Three-day training programme on “Computational Approaches to Primer Designing for Rice Genomics Research: Hands-on Training” during 9–11 June 2026

During the inaugural programme, Dr M. S. Prasad, Director, ICAR-IIRR, highlighted the significance of capacity-building initiatives in equipping researchers with advanced computational skills required for modern crop improvement research. Dr Amtul Waris, Head TTT, outlined the key Human Resource Development (HRD) activities being undertaken by ICAR-IIRR as per the guidelines of ICAR, New Delhi. This training programme was a part institutes HRD, headed by Dr. Chitra Shankar, Chairperson, HRD. Dr R. M. Sundaram, Director, ICAR-NAARM, emphasized the importance of such programmes in strengthening human resource capabilities and accelerating innovation in agricultural research.  During the inaugural session, distinguished lectures were organized under the NAAS Hyderabad Chapter. Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia delivered an enlightening lecture on the latest advances in genome editing technologies, emphasizing their transformative potential in crop improvement and climate-resilient agriculture. He elaborated on the scientific principles, regulatory considerations, and translational aspects of genome editing, highlighting the successful development and commercialization of Kamala DRR Dhan 100 as a notable example of technology deployment in rice improvement. Dr. SV Sai Prasad provided an insightful overview of the rice varieties developed by ICAR-IIRR, highlighting their contributions to enhancing productivity, resilience, and grain quality across diverse agro-ecological regions. He also elaborated on the pivotal role of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice (AICRP-Rice) in the multi-location evaluation, identification, release, and dissemination of improved rice varieties.  His lecture underscored the significance of the coordinated research network in accelerating varietal development and facilitating the large-scale adoption of superior rice technologies by farming communities across the country.

The programme featured lectures and hands-on training by distinguished scientists including Drs. S. V. Sai Prasad (PS, Plant Breeding and Genetics), G. S. Laha  (PS, Plant Pathology), A. P. Padmakumari  (PS, Entomology), Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia  (PS, Biotechnology), Jyothi Badri  (SS, Plant Breeding and Genetics), Divya Balakrishnan (SS, Plant Breeding and Genetics), Kalyani M. Barbadikar  (SS, Biotechnology) and Papa Rao Vaikuntapu (S, Biotechnology)  (ICAR-IIRR); Dr B. Usha Kiran (SS, Biotechnology, ICAR-IIOR); Dr P Supriya (S, Bioinformatics, ICAR-NAARM); Dr Sona Charles (S, Bioinformatics, ICAR-IISR); Dr Tejas Bosamia (Asst. Prof.  Anand Agricultural University),  Dr Naveen Kumar (Asst. Prof. Central University of Rajasthan); Dr. Ashok Kumar Madikonda ( Asst. Prof.   Central University of Kerala); Dr Shailesh Kumar (Staff Scientist IV, BRIC-NIPGR); and Dr C. Gokulan (M K Bhan Fellow, CSIR-CDFD). The sessions provided participants with valuable exposure to contemporary computational tools and methodologies widely used in rice genomics research. Drs Divya Kattupalli, Sai Krishna M, and Ms Kanika KM from ICAR-IIRR served as resource personnel for practical sessions. 

Dr. V. Papa Rao and Dr. Kalyani M. Barbadikar provided a comprehensive overview of the training programme, outlining its objectives, structure, and emphasized the importance of active participation and interdisciplinary learning. The valedictory session featured an engaging interaction by Chief Guest, Dr. P. K. Mandal, Principal Scientist, Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute of Plant Biotechnology (NIPB). Drawing upon his extensive research experience, he discussed strategies for identifying impactful research questions, formulating scientifically sound hypotheses, and addressing complex biological problems through a structured and interdisciplinary approach. He underscored the importance of critical thinking, innovation, and resilience in scientific inquiry, while advocating a solution-oriented mindset for overcoming research challenges. 

Rice Carbo Tracker App 

Rice carbon Tracker app was developed with interactive simple dropdown boxes starting from selection of season, type of land, farming method, type of soil with colour, texture, amendments, fertility etc, land preparation, irrigation methods etc. each selection gives green and red colours representing carbon foot prints along with values. Finally displays total values. This app will be further validated in major rice growing areas.

Welcome to ICAR-IIRR NGS Database

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) proudly presents this comprehensive Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) database, designed to facilitate cutting-edge research in rice genomics. This platform serves as a centralized repository for sequencing data generated by ICAR-IIRR and its team of scientists, contributing to advancements in molecular breeding, biofortification, genetic diversity analysis, and crop improvement. Our database provides researchers, breeders, and biotechnologists with high-quality sequencing datasets, enabling in-depth genomic studies that support the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding rice varieties. By offering access to meticulously curated data, this resource plays a crucial role in accelerating innovations in rice research and biotechnology. Through this initiative, ICAR-IIRR aims to foster collaboration among scientists and institutions, promote open-access genomic resources, and drive scientific breakthroughs in agricultural genomics. Whether you are exploring gene expression patterns, SNP variations, structural genomics, or functional annotations, this database is a valuable tool to aid your research. We invite researchers, students, and industry professionals to explore, analyze, and utilize the NGS data for advancing rice science and ensuring food security. Let’s work together towards a future of sustainable and resilient agriculture!

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