An International Training Programme sponsored by Directorate of Seed Testing and Certification Ministry of Agriculture, Baghdad, Republic of Iraq on “Management of Plant Genetic Resources” in the Division of Germplasm Conservation, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, was organized from July 15-20, 2019. The course was customized and designed to give the participants a complete overview on different conservation strategies, seed health testing, tissue culture and cryo preservation techniques, PGR on bioinformatics and database management, operation and maintenance of genebank, IPR issues related to Plant Genetic Resources, Characterization and utilization of PGR. Four participants from Iraq attended the training programme. The training schedule covered nine lectures and 8 practical-cum demonstration to mainly by faculty from the Division of Germplasm Conservation. Participants were exposed to various facilities at ICAR- NBPGR such as National Genebank, Museum, in vitro & Cryo bank, Containment facility and Genomic Resources. The valedictory function was graced by Dr Kuldeep Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR, Head of the Divisions, resource faculty and organizing members. The course frame work and information imparted was well appreciated by the trainees.

(Source:  Dr Veena Gupta, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)