ICAR Achieves Major Milestone in Tur Dal Research, How It Will Help in Better Crops
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has achieved a major breakthrough in agricultural research by successfully creating the country's first complete genetic map of 'Asha,' a popular variety of Arhar (also known as 'Tur' or pigeon pea). Arhar is one of India's most important pulse crops and serves as a primary source of protein for millions of people.
This achievement provides scientists with a comprehensive understanding of the plant's genetic makeup. Previously, ICAR had released the world's first draft genetic map of Arhar in 2011 and an improved version in 2017; the new version is the most detailed and accurate to date.
How new genetic map will assist researchers
The new genetic map will assist researchers in identifying genes responsible for high yield, superior nutritional quality, resistance to pests and diseases, and tolerance to drought and changing climatic conditions. This will facilitate the development of improved Arhar varieties capable of producing higher yields with fewer resources.
This success will boost productivity
This success is expected to benefit scientists, plant breeders, and ultimately farmers by boosting productivity and increasing incomes. It will also strengthen India's food and nutritional security by aiding in the development of superior pulse varieties.
This achievement advances the Government of India's 'Mission on Self-Sufficiency in Pulses' (2025–26 to 2030–31). The mission aims to make the country self-reliant in pulse production through improved seeds, modern farming techniques, and better post-harvest infrastructure, while also reducing imports, increasing farmers' income, and raising annual pulse production to approximately 35 million tonnes by 2030–31.