Germplasm Field Day on Commercial Crops Organised

18 February 2026, Andhra Pradesh

ICAR- National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture, Rajahmundry organized a Germplasm Field Day today at the Black Soil Research Farm - Katheru, ICAR-NIRCA, Rajahmundry.

Dr. Sheshu Madhav, Director, ICAR-NIRCA, emphasized the critical role of germplasm in the conservation, evaluation, and utilization of commercial crops. He highlighted the significance of employing germplasm in targeted breeding programs to address the emerging challenges faced by farmers and to meet the requirements of stakeholders within the value-chain system of commercial crops. Furthermore, he advocated for the alignment of future research initiatives with the Institute's newly established mandates.

17 February 2026, Andhra Pradesh ICAR- National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture, Rajahmundry organized a Germplasm Field Day today at the Black Soil Research Farm - Katheru, ICAR-NIRCA, Rajahmundry. Dr. Sheshu Madhav, Director, ICAR-NIRCA, emphasized the critical role of germplasm in the conservation, evaluation, and utilization of commercial crops. He highlighted the significance of employing germplasm in targeted breeding programs to address the emerging challenges faced by farmers and to meet the requirements of stakeholders within the value-chain system of commercial crops. Furthermore, he advocated for the alignment of future research initiatives with the Institute's newly established mandates. Dr. K. Sarala, Head, Division of Crop Improvement, provided an overview of the germplasm activities currently being conducted at the Katheru Farm and mentioned that Germplasm field day will creat awareness of tobacco germplasm among the reserachers for its effective utilisation. The participants were taken on a field visit to observe the tobacco germplasm, which included 28 different types representing FCV, non-FCV, and wild Nicotiana species, along with an explanation of their unique characteristics. Detailed information was also provided on the chilli and ashwagandha germplasm maintained at the farm. Additionally, the seed production plots of released varieties were showcased, and their distinct traits were explained. More than 2,500 germplasm accessions were showcased, including 2,100 accessions of Tobacco, 380 accessions of Ashwagandha, and 65 accessions of chilli at the BSRA Farm. Participants had the opportunity to observe the diverse morphological traits of germplasm of tobacco, chilli and aswagandha. Descisions were taken to utilize the available genetic diversity in different areas of commercial agriculture. The event witnessed the participation of around 50 attendees, including Scientists, Technical Officers and Technicians. (Source: ICAR- National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh)

Dr. K. Sarala, Head, Division of Crop Improvement, provided an overview of the germplasm activities currently being conducted at the Katheru Farm and mentioned that Germplasm field day will creat awareness of tobacco germplasm among the reserachers for its effective utilisation.

The participants were taken on a field visit to observe the tobacco germplasm, which included 28 different types representing FCV, non-FCV, and wild Nicotiana species, along with an explanation of their unique characteristics. Detailed information was also provided on the chilli and ashwagandha germplasm maintained at the farm. Additionally, the seed production plots of released varieties were showcased, and their distinct traits were explained.

More than 2,500 germplasm accessions were showcased, including 2,100 accessions of Tobacco, 380 accessions of Ashwagandha, and 65 accessions of chilli at the BSRA Farm.

Participants had the opportunity to observe the diverse morphological traits of germplasm of tobacco, chilli and aswagandha. Descisions were taken to utilize the available genetic diversity in different areas of commercial agriculture.

The event witnessed the participation of around 50 attendees, including Scientists, Technical Officers and Technicians.

(Source: ICAR- National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh)