The valedictory function of the NAHEP-CAAST sponsored training program on “Genomic Tools in Plant Genetic Resource Management” was held on September 29 2023 at ICAR- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus New Delhi and chaired by Dr D.K. Yadava, ADG (Seed), ICAR and other dignitaries from NBPGR are graced the function. While introducing the chair Dr. G.P. Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR and Course Director in his introductory speech explained the uniqueness and importance of molecular tools in germplasm characterization and utilization need to be disseminated to young researchers for better output in their research work. Dr. Rakesh Singh, Head, DGR and Course Director, of the program presented the completion report of the training program which was held for two weeks from September 18-29, 2023. A total of 25 trainees from 13 states of India representing ICAR institutes, SAU, ICFRE, and other universities, and most of them are Ph.D. students who attended the training program. A total of 21 lectures and 10 hands-on training practicals were conducted during the training program. The subject specialist from the Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-NBPGR, and renowned subject experts from NIPB, IARI, IASRI, NIPGR, DU, and NABI delivered lectures in different specialized areas of plant genomics and its application in plant genetic resource management. The hands-on training was provided for DNA and RNA isolation, generation of molecular markers, whole genome sequencing, and transcriptome, and provided hands-on practical’s on genomic data analysis for core development, transcriptome analysis and GWAS He also informed the gathering that trainees also visited facilities of ICAR-NBPGR, Discovery Centre at IARI and ASHOKA from IASRI. The chief guest Dr. D.K. Yadav ADG (Seed) and Dr. GP Singh Director, ICAR-NBPGR released the book on Genomic Tools in Plant Genetic Resource Management Edited by Course Directors and Course coordinators and the Chief guest also distributed training completion certificates to the participants. During the speech as Chief guest Dr. D.K. Yadava, ADG (Seed) emphasized the importance of value addition with sequence information on the trait-specific germplasm lines. He also emphasized that the valedictory function of the training program is a beginning for trainees to carry forward what they learned from the training. The valedictory function concluded by vote of thanks from Dr. DP Wankhede, Course Coordinator.

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