Germplasm Field Day on Lentil & Linseed organized at ICAR-NBPGR

Germplasm Field Day for Lentil and Linseed was organized at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi on 14 March, 2019. It was attended by forty participants belonging to PAU, Ludhiana; CCSHAU, Hisar; BCKV, Kalyani; PDKV, CoA, Nagpur; BARC, Trombay; Pulses & Oilseeds Research Station, West Bengal; ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur; NIPGR, New Delhi and ICARDA. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Germplasm Evaluation, ICAR-NBPGR welcomed the participants and informed about the ongoing research programme on characterization and evaluation of lentil and linseed at the Bureau. Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR emphasized the importance of field days for effective utilization of genetic resources. He also expressed his interest in effective collaboration for trait specific evaluation of germplasm and trait discovery. Dr. DK Yadava, Assistant Director General (Seeds), ICAR urged to the breeders to provide feedback on germplasm utilization for impact analysis. Dr. PK Chakrabarty, ADG (PP & OP), ICAR informed about pulse revolution and emphasized for quality evaluation and resistance breeding in these crops. Dr Ashutosh Sarker, Coordinator, ICARDA briefed about the role of ICARDA in national programme and expressed his views on lentil breeding. Dr. SK Sharma, Former Director, NBPGR & Chairman RAC graced the occasion and shown concern for limited utilization of germplasm. He suggested to develop collaborative linkage with inter- ministerial institutions for product development. The participants were taken to NBPGR farm, IARI for selection of materials. The concerned scientists explained about experiments. The participants examined the material critically and selected germplasm of their choice according to their breeding objectives. During feedback and interactive session, the participants appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NBPGR in showcasing the variability and trait specific germplasm at appropriate stage. The detailed discussion was held for trait specific evaluation and utilization of germplasm through collaborative mode. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks.

(Source: Dr. Ashok Kumar, Head Division of Germplasm Evaluation, ICAR-NBPGR)