The ICAR-National Bureau of Plants Genetic Resources, New Delhi organized the “Cowpea Germplasm Field Day” at the Issapur Farm, New Delhi on October, 22, 2019

The ICAR-National Bureau of Plants Genetic Resources, New Delhi organized the “Cowpea Germplasm Field Day” at the Issapur Farm, New Delhi on October, 22, 2019. The field day was attended by thirty participants from nine organizations namely ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur; ICAR-IARI, New Delhi; DBT-NIPGR, New Delhi; ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi; ICAR-IIVR, Varansi; KAU, Thrissur; UAS, Dharwad; NBPGR RS, Thrissur; ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and AICRP on Forage crops. Dr. Kuldeep Tripathi, Scientist welcomed participants and informed about the germplasm being grown at Issapur farm. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Germplasm Evaluation emphasized the importance of germplasm and field days for their effective utilization. The participants visited the field where 3720 genebank accessions of cowpea and 713 accessions of global core set (IITA, Nigeria) were grown for characterization and evaluation under DBT funded project on Genetic Enhancement on Minor Pulses. The participants examined the material critically and selected germplasm of their choice according to their breeding objectives. During interaction, the participants appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NBPGR in showcasing the diversity at appropriate stage. Dr AK Roy, Project Coordintor, AICRP on Forage Crops emphasized the need of developing network project on leguminous fodder crops for accelerating utilization of germplasm in crop improvement programme. Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR expressed his interest in effective collaboration for trait specific evaluation and utilization of germplasm under NARS. Dr. DP Wankhede, Scientist and PI (Minor Pulses Project) proposed vote of thanks.

(Source:  Dr Kuldeep Tripathi, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)