Division of Genomic Resources

• To manage and promote sustainable use of plant genetic and genomic resources of agri-horticultural crops and carry out related research
• Molecular profiling of varieties of agri-horticultural crops and GM detection technology research

The National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research during December 1995 in ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) with the objective to develop and standardize molecular marker techniques for identification of agricultural crop varieties, important genetic stocks, landraces and other economically important plant genetic resources of the country. The National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting was renamed as the Division of Genomic Resources in February 2012. Since then, the division has been involved activities, generation, utilization and conservation of plant genomic resources.

Generating and Conserving Genomic Resources

• A novel gene targeted marker technique CBDP (CAAT Box-Derived Polymorphism) has been developed that can be used for various genotyping applications in plants. The technique exploits conserved CCAAT motif in the CAAT box region of promoter region of plant genes to generate markers. The concept has been validated in three different crops (Jute, cotton, linseed) representing five different species (Corchorus capsularis, C. olitorius, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium orboratum) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum).
• A cold tolerance acclimation gene CAS15 was cloned from a cold tolerant ecotype of plants. The gene encodes for a dehydrin like protein and can be exploited for engineering cold tolerance in crops.
• DNA Barcoding loci rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA and ITS region alone and/combination of two loci identified 21 genomic species in Oryza and were used for establishing correct genetic identity of mis-labeled species. Two combined loci DNA barcodes (rbcL + ITS) gave better species delineation and proper barcode gaps for species identification in genus Luffa.
• Molecular Profiling: DNA profiling services were rendered to various public and private sector organizations. The details of the crops and the number of samples DNA profiled are listed in the Table below.
• Black pepper genome sequenced: Under CRP on Genomics, NBPGR has produced 1.2 GB draft sequence of black pepper (Piper nigrum) genome. Large number of genomic resources is expected to be generated.
• Discovery of “Bose anatomy” (non-Kranz C4 photosynthesis) in wheat grains
• Discovery of non-Kranz C4 photosynthesis in two cell layers (cross- and tube-cells) of pericarp in developing wheat grains. Named it as “Bose anatomy” in honor of his earliest works on C4 in Hydrilla reported in 1924 when C3 itself was not known.

Brochure - Division of Genomic Resources

DNA Fingerprinting in Plants Standard Operating Methods and Protocols

DNA-based GM Detection

Brochure - Little millet, A Nutri-cereal:Glimpses of Variability in the National Genebank

SESOMICS March 2022

Number of varieties fingerprinted in recent years

• Generation of 56,404 unigenes and 3883 EST-SSR markers in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.); generation of 25213 unigenes and 1305 EST-SSR markers in little millet (Panicum sumatrense), and generation of 1,94,307 transcripts and 18,204 EST-SSR markers in kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) and submission of information to NCBI.
• Development of a database for Cucumis melo microsatellite markers: A versatile database for Cucumis melo microsatellite markers has been developed. This database is the first online marker resource developed for musk melon, comprising a wide range of genomic datasets that can assist plant breeders and researchers to select the most appropriate markers for crop improvement. This database can also be applied to other cucurbit crops.
• A genome wide analysis, using Restriction site-Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-Seq), a next-generation sequencing based scaffolds/contigs sequences data and identified 45,066 perfect microsatellite repeat-motifs spanning ~334 Mb of bottle gourd genome. Of the 45,066 microsatellites, about 105 (~0.2%) markers were successfully validated in five accessions of Lagenaria siceraria. These markers were mounted onto linkage maps for bottle gourd and syntenic relationships with the available cucurbits with a genome sequence were studied.
• A large dataset composed of 58,865 unigenes derived from the sponge gourd transcriptome was assembled. All unigenes ranged from 301 bp to 117.9 Kb, with a average length of 1.2 kb, an N50 equal to 1,907 bp and 45.69 % GC content. Based on these generated sequences, we identified 8,934 putative simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and genes in two ToLCNDV resistant (DSG-6) and susceptible lines (Pusa Sneha) of sponge gourd. These transcriptome sequences and EST-SSR data are of great value for the discovery of novel genes involved in ToLC NDV resistance and for marker-assisted selection in sponge gourd.
• Technology Developed for Identification of SRAP Markers Linked to the Single Dominant Resistance Gene against Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus in Luffa cylindrica Roem: Two sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers closely-linked to the ToLCNDV-susceptible gene in the susceptible parent and in a susceptible bulk population; and two SRAP markers closely-linked to the resistance gene in the resistant parent and in a resistant bulk population were found. These can be used for large-scale screening of genotypes of L. cylindrica for resistance against ToLCNDV at the seedling stage, and to accelerate the breeding of high yielding, ToLCNDV resistant varieties and hybrids.
• Nucleotide-binding site (NBS) domain of resistance gene candidates (RGCs) were cloned from Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV) resistant Luffa cylindrica (sponge gourd) genotype, DSG-6. Sixteen non-redundant sequences of RGCs were identified with un-interrupted open reading frames (ORFs) and high amino acid sequence homologiesNBS-LRR proteins from GenBank database. The comparative analysis of expression profiles of sgRGCs in asymptomatic and field-driven symptomatic leaf tissues of ToLCNDV resistant and susceptible genotypes revealed RGCLc28 is expressed consistently in resistant genotypes. The differentially expressed RGCLc28 of DSG-6 is predicted to have strong association with the resistance trait against the leaf curl and mosaic disease in sponge gourd and may serve as an important genomic resource for candidate gene discovery.
• Development of a core for North-eastern rice collection (7000 accessions) using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers.
• Molecular profiling of 800 rice varieties and 200 landraces was completed with SSR/SNP markers and a rice database has been developed.
• Genomic-SSR (g-SSR) markers were generated for Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Giloe (Tinospora cordifolia) using genomic enrichment method
• Developed EST-SSR and transcription factor database for Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Giloe (Tinospora cordifolia).
• DNA barcoding of Luffa sps.: Sequences for Luffa (39) accns. representing L. acutangula complex (15 accns.) and L. cylindrica (19 accns.) were generated for barcoding loci— trnHpsbA (non-coding spacer), rpoC1 and ycf5 (coding plastid gene). Out of three loci, rpoC1 and ycf5 did not provide informative sequence sites for differentiation of species. However, trnH-psbA spacer clearly distinguished two species and provided variation within L. acutangula complex where earlier species of L. hermaphrodita is included. This result along with other informative barcoding loci would solve the species status of L. hermaphroidita.
• Qualitative and quantitative PCR and real-time PCR assays were developed/ validated for detection of more than 50 events of 14 GM crops (brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower, cotton, maize, mustard, oilseed rape, okra, papaya, potato, rice, soybean, tomato, wheat).
• Rapid and cost-efficient assays were developed for screening of GM crops employing a) visual and Real-time Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for rapid on-site detection; b) GMO Screening Matrix as decision support system, and c) ready-to-use TaqMan® Real-time PCR based Multi-target system.
• GM-free Conservation of Germplasm in National Genebank: Bt cotton has been commercially cultivated in India since 2002 and other GM events of cotton, brinjal, okra and maize were under field trials, hence, to ensure GM-free conservation of germplasm in the National Genebank, the adventitious presence of transgenes was monitored in ex situ collection including cotton (200 accns.), brinjal (150 accns.), okra (50 accns,), maize (100 accns) using PCR/real-time PCR-based markers. None of the accessions screened so far showed adventitious presence of transgenes based on tests conducted.

Biosystematics studies

Comprehensive studies on Biosystematics of the genera Vigna, Cucumis and Abelmoschus helped to solve several of the outstanding problems related to species identities and relationships in the above three genera. In addition, the study involved involved established Systematists, Cytogeneticist, Plant Genetic Resources persons and Molecular Taxonomists.

Comprehensive data on occurrence, distribution and prevalence of diversity in species under the genera Vigna, Cucumis and Abelmoschus in India was collected. The study succeeded in generating substantial amount of information on the target genera, in addition to producing over 1500 interspecific derivatives and stabilized lines. Further several valuable genetic resources have been identified as source of genes for tolerance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus in Vigna, Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus and Enation Leaf Curl Virus in okra, carotenoid rich germplasm in cucumbers, Downey Mildew resistant lines in melons, etc. The species diversity described and assembled includes over 500 accessions belonging to 22 species and 2 varieties of Vigna; 12 species and 5 varieties of Cucumis; and 13 species of Abelmoschus. These along with over 1500 interspecific derivatives covering all species under these three genera form a highly valuable genetic resource for crop improvement programs since these have been shown to contain the valuable genes of economic importance that could not pass through the barriers of domestication bottlenecks during the process of bringing wild species into cultivation.

The studies conducted have effectively resolved the long standing scientific problems related to the following major aspects which had remained unresolved so far:

Figure 1. Analyses of sequential chromosome-binding sites with fluorochromes, DAPI and CMA staining at interphase stage in Abelmoschus species indicating species differentiation.

Figure 2. Differential staining of mitotic chromosome complements in 8 Vigna species depicting chromosomal differentiation in the genus.

1. Establishment of identities of the naturally occurring populations and species of the genera Vigna, Cucumis and Abelmoschus in India and describing their identification characteristics thereby refining the taxonomy of the genera Vigna, Cucumis and Abelmoschus.
2. Relationships among the species based on macro and micro-morphological variations as well as cyto-morphological features which led to formulation of keys for identification of species on the basis of both morphological features and seed surface micro-morphology.
3. Confirmation of the evidences based on molecular cytology and molecular taxonomic studies and to identify the progenitor species of the cultivated Vigna group of pulses, cucumber and okra. This led to devising of methodologies for cytological studies in these difficult genera and molecular cytology using GISH and FISH to describe phylogeny based on chromosomal affinities (figure 1 & 2).
4. Understanding the effect of domestication process on genes conferring resistance to yellow mosaic virus in Vigna. The study resulted in identification of accessions of wild Vigna species with tolerance to mungbean yellow mosaic virus which are new sources of genes to combat this devastating virus in mung and urd.
5. Transfer of resistance genes from wild species to cultivars genetic background and bring about genetic enhancement of the cultivated gene pool for the target traits was achieved during the course of crossability studies which resulted in generation of colchiploidized allopolyploids in over 1500 interspecific hybrid combinations in Abelmoschus in addition to over 200 cross combinations in Vigna and Cucumis.
6. A user-friendly digitized system for identification and documentation of the species diversity in India was devised. This includes digitized images of all species studied and collected under this project. This database with distribution maps, plant images and descriptions along with the brief illustrated 'Fliers' for each of the genera is expected to be handy and useful to taxonomists and explorers as well as plant breeders for correct identification and description of species utilized in crop improvement programmes. This will reduce enormously the confusion prevailing in literature on species utilized in crossing programes.

Genomic studies in sesame germplasm for understanding the genetic basis of yield contributing traits in Sesame

Understanding the effects of domestication bottleneck and selection on fatty acid desaturases in Indian sesame germplasm:
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), is one of the oldest and most nutritional oilseed crop, whose domestication history has been poorly understood. The study conducted in sesame core germplasm suggests that sesame has undergone domestication bottleneck over a long period of time. In this analysis, we targeted 4.4 Mbp of the genomic DNA of sesame which comprised of stearoyl acyl desaturase (sad), fatty acid desaturase 2 (fad2) and omega 3 fatty acid desaturase (o3fad) genes in 99 selected accessions of four sesame germplasm populations groups, namely, wild, landrace, cultivar and introgressed. Results of this study showed that genetic diversity of the crop has been eroded due to selection after domestication as the cultivars and landraces lost 46.6% and 36.7% of nucleotide diversity, respectively. However, there was no significant reduction of genetic diversity in cultivars compared to landraces indicating that generation of improved cultivars through cross-breeding was in less frequency in this population. To evaluate the impact of selection across fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, we surveyed individual nucleotide diversity at three major genes. In our study, the analysis between wild and cultivars indicated positive selection in fad2 and o3fad loci. However, sad locus showed more diversity in cultivars compared to wild. Though locus-to-locus sequence variation was observed, positive results with two most important loci supported selection after domestication. Reduced diversity in these critical quality governing genes in cultivars suggests that future sesame breeding would benefit from the incorporation alleles from sesame’s wild relatives.

Molecular mapping and localization of yield related QTLs in sesame
Yield related QTLs were mapped on to the molecular maps generated using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) comprising 210 lines in F8 generation of a cross between a cultivated sesame and its closest progenitor species, Sesamum malabaricum. The traits scored were – days

to flowering, days to 50% flowering, capsules per node, capsules per plant, hairiness of capsules, leaf hairiness, seed color, first capsule bearing node, leaf type, plant height, internode length for first five nodes, stem girth, capsule diameter, capsule length, days to maturity, 1000 seed weight, seed yield for 5 plants. Screening of 300 SSRs for parental polymorphism resulted in identification of 43 polymorphic SSR markers in the RIL population and 55 SSRs in Advance BC population. Finally, 33 SSRs showing no segregation distortion were placed on two linkage groups using RILs and for Advance BC population 55 markers were placed on six linkage groups. Review of these maps with the software JOINMAP resulted in a single linkage group comprising 22 markers over a length of 903.2 cM. Finally, a linkage map constructed with LOD score set to 5.0 and it included 23 markers in 3 linkage groups. The lengths of linkage groups were 466.4 cM, 416.3 cM and 99.5 cM respectively.

The interval mapping approach helped in localization of 12 QTLs for nine important traits, namely, number of branches per plant, date of 50% flowering, seed weight per capsule, seed yield per plant, internode length L1, stem girth, capsules per node, days to maturity and node with capsule. These QTLs were localized on to the two linkage groups identified in sesame. A frequency plot of the three important traits mapped is presented below which indicated normal distribution for these quantitative traits.

The linkage map depicts the position of the QTLs localised in relation to the molecular markers. The total linkage group size, relatie positions etc are expected to improve with greater saturation of the linkage groups. The linkage map constructed with advance BC population is presented in Fig which includes 55 SSR markers in 6 linkage groups. SSR markers and linkage maps with QTLs localized on them in such large numbers were not available in sesame till now. Availability of these genomic resources will provide greater and much needed impetus to crop improvement programmes in sesame which is fourth important oilseed crop with novel properties.

Diagnostics developed for screening of GM crops along with international validation

• Rapid and cost-efficient assays developed for screening of GM crops employing Visual and Real-time Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for rapid on-site detection:
  • Visual LAMP-based technology targeting eight transgenic elements (P-35S, P-FMV, aadA, nptII, uidA, cry1Ac, cry2Ab and cp4-epsps)
  • Real-time LAMP-based technology targeting transgenic elements (P-35A, P-FMV, aadA, nptII,uidA, cry1Ac, cry2Ab2 and cp4-epsps)
• GMO Screening Matrix as decision support system
• Ready-to-use TaqMan® Real-time PCR based Multi-target system: Qualitative and quantitative PCR and real-time PCR assays developed/validated for detection of >50 events of 14 GM crops (brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower, cotton, maize, mustard, oilseed rape, okra, papaya, potato, rice, soybean, tomato, wheat)
  • Hexaplex PCR targeting six marker genes (nptII, aadA, bar, hpt, pat and uidA)
  • Duplex TaqMan® real-time PCR targeting P-35S and T-nos
  • TaqMan real-time PCR-based multi-target system covering 47 targets for screening
• International validations for quality assurance and global harmonization (2010-2017): Participation in 21 Proficiency testings as per ISO/IEC 17043: 2010 for testing the unknown levels of different GM events

Networking of LMO Detection Laboratories of India and Regional Network
In order to facilitate efficient checking of authorized and unauthorized GM events and to confirm the GM status of an unknown sample, there is need to harmonize the detection methodologies followed by the LMO/GM detection laboratories. Such harmonization would also be imperative to ensure smooth and efficient regulatory compliance.

Further responsibility of establishing a Network of LMO Detection Laboratories of India and Regional Network was assigned to ICAR-NBPGR in April, 2017 by the UNEP-GEF Phase-II Capacity Project on Biosafety facilitated by the MoEF&CC.

Various activities being undertaken under the network:

• Development of functional linkage with three GM testing national referral laboratories, viz. Punjab Biotechnology Incubator, Mohali; Export Inspection Agency, Kochi and DNA Fingerprinting and Transgenic Crop Monitoring Lab., Hyderabad/Amaravati.
• Organized Consultative Workshop on harmonization of LMO/GM Detection Activities in the Country at ICAR-NBPGR on 21st August, 2017. Experts from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration of Laboratories (NABL), Quality Council of India, including assessors and accreditation personnel, research experts from the key LMO detection laboratories and experts the MoEF&CC, deliberated in three technical sessions and two panel discussions.
• Inter Laboratory Comparison Program (ILCP) organized in September, 2017, twelve LMO detection laboratories including five from public sector participated.
• The GM Detection Research Facility is playing a pivotal role for undertaking GM detection work with other LMO detection laboratories and to develop and share customized detection assays for new GM events as per the availability of the reference material from the developers.

Mapping of GMO detection Laboratories and Web page on ‘Network of GMO Testing Laboratories (NGTL) in the country:

Mapping of 25 GMO detection Laboratories in the country was undertaken systematically. Web page on ‘Network of GMO Testing Laboratories (NGTL) of India’ (http://gmolabs.nbpgr.ernet.in:9090/) has been developed. The web page with dynamic information about 18 GMO detection laboratories including contact details would facilitate in harmonizing the GMO/LMO detection activities in the country.

The page covers the information of four ‘National Referral Laboratories to detect the presence or absence of Living Modified Organisms and Genetically Modified Organisms’ identified under sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Seeds Act, 1966 in a Gazette of India: Extraordinary Notification (Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India) dated 15 November 2017. Information of fourteen other GMO testing laboratories including public and private sector has also been displayed.

This would play a role in harmonization of GM detection activities across the country and user-friendly access to GM detection laboratories for technical services.


                                                              http://gmolabs.nbpgr.ernet.in
                         The site has drawn >1500 visitors indicating the interest it has already generated.


                                                     http://gmolabs.nbpgr.ernet.in:9090/places/?

Technologies developed and commercialized

• Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (Agri and Food Testing Laboratory), Mohali (4 July 2014)
• Basmati Export Development Foundation, Meerut (15 July 2013)

Exchange of MoU for transfer of technology of GMO detection in rice and other GM crops between ICAR-NBPGR and APEDA, New Delhi	Exchange of MoU for transfer of technology of GMO detection between ICAR-NBPGR and PBTI

In addition, five technologies related to PCR based GM detection developed by the Division of Genomic Resources were transferred. Agrinnovate facilitated the transfer of these technologies to DSS Imagetech and an agreement was signed on 19th August, 2015. The technologies were valued by Agrinnovate at Rupees 15 lakh plus 4% royalty on gross sales. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed and exchanged, for five cost-efficient/ rapid GMO screening technologies:

• Hexaplex PCR targeting six marker genes (nptII, aadA, bar, hpt, pat and uidA)
• Duplex TaqMan real-time PCR targeting P-35S and T-nos
• Visual Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-based technology targeting eight transgenic elements (P-35S, T-nos, aadA, nptII, uidA, cry1Ac, cry2Ab and cp4-epsps)
• Real-time LAMP-based technology targeting transgenic elements (P-35A, T-nos, aadA, nptII, uidA, cry1Ac, cry2Ab2 and cp4-epsps)
• TaqMan real-time PCR-based multi-target system covering 47 targets for screening

ICAR-NBPGR transferred a bouquet of technologies related to PCR based GM detection to DSS Imagetech Pvt. Ltd. The transfer was facilitated by Agrinnovate India Ltd., and the agreement was signed on 19th August 2015.

Consultancy provided

1. To guide Punjab Biotechnology Incubator team at Mohali, MoU, was signed on 6th February, 2013, to develop expertise in the area of GMO Testing and Designing of GM Testing laboratory as per international Standards ISO/IEC 17025 at a cost of Rs. 2.34 Lakhs.
2. For Developing State of the Art Facilities for testing of GMOs, at Basmati Export Development Foundation, Modipuram, MoU, was signed on 15thJuly, 2013, for guiding BEDF’s team to develop expertise in the area of GMO Testing as per International Standards ISO/IEC 17025 at a cost of Rs. 2 Lakhs.

IPs and Technology Transfer
Patent No. 245749 : Process enabling simultaneous detection of two transgenes namely 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS or CP4EPSPS) gene and cauliflower
Inventors : Randhawa GJ, Firke PK and Karihaloo JL
Commercialization : Available on Non-exclusive basis

Patent No. 254341 : Process enabling simultaneous detection of two transgenes namely human serum albumin (HAS) and bar genes using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction
Inventors: Randhawa GJ, Firke PK and Karihaloo JL
Commercialization: Available on Non-exclusive basis

Patent No 258165: Diagnostic kit based on polymerase chain reaction for detection of cry1Ac gene
Inventors: Randhawa GJ and Firke PK
Commercialization: Available on Non-exclusive basis

Copyright Reg.No. 5760/06-CD (SW): Development of Crop DNA Fingerprinting Database Software Package
Author: Madhu Bala
Commercialization: Available on request for research use; for commercial use on non-exclusive basis

Copyright Reg. No. SW-15429/2022: AMARANTH GENOMIC RESOURCE DATABASE
Authors: Rakesh Singh, Akshay Singh, Ajay Kumar Mahato, S Rajkumar, A K Singh, Rakesh Bhardwaj, S K Kaushik, Sandeep Kumar and Veena Gupta
Commercialization: Freely Available for non-commercial purpose.

Copyright Reg. No. SW-15428/2022: TINOTRANSCRIPTDB (TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA TRANSCRIPTS & SSR DATABASE)
Authors: Rakesh Singh, Akshay Singh, Ajay Kumar Mahato, Rajesh Kumar, Amit K. Singh, Sundeep Kumar, Soma S. Marla, Ashok Kumar and Nagendra K. Singh
Commercialization: Freely Available for non-commercial purpose.

• Dr Gurinderjit Randhawa received “Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Outstanding Women Scientist Award 2020” by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. 

• Dr. Gurinderjit Randhawa has been elected “NAAS Fellow 2020” by National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi.

• Dr. Yasin Jeshima K. conferred “Fellow of Young Academy of India 2021” by Young Academy of India.

• Dr Rakesh Singh received "Dr B R Barwale Award" for Application/Excellence in Plant Genetic Resources by Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR), New Delhi for the year 2020.

• Dr Amit Kumar Singh conferred Fellow of Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding (ISGPB), New Delhi for the year 2020. 

• Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh conferred “Yashsvi Samman” for the distinguished services in the field of Science and Society by Royal Association for Science-led-socio-cultural Advancement (RASSA), New Delhi for the year 2020.

• Dr. Parimalan R. received “Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Best Scientist Award” for the year 2020 by Bose Science Society, Pudukkotai, Tamilnadu.

• Dr. Yasin Jeshima K. conferred “Outstanding International Researcher Award”  by Scientific Society for International Institute of Organized Research for the year 2020-21.

• Dr R Parimalan conferred Fellow of Indian Society of Plant Genetics Resources (ISPGR), New Delhi for the year 2019. 

• Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh received “Best Oral Presentation Award” for the paper “Characterization of Rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thumb.) Ohwi & Ohashi] Landraces from Northeast India” in “International Seminar on Sustainable Agricultural Development in Changing Global Scenario at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi from 11th to 13th Oct. 2019.

• Dr. Amit Kumar Singh received “Dr. R S Paroda Young Scientist Award” for the year 2018 by ISPGR Society New Delhi.
• Dr. Sundeep Kumar conferred Fellow of Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding, New Delhi for the year 2018.
• Dr. Rakesh Singh received "RK Arora Best Research Paper Award" for the year 2017 by Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi.
• Dr. R. Parimalan received Michael D Gale travel grant award for the best abstract under plant category in 25thPlant and Animal Genome Conference, January 14-18, 2017, San Diego, USA.
• Dr. R. Parimalan received "Dr. RS Paroda Young Scientist Award" for significant contributions in the field of Plant Genetic Resources for the year 2017.
• Dr. R. Parimalan selected Honorary Faculty at Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Australia.
• Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh received "Best Oral Presentation Award" in the National seminar on Smart Farming for Enhancing Input Use Efficiency, Income and Environmental Security, at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, September 19-21, 2017.
• Dr. Monika Singh received "Young Scientist Award" at the 3rd International Conference on Bioresource and Stress management at State Institute of Agriculture Management, Jaipur, November 8-11, 2017.
• Dr. Sundeep Kumar received "Distinguished Scientist Award" in International Conference on Global Research Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture & Allied Sciences (GRISAAS-2017) at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur Rajasthan, December 02-04, 2017.
• Dr. G J Randhawa received "Agriculture Leadership Award 2015" by Agriculture Today for leading role in Biotechnology Research and Development during 2015.
• Dr. G J Randhawa received "Best Scientist Award" by Science and Technology, EET CRS, Research Wing for excellence in Professional Education and Industry, New Delhi during 2015.
• Dr. G J Randhawa received the recognition by OMICS International, USA for outstanding contributions in 7th Indo Global Summit and Expo on Food and Beverage during 2015.
• Dr. Rakesh Singh conferred Fellow of Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding, New Delhi for the year 2015.
• Dr. Rakesh Singh conferred Fellow of Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi for the year 2012.
• Dr. Rakesh Singh received "Best Research Paper Award" by the Horticultural Society of India, IARI, New Delhi for the year 2011.
• Dr. Rakesh Singh received "Young Scientist Award (Biotechnology)" for significant contributions in the field of Plant Biotechnology by the Society for Plant Research, S.V.P. University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut during 2010.
• Dr. Rakesh Singh received "Dr RS Paroda Young Scientist Award" for significant contributions in the field of Plant Genetic Resources, 2007-2008.

Awards and recognitions

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India handing over the certificate of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation of GM Detection Research Facility to Dr Gurinderjit Randhawa, Head, Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi on 16th August, 2021.

Dr Gurinderjit Randhawa, Head & Principal Scientist, Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi received “Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Outstanding Women Scientist Award 2020” by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research on dated 16th July, 2021.