The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, has unveiled eight innovative, high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of wheat, rice, and oilseeds, developed using radiation-based mutation breeding techniques. These non-GMO varieties, launched in partnership with state agricultural universities, aim to transform Indian agriculture by enhancing productivity and adaptability to diverse farming conditions.
Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, emphasized BARC’s contributions to improving farmer incomes and food security at the launch event. Vivek Bhasin, Director of BARC, described these varieties as a “boon for farmers,” highlighting their attributes such as early maturity, disease resistance, salt tolerance, and higher yields.
India’s wheat production faces challenges from rising temperatures, particularly during the grain-filling stage. For the first time, BARC has developed heat-tolerant wheat varieties. The Trombay Jodhpur Wheat-153 (TJW-153), created in collaboration with Jodhpur Agriculture University, is designed for Rajasthan’s arid conditions. It resists fungal diseases like blast and powdery mildew, ensuring stable yields despite heat stress. Another variety, Trombay Raj Vijay Wheat-155 (TRVW-155), developed with Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior, offers enhanced zinc and iron content, improved ‘chapati’-making quality, and resistance to fungal diseases.
In rice, BARC has introduced Bauna Luchai-CTLM, a dwarf, early-maturing variety with lodging resistance, developed with IGKV, Raipur, for Chhattisgarh. This variety delivers 40% higher yields than its parent, Luchai landrace, while retaining desirable cooking qualities. Another rice variety, Sanjeevani, is derived from the Layacha rice landrace and is enriched with over 350 phytochemicals known for their health benefits. Also developed with IGKV, Raipur, Sanjeevani addresses the growing demand for therapeutic rice varieties.
For saline coastal soils in Maharashtra, BARC introduced the Trombay Konkan Khara rice variety, developed in collaboration with Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. This variety achieves a 15% higher yield in saline conditions, enabling cultivation in previously unsuitable soils.
Additionally, BARC launched Trombay Jodhpur Mustard-2 (TJM-2), Trombay Latur Til-10 (TLT-10), and Chhattisgarh Trombay Mungfali (CGTM) oilseed varieties, offering farmers resilient and productive options tailored to India’s diverse agricultural landscape.
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