New Facility Boosts Climate Resilience
India Inaugurates SPROUT Facility to Accelerate the Development of Climate-Resilient Crops
Anonymous
India has inaugurated the SPROUT facility at the BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research in New Delhi to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops. The season-independent, controlled-environment facility will enable high-throughput phenotyping, precision stress screening and evaluation of breeding materials, including genetically modified and genome-edited lines. With a major focus on chickpea, it is designed to connect genomic research with trait validation and crop improvement, potentially shortening the path from gene discovery to improved varieties. Officials said the facility supports India’s broader BioE3 biotechnology policy and will help researchers assess crops under the country’s varied environmental conditions while addressing climate change and changing weather patterns.
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The facility was described as an important indigenous capability for developing climate-resilient crops suited to India’s varied weather conditions.
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The inauguration was attended by BRIC-NIPGR Director Prof. Manoj Prasad, BRIC-NIPGR scientist Dr. Senthil K. Muthappa and Department of Biotechnology Scientist-H Dr. Nitin Jain. Jitendra Singh also interacted with scientists and officials and planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
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The Science and Technology Ministry said biotechnology research has produced improved varieties and genotypes in rice, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, millets, fruits and vegetables, while research into plant–microbiome interactions could support sustainable productivity, soil health and nutrient availability.
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Jitendra Singh said modern biotechnology should increasingly be translated into technologies that address real agricultural challenges and provide tangible benefits to farmers.
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