In a significant development for India’s oilseed sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has successfully developed a high-yielding rapeseed-mustard hybrid, NRCHB-506. The ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (DRMR), Bharatpur, today entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Pune-based M/s Ulink AgriTech Private Limited for the commercialization of this promising variety.
Dr. P.K. Rai, Director of ICAR-DRMR, emphasized the potential of this hybrid to boost domestic oilseed production.
“Commercialization of high-yielding varieties like NRCHB-506 is a crucial step towards achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds.”
Dr. Rai also highlighted the institute’s ongoing research efforts to develop even more advanced varieties.
Rapeseed and mustard are major oilseed crops in India, contributing significantly to the country’s edible oil basket. However, low yields and dependence on imports have been longstanding challenges. The development of high-yielding hybrids like NRCHB-506 is expected to address these issues and enhance the income of farmers.
Beyond the commercialization of NRCHB-506, ICAR-DRMR has also made strides in developing germplasm with specific desirable traits. This germplasm serves as valuable genetic material for future breeding programs.
The collaboration between ICAR-DRMR and M/s Ulink AgriTech marks a crucial step in bridging the gap between research and commercialization in the oilseed sector. It is anticipated that the widespread cultivation of NRCHB-506 will lead to increased oilseed production, reduced imports, and improved farmer livelihoods.