The world bank sponsored NAHEP-CAAST training program on “Genomic Tools in Plant Genetic Resource Management” September 18-29, 2023 at ICAR- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources was inaugurated on September 18, 2023. The Chief guest for the function was Dr Anuradha Agrawal, National Co-ordinator, NAHEP, ICAR and the Guest of Honors were Dr KM Manjaiah, Principal Scientist and Co-PI of NAHEP-CAAST and Dr A. Kumar, Principal Scientist, Co-PI, NAHEP-CAAST at IARI. During the inaugural program Dr RK Gautam, Head, Division of Germplasm Evaluation, welcomed the dignitaries and the trainees. Dr Rakesh Singh, Course Director briefed about the aim of the training program. Total 25 trainees from 13 states of India representing ICAR institutes, SAU, ICFRE and other universities and most of them are Ph.D students are attending the training program. The training is for the duration of 10 working days from September 18-29, 2023. Total 21 lectures and 10 practical sessions have been arranged. The subject specialist experts from ICAR-NBPGR and from IARI, NIPB, IASRI, NIPGR, DU and NABI will be delivering lectures in different specialized area of plant genomics and its application in plant genetic resource management The Guest of Honors Dr Manjaiah and Dr A. Kumar emphasized about the NAHEP-CAAST project operational at IARI and provided details on number of training program being conducted under the project and creation of Discovery center for facilitating Ph.D students. Dr Anuradha Agrawal highlighted the work of NAHEP where infrastructure of SAUs have been improved for teaching and e-learning for higher education and also emphasized the importance of utilizing and sustaining the activities of NAHEP at different centres. The program ended with vote of thanks from Course Co-ordinator.

                                                            (Source : Dr. Rakesh Singh, ICAR-NBPGR)