The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has once again demonstrated its prowess in agricultural innovation, releasing eight groundbreaking crop varieties tailored to address India’s agricultural challenges. Developed using radiation-based mutation breeding techniques, these non-GMO, high-yield crops are set to enhance productivity, climate resilience, and food security across the nation.
The newly introduced varieties include five cereals and three oilseeds, designed in collaboration with state universities for region-specific cultivation. This milestone coincides with BARC’s 70th anniversary, during which it has proudly dedicated 70 improved crop varieties to Indian farmers.
Harnessing Radiation to Revolutionize Farming
Radiation-based mutation breeding, a hallmark of BARC’s agricultural research, involves exposing seeds to gamma rays or electron beams to induce beneficial genetic changes. This method has produced crops that are early-maturing, disease-resistant, climate-resilient, and capable of thriving in diverse agro-climatic conditions.
“These crop varieties align with India’s national goals to improve farmer incomes, enhance crop resilience, and bolster food and nutritional security.”
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission
Shri Vivek Bhasin, Director of BARC, hailed the release as a “boon for farmers,” emphasizing the importance of these innovations in addressing pressing agricultural challenges.
Spotlight on the New Varieties
Wheat:
- Trombay Jodhpur Wheat-153 (TJW-153): Tailored for Rajasthan’s arid conditions, this variety tolerates heat stress, resists fungal diseases like Blast and powdery mildew, and ensures stable yields.
- Trombay Raj Vijay Wheat (TRVW-155): Developed for Madhya Pradesh, it boasts enhanced zinc and iron content, superior chapati quality, and disease resistance.
Rice:
- Bauna Luchai-CTLM: A dwarf, lodging-resistant variety ideal for Chhattisgarh, offering early maturity and higher yields while retaining the soft-cooked property of its parent landrace, Luchai.
- Sanjeevani: Known for its medicinal properties, this brown-grain rice contains over 350 phytochemicals and boosts immunity.
- Trombay Konkan Khara: Designed for Maharashtra’s saline coastal soils, this variety delivers 15% higher yields under salt-stressed conditions.
Oilseeds:
- Trombay Jodhpur Mustard 2 (TJM 2): Released for Rajasthan, it provides 14% higher yields, 40% oil content, and resistance to fungal diseases like white rust.
- Trombay Latur Til-10 (TLT-10): A bold-seeded sesame variety for Maharashtra, offering 20% greater seed yield.
- Chhattisgarh Trombay Mungfali (CGTM): A high-oil groundnut variety suited for both rainy and summer cultivation in Chhattisgarh.
A Nationally Significant Achievement
These innovations reflect BARC’s commitment to advancing agricultural science and its collaboration with state agricultural universities. Dr. Mohanty highlighted the importance of producing location-specific crop varieties to ensure widespread adoption and success.
Also read: Government of Odisha, ICRISAT Collaborate to Champion Regenerative Agriculture
Towards Self-Reliance in Agriculture
The release of these crops marks a significant step toward achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in food and oilseed production. Farmers across India can look forward to increased productivity, reduced input costs, and resilience against climate adversities.
As India continues to grapple with challenges in agriculture, these high-yield, climate-resilient varieties represent a beacon of hope for farmers and a testament to the transformative potential of science. With this achievement, BARC reinforces its role not just as a leader in atomic energy but also as a pioneer in agricultural innovation.