A one-day seminar on "Advances in Plant Breeding Techniques for Crop Improvement"

Introduction

A one-day seminar on “Advances in Plant Breeding Techniques for Crop Improvement” was organized by the Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural Sciences, SGRR University on 31 October, 2025. The seminar aimed to provide students, researchers, and faculty members with insights into the latest innovations, tools, and technologies such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection, transgenic breeding, gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9), and speed breeding being used in modern plant breeding for enhancing crop productivity and sustainability.

Inaugural Session

The session begins with lamp lightning ceremony followed by welcome address by Dean School of Agricultural Sciences Prof. (Dr.) Priyanka Bankoti. She welcomed expert Dr. Anupam Barh, Senior Scientist, Plant Science Division, ICAR Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun with a token of sapling and highlighted the importance of plant breeding in ensuring global food security. This was followed by the technical session.

Technical Session

The technical session featured an expert lecture delivered by Dr. Dr. Anupam Barh, Senior Scientist, Plant Science Division, ICAR Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun presented the latest developments in genomic selection, biotechnology applications, and bioinformatics tools used to enhance crop yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. He also discussed real-world case studies of improved crop varieties developed using modern breeding tools. Participants actively interacted with the expert during the Q&A session, raising relevant questions about the practical applications of these techniques in Indian agriculture and the challenges faced by plant breeders in resource-limited environments.

Conclusion

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Himanki Dabral, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding expressing sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble President SGRR University Shri Mahant Devendra Das ji Maharaj, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof.(Dr.) Prathapan. K.Pillai, Respected Registrar Dr. Lokesh Gambhir, Respected Dean SAS Prof.(Dr.) Priyanka Bankoti, invited expert Dr. Anupam Barh, Senior Scientist, Plant Science Division, ICAR- IISWC, Dr. Tanuja Verma coordinator, Department Heads, faculty members, organizing committee, and participants for their valuable contributions. The seminar proved to be highly informative and beneficial, providing participants with updated knowledge and inspiring young researchers to pursue innovations in the field of plant breeding for sustainable crop improvement.

Outcome

Enhanced understanding of recent plant breeding technologies.
Encouraged students and researchers to adopt innovative approaches in crop improvement.
Strengthened collaboration between academia and research institutions.