ISARC Varanasi Concludes Intensive Speed Breeding Training Program
A comprehensive three-day training program focused on Speed Breeding: Addressing the Needs of Agri-Business successfully concluded on Wednesday in Varanasi. The event was organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), located in Varanasi, and brought together a diverse group of agricultural professionals and researchers.
Diverse Participation from Leading Organizations
The training program attracted participants and experts from numerous prominent agricultural institutions and companies, including:
- Indo-American Hybrid Seeds
- Mahyco Private Limited
- Nuziveedu Seeds
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
- Punjab Agricultural University
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR)
- International representatives from Indonesia
The primary objective of the program was to build capacity in advanced breeding techniques and significantly improve efficiency in crop improvement programs across various agricultural sectors.
Inauguration and Key Speakers
The training was formally inaugurated by Vikas Kumar Singh, interim director of ISARC, alongside Anilyn Maningas, head of IRRI Education, and Joy K Roy, Scientist-G at BRIC-National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (formerly known as NABI & CIAB). During the opening sessions, speakers emphasized the critical importance of speed breeding in accelerating crop development cycles and addressing the growing demands of modern agriculture and agri-business sectors.
Comprehensive Technical Sessions and Hands-On Learning
Over the three days, participants engaged in detailed technical sessions covering:
- Fundamental principles of speed breeding
- Infrastructure requirements for developing Speed Breed facilities
- Emerging technologies in agricultural science
Participants gained valuable hands-on experience operating specialized equipment and managing critical environmental conditions including light, temperature, and humidity controls. They also learned practical applications of rice protocols for seed multiplication and crossing techniques in laboratory settings.
Advanced Topics and Facility Visits
Special sessions delved into cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including:
- Genome editing techniques
- Genomic selection methods
- Integration of modern breeding tools with speed breeding approaches
Participants visited ISARC's NABL accredited laboratories and research facilities to observe real-time applications of these technologies in agricultural research and development.
Practical Learning and Collaborative Exercises
The training program strongly emphasized practical learning through multiple approaches:
- Interactive group exercises
- Field exposure sessions
- Collaborative discussion forums
These activities enabled participants to work together in designing practical solutions and sharing valuable experiences from their respective organizations and research backgrounds.
Re-entry Plans and Program Conclusion
An important component of the training involved participants presenting their re-entry plans, outlining specific strategies for applying the acquired knowledge and techniques within their home organizations and research institutions.
The program concluded with a formal closing ceremony graced by the presence of Prof B D Singh, former emeritus professor at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. His participation added significant academic weight and recognition to the occasion.
Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly appreciating the hands-on learning approach and expert guidance provided throughout the intensive three-day training program. The event successfully created a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building in advanced agricultural breeding techniques that will benefit India's agricultural sector and agri-business community.
