BGI, the Chinese genomics research organisation, and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have signed an agreement for long-term collaboration on applied genomics research and molecular breeding.

“This is aimed at enhancing precision of breeding programmes for semi-arid tropic crops by using next-generation sequencing technologies. This helps in crop improvement, particularly in the dry lands of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, Dr William D. Dar, Director-General of ICRISAT, said.

Dr Dar and Dr Gengyun Zhang, Vice-President of BGI, signed the agreement. The two organisations had recently completed genome sequencing of the pigeon pea.

“We will improve collaboration in agricultural research and development, especially in the genome sequencing. The focus would also be on ICRISAT's mandate crops, such as chickpea, finger millet, groundnut, pearl millet, pigeon pea and sorghum,” he said here in a press release on Tuesday.

Though these mandate crops are drought-tolerant and rich in nutrients, their productivity in marginal environments is very low.

“These crops are the best bets for smallholder farmers in marginal environments to survive and improve their livelihoods. Our association with BGI will help in development of improved varieties that can provide high yields, while meeting challenges posed by marginal environments,” Dr Dar said.

kurmanath@thehindu.co.in

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