Dibrugarh: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Assam Agricultural University (AAU) have renewed a decade-old partnership to develop improved crop varieties through mutation breeding.BARC, Mumbai, and AAU, Jorhat, signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov 4 to advance collaborative research and develop varieties aimed at increasing farmers’ income.Supported by the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, the partnership has produced encouraging results through radiation-induced mutation breeding. Achievements include Sugandhi (AAU-JRT-Trombay Dhan-2), a high-yielding, lodging-tolerant rice variety resistant to blast and sheath blight and tolerant to stem borer. Other promising mutant lines include TJR2, TJR14 and TJR15.Scientists are working to improve Kon Joha, Assam’s aromatic rice variety, while retaining its fragrance, fine grain quality and cooking properties. The traditional variety’s tall stature, susceptibility to lodging and late maturity limit its productivity.The renewed agreement is expected to support the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties suited to Assam and the wider northeastern region. It will provide students and young researchers with opportunities to participate in plant-breeding research.“This renewed collaboration between BARC and AAU will further strengthen agricultural research and innovation in the region. By combining scientific expertise and modern technologies, we hope to develop improved crop varieties that meet the needs of our farmers, enhance agricultural productivity and ultimately contribute to increasing farmers’ income. The research initiatives will also create valuable opportunities for young researchers and students,” said AAU registrar Damodar Barman.Scientists and officials from the institutions attended the signing ceremony.
