Five New Seed Breeding Facilities Planned at ICAR Institutes
Why in the news
The government plans five advanced seed breeding units at ICAR institutes to speed up better crop varieties.
Key facts
- Total facilities: two to seven by FY26.
- Goal: crop varieties that yield more, resist disease and withstand climate stress.
- Tight control of temperature, light, humidity and day length allows up to four generations yearly.
- Cycle cut from 6-10 years to 2-3 years.
| Crop focus | Institute | City |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | CICR | Nagpur |
| Rice | IIRR | Hyderabad |
| Multiple crops | IARI | New Delhi |
| Agri-biotechnology | IIAB | Ranchi |
| Maize | IIMR | Ludhiana |
Exam angle
- Seven facilities by FY26; rice centre IIRR Hyderabad.