ICRISAT and ICAR Join Hands for Crop Improvement: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have signed an agreement to work together.
ICRISAT and ICAR Join Hands for Crop Improvement
In a bid to benefit small farmers in India and globally, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). And they would work together on crop improvement and agronomy programs for grain legumes and dryland cereals.
ICAR and ICRISAT, recently signed an agreement in New Delhi, in which climate-smart crops, smart food. And digitalisation of the breeding database was identified as some of the core areas of research.
ICAR director general Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra said that the collaboration would benefit Indian farmers. And they are committed to achieving real impact through the partnership with continuous monitoring by both sides.
The focus is on integrating systems modeling tools for upscaling climate resilient agriculture. And developing genetic and genomic resources of finger millet and enhancing genetic gains for priority traits.
He said other areas of focus over the next three years include – integrating systems modeling tools for upscaling climate resilient agriculture. And developing genetic and genomic resources of finger millet and enhancing genetic gains for priority traits.
Meanwhile, ICRISAT director general Dr. David Bergvinson said that dryland cereals and grain legumes are brands as smart foods – good for consumers, farmers. And the planet as they diversify farming systems and help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change.
“We enjoy a strong partnership with ICAR so we can deliver real results to improve the lives of farmers,” he added.
On crop improvement front, the pact will facilitate research on pigeon pea and chickpea for insect resistance.