boost to the pastoral production systems and yak rearing in the country.

Churpi is an excellent source of proteins and is frequently used as a substitute for vegetables by tribal yak herders in the vegetation-starved cold and hilly mountainous regions of the state. It is also mixed in vegetable or meat curry and is eaten with rice as a staple food in tribal households. It is considered an integral part of the tangible cultural and tribal heritage of Arunachal Pradesh- says Sarkar.  

Arunachali yak breed is reared by tribal yak pastoralists known as Brokpas who migrate along with their yaks to higher reaches (at an altitude of 10,000 ft and higher) during summers and descent to mid-altitude mountainous regions during winters. Since the product is prepared at such a high altitude, it is also expected to provide benefits to the tribal herders against cold and hypoxia besides providing enriched nutrition, Dr Vijay Paul, Principal Scientist of NRC-Yak who was associated with the GI application process informed.

ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang applied for registration of this unique yak product.  The institute is closely working with the Brokpas rearing Arunachali yaks and is helping them through research and extension support. The services rendered by the institute assume greater significance in light of the fact that the yak population throughout the country has been declining at a fast pace due to enormous hardships and dwindling gains associated with pastoral yak rearing. The registration of yak Churpi of Arunachal Pradesh as a GI is going to serve the cause of yak conservation and yak pastoralists’ socio-economic upliftment.

Yak Churpi, a naturally fermented milk product

Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Company News, India, R&D

With this collaboration, three high-quality platinum-grade genome assemblies have emerged, representing the active global breeding germplasm.

In an era marked by growing global population and climate change concerns, a collaborative research project between Corteva Agriscience, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was undertaken. The research has achieved a significant milestone by resequencing pearl millet genomes. This innovative approach has led to the development of new molecular markers, opening the door to creating millet cultivars with exceptional yield performance and improved nutritional quality.

Until now, the world of millet lacked reliable DNA markers. However, with this collaboration, three high-quality platinum-grade genome assemblies have emerged, representing the active global breeding germplasm. This remarkable achievement represents a 7000-fold improvement over previously published data. These newly identified DNA markers provide an invaluable roadmap for enhancing pearl millet productivity on a global scale, with far-reaching implications for addressing food security challenges.

At this pivotal juncture, the timing of this research is particularly important, given the recent G20 conversations on finding solutions to address food security and nutritional security, with millets being recognized as a key crop due to their exceptional nutrition and climate resilience. Moreover, with 2023 being recognized as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations General Assembly, further underscores the importance of millets in the face of global climate change.

This collaborative breakthrough promises to play a pivotal role in sustainable food production and nutritional security. The fidelity of the long-read sequences and improved resolution of haplotypes provided by these platinum-grade genome assemblies will aid in understanding the genomic distinctions characterizing global heterotic gene pools in pearl millet. This research also identifies structural variations that can be used to investigate traits related to heterosis, such as fertility restoration, disease resistance, and agronomy.

Furthermore, gene annotation and enrichment analyses revealed that the millet genome is enriched with cysteine and methionine coding genes, aligning with previous findings of higher amino acid concentrations in pearl millet compared to legumes such as pigeon peas and chickpeas. This discovery highlights the potential of millets and legumes as complementary components of a balanced diet to combat malnutrition.

As we navigate the challenges of global food security and climate change, the collaborative efforts of Corteva Agriscience, ICRISAT, and ICAR have illuminated a promising path forward. By harnessing the power of genomics, this research opens new doors for sustainable agriculture, healthier diets, and enhanced food security on a global scale.

With this collaboration, three high-quality platinum-grade genome

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Foodgrains, India, R&D, Seeds

Bajra Section contributes to developing improved Bajra varieties, identifying new pathogens, and succeeding in hybrid seed production and commercialisation.

Hisar based Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University’s (CCSHAU) Bajra Section has received the prestigious Best Research Centre Award for the year 2022-23 at the national level in recognition of its outstanding research in the field of Bajra crop.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) presented this award during the 58th Annual Group Meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project held in Hyderabad. This marks the second consecutive year that the Bajra Section has been honoured with this prestigious award.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. B. R. Kamboj lauded the significant contributions of Bajra Section, which include developing improved Bajra varieties, identifying new pathogens, and succeeding in hybrid seed production and commercialization. Other achievements include the creation of bio-fortified bajra hybrids with high iron content (73-83 ppm) named HHB 299 and HHB 311. Additionally, Bajra Section introduced the molecular marker-assisted improved pearl millet EDV hybrid HHB 67 Improved-2, displaying better downy mildew resistance compared to its earlier version, HHB 67 Improved. The team also identified a new stem rot disease of pearl millet and its causal organism.

Dr Jeet Ram Sharma, Director of Research, congratulated the Bajra scientists and encouraged them to continue their quality research. The research work was carried out by a dedicated team of scientists led by Anil Kumar (Head, Bajra Section), S.K. Pahuja (Head, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding and Dean, College of Agriculture, Hisar), along with other esteemed researchers like Dr. Dev Vrat Yadav, K.D. Sehrawat, Vinod Malik, Harshdeep Kamboj, Mukesh Kumar, Pankaj, and Ms. Jyoti Kaushik, who have made valuable contributions to millet research in various capacities.

Bajra Section contributes to developing improved Bajra

AgroPolicy, Climate, Nature, Sustainability

Inter-Ministerial Meeting on issues of Management of Crop Residue Burning held

A high-level inter-Ministerial meeting was held under the co-chairmanship of Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to review the preparedness of the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi in preventing paddy stubble burning in the current season.

The high-level meeting was attended by Surya Pratap Shahi Agriculture Minister, Govt. of UP, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Agriculture Minister of Punjab, Jai Prakash Dalal, Agriculture Minister of Haryana and Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of NCT of Delhi. Senior officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Govt. of India and from the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, NCT of Delhi and ICAR were also present.

During the meeting, the States presented the action plan and strategies for preventing stubble burning in the current season. The States were advised to utilise the funds provided for crop residue management, make Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery available well before harvesting season and carry out Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities in collaboration with ICAR and other stakeholders to bring awareness amongst farmers against paddy stubble burning.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister for Environment stated that efforts to prevent paddy stubble burning for the last five years are bearing good results. Due to the concerted efforts of agencies like the Commission for Air Quality Management, burning instances in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi have come down.  There is a need to encourage ex-situ management of paddy straw which will provide raw materials to the user industries like Power, biomass etc.

Inter-Ministerial Meeting on issues of Management of

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Foodgrains, India, Sustainability

The goal is to establish a single and trustworthy source of data on crop cultivation

The Indian government has introduced a Digital Crop Survey (DCS) pilot project in 12 states during this year’s Kharif season. The goal is to establish a single and trustworthy source of data on crop cultivation. The DCS reference application is an open-source, inter-operable public good, and cadastral maps with GIS and GPS technologies ensure accurate farmland positioning. States were chosen based on their readiness for DCS, including geo-referencing of village maps and digitised Record of Right (RoR) with ownership extent.

The project aims to create reliable data on crop sowing, which is useful for accurate crop area estimation and the development of farmers’ centric solutions. The project is significant as India faces wheat and rice shortages despite record production estimates. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare also acknowledged climate change’s impact on crop yields, particularly for rainfed rice, wheat, kharif maize, and mustard.

The ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) network project projected a 20-47 per cent reduction in crop yield by 2050-2080 for rain-fed rice. Similarly, the projected reduction in crop yield could be 19.3-40 per cent for wheat and 18-23 per cent for kharif maize. Mustard’s crop yield is expected to decrease by 7.9-15 per cent.

ICAR has identified 109 districts as very high risk and 201 districts as high risk under its NICRA network project. The Minister also provided data on the availability of certified/quality seeds, which was 514.26 lakh quintals, exceeding the requirement of 464.14 lakh quintals for 2022-23.

The goal is to establish a single

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Live Stock, R&D

The need to explore the use of Plankton Plus in agriculture and horticulture crops to increase the demand for the product

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC), Chennai, Tamil Nadu for evaluating the efficacy of fish waste converted CIBA-Plankton Plus in paddy crop.

Dr Kuldeep K.Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA stressed the need to explore the use of Plankton Plus in agriculture and horticulture crops to increase the demand for the product. He complimented MCRC officials for recognizing the potential of CIBA in R and D backstopping and coming forward to sign the MoU.

Dr Debasis De, Principal Scientist, CIBA, and team leader of CIBA-PlanktonPlus technology said the potential use of CIBA-PlanktonPlus in agriculture can be explored at the field level through collaborative research with MCRC.  He stressed that if CIBA-PlanktonPlus is found to have a beneficial effect on paddy crops it will improve productivity and increase the income for farmers.

Dr Sandeep, K.P., Scientist and a core member of the CIBA-PlanktonPlus technology team elaborated on the lead found regarding the use of CIBA-PlanktonPlus in paddy crop in a preliminary trial.

Dr N. Unnamalai, Principal Scientist, MCRC said that they are hopeful that the application of CIBA-PlanktonPlus will improve the yield and quality of paddy.

A team of scientists from ICAR-CIBA will coordinate the experimental trials along with MCRC officials.

The need to explore the use of