CALL VIII ONGOING PROJECTS Project title: Development of ...

CALL VIII

ONGOING PROJECTS

Project title: Development of sustainable management tools for the

invasive pest, Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in

maize

Project Code : 8001 Duration of project : Nov 2019 - Oct 2022

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 352.96204 PI Name : Dr. JC Sekhar

CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. N. Bakthavatsalam Dr. Vinay Kumari Kalia Dr. Jyothilakshmi Vadassery

Lead Centre : ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad Cooperating centres :

:

:

ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru

ICAR-IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi NIPGR, New Delhi

Objectives:

To identify fall armyworm (FAW) resistant germplasm and deciphering mechanisms of FAW resistance in maize

To develop potential bio-pesticides and semiochemicals for managing FAW

To identify suitable agro-ecological techniques to manage FAW

To identify the genomic regions determining resistance to FAW and introduce them in promising inbreds through MAS

To explore RNAi mediated management of FAW

Expected output:

Validated damage rating scale to screen maize germplasm for FAW resistance breeding

Native biopesticides (parasitoids, entomopathogenic microbes and botanicals) for FAW management identified

Large scale screening facility against FAW and identification of resistant inbreds/hybrids.

Information on mechanisms of FAW resistance in maize, viz., antixenosis & antibiosis

– morphological & biochemical traits (secondary metabolites with anti-herbivoral properties).

Deployment of FAW resistant inbred lines in developing maize hybrids

Suitable intercrops and crop management practices for FAW management developed

Information on genomic regions governing FAW resistance and transfer of potent genomic regions to promising maize inbreds for developing FAW resistant hybrids

through MAS.

dsRNA/ RNAi constructs potentially capable of FAW management (prototype)

Project title: Genome editing for imparting PRSV resistance

Project Code : 8002 Duration of project : Nov 2019 - Oct 2022 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 146.17252

PI Name : Dr. Anirban Roy CCPI Name : Dr. M. Krishna Reddy

Lead Centre : ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Cooperating centres : ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru

Objectives:

Genome editing of papaya eIF4E gene using CRISPR-Cas9 system.

CRISPR-Cas9 mediated editing of PRSV genome by transient delivery system.

Expected output:

Transgene-free PRSV resistance in papaya

CRISPR-Cas13a module against PRSV.

Virus based delivery system of CRISPR-Cas13a for inhibiting PRSV infection.

In vitro protocols for papaya developed would be valuable in rapid multiplication of

uniform hermaphrodite lines.

The knowledge gained from this project would open up new possibilities for the genetic

improvement of other horticultural crops for intractable problems such as bacterial nodal blight problem in pomegranate and wilt in guava etc..

Project title: Women Empowerment and Gender Sensitization –

Developing a Model for Bridging Gender Gap


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 127.47143

PI Name : Dr. Krishna Duhan

CCPI Name : Dr. Lipi Das Lead Centre : CCSHAU, Hisar Cooperating centres :

ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar

Objectives:

To identify and assess gender gap indicators for analysing gender disparity in rural areas.

To design Gender Sensitive Schematic Extension Model for addressing social and technological issues.

To optimize technological interventions for drudgery reduction and promoting

empowerment of rural women.

To assess the impact of the interventions in bridging the gender gap.

Expected output:

A database of identified gender gap indicators in study area.

Gender Sensitive Schematic Extension Model for addressing social and technological

issues.

Reduced drudgery level of women farmers.

Improved knowledge and skills regarding nutrition, marketing of farm produce and

multiplying the income of farm families through agro-horti-enterprise based farming system model.

Project title: Generation of BMPR-1B gene edited goats using

CRISPR/Cas9 technology to explore the functional role of BMPR-1B gene

on goat reproduction


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 378.16567 PI Name : Dr. Vikash Chandra CCPI Name : Dr. Partho Roy

Lead Centre : ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly Cooperating centres : IIT, Roorkee

Objectives:

Production of BMPR-1B gene knock out goat embryos using improved version of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system comprising of single guide RNA (SgRNA) and

recombinant SpCas9-HF1protein.

Generation of goat embryos with defined Booroola mutation in BMPR-1B gene using improved version of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system.

Generation of BMPR-IB gene edited goats by surgical transfer of BMPR-1B gene edited (knock out or with Booroola mutation) embryos into recipient goats

Monitoring of physiological parameters and reproductive performance of BMPR-1B

gene edited Sirohi goats.

Expected output:

Generate BMPR-IB gene edited Sirohi goats (least prolific, dual purpose & having high growth rate) to explore the functional role of BMPR-1B gene on goat reproduction and this will help to design strategies to improve reproduction in this species.

Protocol for knocking out or introducing point mutation in BMPR1B gene using improved version of CRISPR/Cas9 system utilizing recombinant SpCas9-HF1 protein,

will be established in mammalian system.

Project title: Development of electrochemical sensor tools for soil health

analysis


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 67.62558 PI Name : Dr. J. Mathiyarasu

CCPI Name : Dr. P. Kannan Lead Centre : CSIR-CERI, Tamil Nadu Cooperating centres : TNAU, Tamil Nadu

Objectives:

Development of efficient, low cost, easy to use electrochemical (EC) sensor kit for assessing soil health conditions.

Establishing electrochemical protocols for the estimation of soil health parameters

(specifically soil macro nutrient contents) with the developed sensor kit.

Validation and optimization of developed sensor kit equivalent to the methods already

available in the laboratory / field practices.

Expected output:

New sensor system based on real time, low cost and handy nutrient analyzer will be developed.

Water soluble nutrient based nutrient requirement will be standardized for major crops.

Water soluble nutrient based fertilizer recommendation will be developed.

Soil health card will be issued in right time to the farmers.

Crop productivity will be enhanced by soil test-based fertilizer application at right time

and right quantity.

Livelihood security of the farmers will be improved by reducing fertilizer cost and increasing net profit.

Sustain and protect the environment from excessive fertilizer application.

Project title: Understanding molecular basis of host-pathogen-

environment interaction of Tilapia Lake Virus Disease

Project Code : 8006

Duration of project : Nov 2019 - Oct 2022 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 184.41456

PI Name : Dr. P.K. Pradhan CCPI Name : Dr. K.V. Rajendran Lead Centre : ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow

Cooperating centres : ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai

Objectives:

To analyse genome-wide variation in Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) isolates from different geographical regions of India.

To decipher the dynamics of gene expression involved in host defense.

To determine the role of microbial co-infection in TiLV disease outbreaks.

To develop high-throughput diagnostic assay for TiLV.

To evaluate the susceptibility of important fish species including carps to TiLV

infection, and potential for vertical transmission of TiLV.

Expected output:

Genome sequences of TiLV isolates from different regions of the country would help in

understanding the genetic variation of different TiLV isolates and developing high-throughput qRT-PCR assays based on consensus sequences.

RNAseq data generated under dynamic disease situation would help in identifying cascade of genes involved in host susceptibility/resistance, which in turn could be used in marker-assisted selective breeding of TiLV-resistant lines.

Microbiome profile and understanding the role of co-infecting bacteria in TiLV infection will help in understanding the disease process.

High-throughput qRT-PCR assays for TiLV would be used in the detection of subclinical infection/carrier, which can be applied in the large-scale disease surveillance.

Information about susceptibility of different fish species including carps and vertical transmission of TiLV would help in taking precautionary measures to prevent the

spread of the disease.

Project title: Exploiting encapsulated nanoparticle conjugated

phytochemicals to combat antimicrobial resistance in poultry


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 151.92524 PI Name : Dr. Deepak B Rawool

CCPI Name : :

Dr. Nitin Vasantrao Kurkure Dr. Jess Vergis

Lead Centre : ICAR-NRC on Meat, Hyderabad

Cooperating centres : :

NVC, MAFSU, Nagpur CVAC, KVASU, Kerala

Objectives:

To identify specific phytochemicals against multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens (E. coli and non-typhoidal Salmonella) in poultry.

To conjugate and/or encapsulate phytochemicals using appropriate nanoparticles and polymer for their targeted delivery.

To evaluate the phytochemicals for their antibacterial efficacy against targeted MDR-

pathogens employing in vitro and in vivo models and to validate in poultry.

Expected output:

The proposal will identify effective phytochemicals for its therapeutic usage in animals.

An alternative treatment strategy against MDR pathogens [Non-typhoidal Salmonella

(S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium) and Escherichia coli] will be in place.

Research publications in peer-reviewed journals and patents.

Students trained under this project will be efficient human resource individuals in future

to take up frontier research in this field.

Project title: Delineating the effector biology of phytoplasma affecting

selected crop taxa in India with special emphasis on sesame (Sesamum

indicum L.)


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 155.77922 PI Name : Dr. Suman Lakhanpaul CCPI Name : Dr. V. Dinesh Kumar

Lead Centre : Delhi University (DU), Delhi Cooperating centres : ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad

Objectives:

Characterization of the selected effector molecule namely SAP54 from Phytoplasma affected sesame plants and its interacting partners (IP) in sesame and its wild allies.

In planta validation of interaction between SAP54 and its interacting partners in

sesame, Nicotiana benthamiana as well as periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).

Identification of the host genes and the pathways targeted by effector molecules for

phyllody development.

Analysis of genetic diversity in the SAP54 from diverse groups of Phytoplasma affecting sesame crop and its associated taxa in different parts of India.

Expected output:

Orthologs of effector molecules from different Phytoplasma groups affecting diverse economically important crop plants of India.

Large scale cDNA libraries from Phytoplasma affected host plants useful for many further studies aimed at studying host plant as well as Phytoplasma genome and its functioning.

Interacting partners of these effector molecules involved in plant-microbe interaction that will detect the key molecules of host machinery being targeted by Phytoplasma for

phyllody disease development.

Proof of concept to say that effector molecule (ortholog of SAP54 from Phytoplasma causing phyllody in sesame) is the key protein involved in manifestation of the

phyllody disease symptoms in sesame.

Establishing the interaction between SAP54 and the interacting proteins from sesame

Deciphering the evolutionary patterns governing the divergence in the selected effector molecules that will help in understanding disease outbreak patterns.

Identification of conserved and variable domains of these effector molecules for their

appropriate use as tools as well as targets for developing control measures.

Project title: Pork Marketing Chains in North East India for Sustainable

Livelihood of Tribal Women (Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland)

Project Code : 8009

Duration of project : Dec 2019 - Nov 2022 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 121.10654

PI Name : Dr. Mahua Bhattacharjee CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. Kadirvel Govidaswamy Dr. Mahak Singh

Dr. Misha Madhavan M. Lead Centre : Amity University, Noida

Cooperating centres :

:

ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Meghalaya ICAR-NRCP, Rani, Guwahati

Objectives:

To analyze pig/pork price determinants and to estimate the critical points to

indicate the efficiency of value chain.

Assessment of the factors that pose challenges/ health risk to women in participating in pork value chain.

Formulate an action plan and framework for tribal women to generate sustainable livelihood and economic empowerment with the family by participating in pork

value chain.

Design customized knowledge products and implement on pilot scale in one

district of each state and assess their outcome.

Expected output:

Mapping the existence and potentiality of livelihood based on livestock in North East tribal belt (Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam) at gender perspective.

Factors influencing farmers’ decision to keep livestock in selected region in the lens of

gender and social group.

Roadmap for improvement of livestock (pig) quality, market linkage and further

investment plan to achieve a self-sustaining model.

Comprehensive framework considering the interface of livestock (pig) and livelihood for women.

Innovative value added chain by linking public and private value chain actors.

Sustainable livelihood of tribal women by attaining health and financial security.

Project title: Identification of QTLs for subcomponent traits of WUE

through strategic utilization of whole genome sequences and accurate

phenotyping in rice

Project Code : 8010

Duration of project : Dec 2019 - Nov 2022 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 173.78260 PI Name : Dr. M.S. Sheshshayee

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. M. Raveendran Dr. Prasanta Dash

Lead Centre : UAS, Bengaluru Cooperating centres :

:

TNAU, Tamil Nadu ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi

Objectives:

Assemble a panel of germplasm from the 3K set based on differences in WUE (Δ13C) and genomic diversity.

Identification of QTLs regulating WUE and its component traits through GWAS

Validation of haplotypes of specific WUE component traits using trait specific bi-

parental mapping populations to develop breeder friendly markers for genetic enhancement.

Expected output:

Subcomponent traits/mechanisms contributing to variations in WUE will be identified in Rice.

Allelic variations in genes that regulate these subcomponent traits will be identified.

Contrasts for specific traits would form the basis for molecular understanding of trait

diversity.

Robust functional haplotypes for specific traits and their donor genotypes would serve to initiate focused marker assisted backcross breeding to improve rice cultivars to drier

target locations.

Functional haplotype based breeding would enhance the precision of genetic

enhancement efforts in sustaining productivity and saving water in the changing environmental scenario.

This will provide a proof-of-concept for trait targeted crop improvement that can be extended to other crops.

Project title: Improving rural livelihood security of tribal and resource

constrained farmers of North Bihar through low cost technology of

Animal Husbandry and allied sector

Project Code : 8011 Duration of project : Dec 2019 - Nov 2022

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 127.48444 PI Name : Dr. Pankaj Kumar CCPI Name : Dr. Sanjeev Kumar

Lead Centre : BASU, Patna Cooperating centres :

ICAR-CARI, Izatnagar

Objectives:

To study the change in basic behavioral component as a consequence of adopting low cost technology and value addition in animal husbandry and allied sector.

To assess the differential effect of adoption of low cost technology across different categories of farmers and promotion of paravets.

To study the different training modules for improving the adoption level of tribal and

non-tribal farmers in animal husbandry and extent of veterinary extension services

To study the constraints faced by tribal and non-tribal farmers for adoption of different

AH practices and suggest measures to mitigate the problems.

Documentation of Traditional Knowledge and establishment of market linkages for

tribal/resource constrained farmers and FPOs.

Expected output:

Ensuring livelihood security for tribals and landless farmers through low cost technologies on animal husbandry and allied sectors, and identification of basic and fundamental issues for future research.

Project title: Farmer-led extension strategy for enhancing farmers’

income through millets-based farming system in hilly and tribal areas

Project Code : 8012


PI Name : Dr. Rajendra R. Chapke CCPI Name : Dr. E. D. Oliver King Lead Centre : ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad


MSSRF, Chennai

Objectives:

To identify millet farmer facilitators (MFFs) and study their characteristics in view to

perform effective extension services in hilly and tribal areas.

To empower MFFs through group approach, on-farm trainings and mobile-based

information and communication technologies (ICTs) for enhancing income of millet farmers.

To strengthen decision making of millet farmers and introduce suitable millets-based

farming systems comprising, millet intercropping, livestock and bee keeping for

livelihood security of millet farmers.

To assess effectiveness of MFFs, ways, avenues for extension services and the MFFs’ characteristics desired by millets farmers in hilly and tribal areas.

Expected output:

Bridging extension gaps at community level using farmer-led extension strategy.

8-10 Village level millet farmer facilitators (MFFs) identified for enhancing

productivity and farmers’ income in sustainable way.

Competent MFFs and their characteristics for strengthening the local extension system.

8-10 MFFs with target of serving a group of 25-30 farmers each during season.

Location-specific potential millets production technology package for increasing productivity for trait-specific value-added products.

Extension materials (leaflets, activity schedule, video on farm operations, etc.) to provide timely and up-dated information support.

Effective extension services through chain of local formal or informal agents and

agencies.

Validated farmer-led farm field school for skill development on millets

4-5 millet farmer groups (MFGs), encouraging mechanism sustainable and effective functions of MFFs at village level.

Mobile-based advisory to strengthen extension services of MFFs with updated information.

Linkages with local extension agencies and entrepreneurs for effective extension services at village level.

Suitable location-specific farmers-led extension model for faster transfer of millet technologies in hilly and tribal areas.

Building faith among local farmers on services of extension agents and confident for

adoption of millet technologies.

Strengthen decision making process supported with timely advisory services and up-

dated knowledge.

A validated farmer-led extension model for hilly and tribal areas emphasizing on nutritional standard.

Project title: Leveraging Institutional Innovations for Inclusive and

Market led Agricultural Growth in Eastern India

Project Code : 8013


PI Name : Dr. Pramod Kumar CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. P.S Badal Dr. Biswajit Mondal

Dr. Ranjit K Paul Mr. Sathyendra Kumar

Lead Centre : ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Cooperating centres :

:

:

:

BHU, Varanasi ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack

ICAR-IASRI, New Delhi NIAM, Jaipur

Objectives:

To analyze farmers’ access and inclusiveness to input and output markets and to

identify critical intervention points for the improvement of farmers’-based institutions for enhancing income.

To develop expert system using artificial intelligence techniques for dissemination of market intelligence to various stakeholders.

To develop Village Agri-Knowledge Centers (VAKC) to bring resilience in the existing

farmer-based institutions like FPOs, Farmers’ club etc..

Expected output:

Identification of constraints in access to quality and quantity of critical inputs and

agricultural services.

Farmers’ preference for different market channels, reasons for preference and

constraints will be identified.

Agriculture Knowledge Network of farmers and extension agencies.

Share and determinants of farm income and potential for enhancing income.

Better performing value chains of different crops will be identified.

Income of farm households will be computed.

Market information on different stakeholders and selecting important commodities.

Demand and supply projections and Price forecasting for selected commodities.

Valid and reliable estimation of demand, supply and prices.

Development and validation of price forecasting models and expert systems.

Identification of location specific technological and institutional innovations.

Strategies to scale up the institutional innovations for efficient agricultural input &

output market.

Development of price forecasts for selected commodities based on different models

integrating empirical and judgmental forecasts integrating advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Development of “Scientists-Farmers-Markets Linkage Model” for providing

information needs for enhancing farmers income and welfare.

Project title: Development and Validation of Need Based Technology

Delivery Model through Farmers’ Producer Organization for Eastern

Region of India

Project Code : 8014 Duration of project : Dec 2019 - Nov 2022

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 122.22866 PI Name : Dr. Anirban Mukherjee CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. Virendra Kumar Yadav

Dr. Shubhadeep Roy Dr. Kausik Pradhan

Lead Centre : ICAR-RCER, Patna Cooperating centres :

:

:

ICAR-RCER (RC), Ranchi ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi

UBKV, West Bengal Objectives:

To develop and strengthen Farmers Producer Organizations in the study area.

To develop need based Technology Delivery Model through the Farmers’ Producer

Organizations in eastern region of India.

To study the effectiveness and factors influencing successful functioning of the model.

To suggest policy implications for up scaling of the model.

Expected output:

FPO based Technology delivery model.

Group dynamics mechanism in FPO based TDM.

Typologies of Leadership roles for FPO based TDM.

Farmers to farmers’ technology diffusion process through SNA.

Factors influencing successful functioning of the Model.

Strategies and policy suggestion for up scaling of TDM.

Development of FPO.

Strengthening of three FPOs (one each from, Bihar, UP & WB).

Empowerment of farmers through technology delivery model (Farmers Empowerment

Index).

Project title: Development of biosensors for detection of fish pathogenic

bacteria and hazardous metalloids in selected water bodies

Project Code : 8015 Duration of project : Mar 2020 – Feb 2023

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 307.04000 PI Name : Dr B.K. Behera

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. D. Pradhan Dr. Souvik Pal

Lead Centre : ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore


:

IIT, Kharagpur C-DAC, Kolkata

Objectives:

To develop biosensors for detection of hazardous metalloids such as arsenic and chromium.

To develop biosensors for detection of fish pathogenic bacteria such as Aeromonas veroni.

To develop working prototypes of hand-held nano-biosensing device and validation at selected waterbodies.

Expected output:

Scientific outputs:

Novel nanostructured materials for biosensing application.

Advanced receptors for metalloids and fish pathogenic bacteria detection.

Field deployable bio-sensing systems for detection and quantification of priority

metalloids (As and Cr) and fish pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas veroni).

Societal impact:

The impact of the proposed multidisciplinary approach will be enormous since the same will change the outlook of Fish Farmers, and Fisherman and agencies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate

Change, Govt. of India, State Pollution Control Boards, Various Industries, State Water Resources Department, State Fisheries Departments and Food Safety Standards

Authority of India (FSSAI), Export Inspection Agency (EIA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Govt. of India, etc.

In another way, this will have beneficial effects on the export business of the country.

The spatial and temporal distribution of contaminants, studying the extent of contamination and an assessment demands the development of innovative devices with

enhanced sensitivity, specificity, precision, speed, and portability.

Project title: Developing precision nutrient management protocols for

rice-wheat and rice-maize systems in Indo-Gangetic Plains


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 283.18178 PI Name : Dr. Anchal Dass

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. S Mandal Dr. R.P. Mishra

Lead Centre : ICAR-IARI, New Delhi


:

ICAR-RCER, Patna ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut

Objectives:

To assess the variability in crop and soil conditions for delineating homogeneous

agricultural management zones in IGP for rice-wheat and rice-maize cropping systems.

To analyze the production limiting resources and develop optimum nutrient stewardship.

To develop precision nutrient management protocols through simulation of nutrient dynamics in soil-plant system.

To develop spatial DSS for enhancing nutrient-use efficiency under specified cropping

systems of IGP.

Expected output:

Delineation and prioritization of nutrient and related resources for various biophysical

regimes of IGP.

Nutrient budgeting under rice-wheat and rice-maize in IGP.

Indices for nutrient stress monitoring in different cropping systems using conventional

and novel non- destructive approaches.

Efficient nutrient management protocols for rice-wheat and rice-maize systems under

varying farming situations in the IGP.

Increased productivity, profitability, nutrient use efficiency and environmental resilience leading to enhanced sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the IGP.

Decision support tool for precision nutrient management.

Project title: Dendritic cell platforms for in vitro and in vivo studies of

antigen processing and presentation in cattle for combined vaccine

antigens using Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and Pasteurella multocida as model

Project Code : 8017 Duration of project : Mar 2020 – Feb 2023 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 238.74392

PI Name : Dr Kondabatula CCPI Name :

:

Dr. Praveen Kumar Vemula

Dr. Saravanan Subramaniam Lead Centre : ICAR-IVRI, Bengaluru Cooperating centres :

:

InStem, Bengaluru

ICAR-DFMD, Mukteswar

Objectives:

To develop novel adjuvants consisting of P. multocida Bacterial Ghosts (BGs) and

Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) and FMDV antigens attached to nano delivery systems for targeting antigen to bovine dendritic cells (DCs).

To develop dendritic cells platform to investigate the role of dendritic cells in HS, FMD antigen processing and presentation in vitro.

To evaluate innate and adaptive immune responses elicited by the developed HS-FMD

virus antigen platforms in cattle.

Duration of immunity studies and evaluation of cellular memory related markers

/cytokines for the developed HS-FMD antigen model systems.

Expected output:

Identification of suitable ligands BGs/OMVs /receptors for bovine dendritic cell

targeting.

Development of methods to conjugate/encapsulate ligands BGs/OMVs and FMDV antigens with nano vaccine delivery system.

Understanding of FMDV antigen processing and presentation and for enhanced immunity with P multocida ligands.

Development of improved HS, FMD vaccine that is safe, potent with increased duration

of immunity.

Novel adjuvants to deliver FMD vaccine antigens, conventional, to dendritic cells for

enhancing the FMD, HS immunity.

Project title: Paddy straw residues management through in-situ and ex-

situ microbial decomposition and mechanical interventions


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 244.18587 PI Name : Dr Paneerselvam

CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. Indra Mani Dr. Sandeep Sharma Dr. R.S. Garhwal

Lead Centre : ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack Cooperating centres :

:

:

ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

PAU, Ludhiana CCSHAU, Hisar

Objectives:

To develop microbial consortium for rapid in-situ decomposition of paddy straw.

To study the design values for efficient cutting, conveying, chopping mechanisms and their

integration for in-situ decomposition of rice residues.

To standardize microbial package for paddy straw residues management through incorporation of residues in soil and residues retention with zero tillage.

On farm evaluation and validations of microbial technology with mechanical interventions for

in situ paddy straw residue management in different locations in Punjab and Haryana.

Expected output:

Efficient microbial strains along with integrated mechanical accelerator will be

available for effective paddy straw decomposition.

Microbial consortium package will be available for rapid decomposition of paddy straw

under in-situ field conditions.

Simple eco-friendly microbial and engineering technology for in-situ management of paddy straw.

Project title: Molecular biological studies on porcine reproductive &

respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in pig population of North East

Region of India for development of sustainable diagnostics and vaccine

Project Code : 8019

Duration of project : Mar 2020 – Feb 2023 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 252.09865 PI Name : Dr. Tridib Kumar Rajkhowa

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. Madhuri Subbiah Dr Seema Rani Pegu

Lead Centre : CVSc & AH, CAU, Selesih, Aizawl Cooperating centres :

:

NIAB, Hyderabad ICAR-NRCP, Rani, Guwahati

Objectives:

Extensive sero-surveillance, clinico-pathological studies and molecular diagnosis of

PRRS in pig population of North East Region of India (NER, India) for a period of three years.

Isolation of PRRSV from field outbreaks.

Full genome sequencing of the field isolates of PRRSV through next generation sequencing.

Development of pen side diagnostics for rapid detection of PRRS and DIVA ELISA for differentiating vaccinated versus infected animals.

Development of a killed PRRSV and a recombinant chimeric PCV1-2 expressing PRRSV antigen(s) DIVA vaccine and testing their immunogenicity in pigs.

Expected output:

Extensive sero-surveillance of PRRS in pig population of NER, India will provide the information regarding prevalence pattern and magnitude of the PRRS.

Molecular diagnosis of the disease will confirm the disease outbreaks without delay.

A collection of PRRSV isolates circulating and causing outbreaks in NER, India, will

be available.

Full genome sequencing of the isolates by next generation sequencing technology will

be helpful to understand the molecular epidemiology and characterization of the isolates.

A rapid and sensitive on farm and laboratory diagnostic tools for early screening of PRRSV will be developed based on the sequence information from the field isolates of

PRRSV strains.

A DIVA ELISA will be optimized to differentiate vaccinated animals from PRRSV

infected animals.

An indigenous killed vaccine, which will be homologous to circulating strain, will be

developed both by killing vaccine candidate from field isolates by UV irradiation or by treating with binary ethylenimine (BEI) and will be used with Freund's Adjuvant as

vaccine. Such vaccine could provide better immunity than any other commercially available heterologous imported vaccine. To alleviate the fear of attenuated virus reverting back to virulence, we will test the immunogenicity of the killed attenuated

virus for testing its potential as a vaccine.

A recombinant chimeric DIVA vaccine to overcome the difficulties associated with MLV vaccine will be developed (PCV1-2 expressing PRRSV antigen(s)).

Project title: Development of white grub (Holotrichia serrata) resistance

in sugarcane and groundnut by deploying novel cry toxin holotype genes

Project Code : 8020 Duration of project : Aug 2020 - July 2022

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 79.23028 PI Name : Dr. C. Appunu

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. Pooja Bhatnagar Mathur Dr. Harish, G

Lead Centre : ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore


:

ICRISAT, Patancheru ICAR-DGR, Junagard

Objectives:

Isolation and purification of individual cry8 toxins (cry8Sa1 and cry8Ib) from native Bacillus thuringiensis 62 isolate.

Cloning and expression of cry8 toxin (cry8Sa1 and cry8Ib) genes in cry negative (acrystalliferous) strain B. thuringiensis HD73- and/or E.coli system.

Bioassay of individual toxins and determination of LC50 against all instars of whitegrub

(H. serrata).

Transgenic development in sugarcane and groundnut with most potent cry gene driven by

constitutive/root specific promoters.

Expected output:

Globally, there is an ongoing debate for exploiting full benefits of modern biology

in addressing the problems of food, nutrition and ecological security. Generation of transgenic sugarcane and groundnut varieties with resistance to white grub is expected to increase productivity and give better return to the farming community.

This would also help to improve profit to sugarcane and groundnut based sugar and oil industries, respectively. Crystal toxin genes (Cry8Sa1 and Cry8Ib) to be used in

this study are cloned from Indian Bt isolates and hence there is a potential for IP development of high value varieties, reduced cost of cultivation and higher profits to farmers.

Project title: Risk assessment of nanoparticle accumulation in soils:

Effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on soil bacterial communities, soil

microbial processes and evaluation of phytotoxicity using genomic approaches

Project Code : 8021 Duration of project : Aug 2020 - July 2023 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 74.20888

PI Name : Dr. R Dinesh CCPI Name : Dr. V. Sajith

Lead Centre : ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode Cooperating centres :

NIT, Calicut

Objectives:

To determine the effects of metal oxide NPs (ZnO, SiO2, CaO) on key microbial endpoints

(Microbial biomass-C, -N, -P, enzyme activities) involved in soil nutrient cycling.

To study the effects of metal oxide NPs (ZnO, SiO2, CaO) on abundance and diversity in bacterial community and associated bacterial community shifts in soils of varying organic C

levels (low, medium and high).

To study the effects of metal oxide NPs (ZnO, SiO2, CaO) on abundance and diversity in bacterial community and associated bacterial community shifts in soils of varying pH (acidic, near neutral to neutral and alkaline).

Transcriptome profiling and differential gene expression analysis vis a vis NP mediated

phytotoxicity and impact on biosynthetic pathways in turmeric and rice.

Expected output:

Evidence on the effects of metal oxide NPs (ZnO, SiO2, CaO) on critical

microbial endpoints like microbial biomass, soil respiration, metabolic quotient etc. and key enzyme activities involved in soil nutrient transformations.

The critical NP levels at which stimulation/ inhibition of microbial processes occurs.

The degree of shifts in soil bacterial communities in soils with varying pH

added with NPs.

Mechanisms involved in the detoxifying effects of soil organic C (SOC)

concentrations in agricultural soils exposed to such NPs. Key bacterial species that are resilient to metal oxide NPs in soils for further

use in bioremediation in contaminated soils.

Molecular level information on phytotoxicity and plant NP interaction and availability of related gene markers, in depth information on genes, pathways and networks affected/upregulated under NP application

Understanding on the molecular mechanism of nanoparticle-mediated phytotoxicity and impact on key biosynthetic pathways is essential for

developing genotypes with improved performance under NP stress conditions.

The information will be vital to support policy decisions on fixing critical limits for safe intake when large scale application of NPs in agriculture is considered.

Project title: Identification and validation of newer approaches for the

management of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Project Code : 8022 Duration of project : Aug 2020 - July 2023

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 190.13817 PI Name : Dr. T. Venkatesan

CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. S. Subramanian Dr. R. Asokan Dr. Vikas Jindal

Lead Centre : ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru Cooperating centres :

:

:


ICAR- IIHR, Bengaluru PAU, Ludhiana

Objectives:

Evaluation of potential ds RNAi constructs against whitefly B.tabaci

Characterization and validation of behaviour modifying chemicals of B. tabaci and developing

nano dispensers for their release.

Development, evaluation and validation of nano formulation of cognate dsRNA/s against B. tabaci.

Expected output:

Major Output

Cloning of various target genes (20 genes).

Concatamarization of dsRNAs - potent target genes.

Development of nanodispensors for delivery of repellence/attractance of B.tabaci on the host plants.

Spray formulation of dsRNA for the management of B. tabaci.

Major Outcome

Novel management strategies for whitefly, B.tabaci.

Effective management of B. tabaci esp. vector using repellent/ attractant activity.

Field applicable technology for dsRNA-based control of white fly.

Project title: Development of thermostable Peste des petits ruminants

(PPR) vaccine using spontaneously assembling, biodegradable

mesoporous silica nano-scaffolds

Project Code : 8023 Duration of project : Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 158.01544 PI Name : Dr. Sonal CCPI Name :

Lead Centre : ICAR- IVRI, Izatnagar Cooperating centres :

Objectives:

To synthesize and characterize mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs).

To encapsulate PPR vaccine virus in MSNs and characterize for virus loading and release

kinetics.

Expected output:

Product:- Thermostable PPR vaccine formulation.

Method:- Method for thermostabilization of PPR vaccine virus using MSN.

Concept:- Mesoporous silica scaffolds for thermostabilization of PPR virus.

Project title: Fine mapping and marker-assisted breeding for alternative

dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 to develop semi-dwarf wheat genotype

suitable for conservation agriculture


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 152.88224 PI Name : Dr. Ravindra M. Patil CCPI Name : Dr. Harikrishna

Lead Centre : MACS - ARI, Pune Cooperating centres :


Objectives:

Fine mapping of Rht14 and Rht18 loci in durum wheat using SNP and SSR markers.

Analysis of expression of putative candidate genes within Rht14 and Rht18 loci by RNAseq and qRT-PCR using tissues of peduncle at different growth stages to gain insight into the

participation of these genes in stem elongation.

Marker-assisted introgression of GA-sensitive dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in the

background of well adapted, high yielding bread wheat, durum wheat and dicoccum wheat varieties.

Evaluation of Rht14 and Rht18 introgressed lines for early establishment traits under stubble

retained conditions as well as moisture-stressed conditions.

Expected output:

Project addresses major issue of stubble burning in North West Plain Zone under Rice-

Wheat cropping system. Wheat cultivars with longer coleoptile and improved establishment traits will be less affected by left-over crop residues / stubbles as compared cultivars carrying Rht1, thereby helping conservation agriculture through

reduced incidences of stubble burning.

The project will generate useful wheat genetic resources compatible to early and deeper sowing to use residual moisture from the rainy season; that will allow farmers to save one irrigation and thus increase water use efficiency.

Gene-specific diagnostic DNA markers will be available for highly efficient selection

of Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat improvement programs.

Genetic basis for alternate dwarfism/GA-sensitive dwarfism in wheat will be

understood.

A large quantity of genomic and transcriptomic data will be generated for future use in

wheat improvement.

This project aims to provide alternative dwarfing genes introgressed into Indian cultivars for improvement in seedling vigour, plant stature, harvest index, lodging

resistance and root traits.

Promising introgression lines will be made available for wheat breeders for utilization in wheat improvement programme.

Project title: Production of double-muscled mass farm animals using

CRISPR


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 465.74525 PI Name : Dr. Selokar Naresh Lalaji

CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. S.D. Kharche Dr. Riaz Ahmad Shah Dr. Dharmendra Kumar

Lead Centre : ICAR-CIRB, Hisar Cooperating centres :

:

:

ICAR-CIRG, Makhdum

SKUAST, Kashmir ICAR-CIRB, Hisar

Objectives:

Design of CRISPR vectors/complexes to mutate muscle growth controlling gene(s) against buffalo, goat and sheep genome.

Validation of gene(s) mutation(s) and its function.

Production of CRISPR edited farm animals.

Expected output:

Optimization of CRISPR editing techniques in livestock in India.

Availability of CRISPR vectors to edit India’s domestic animals, including cattle.

Production of edited buffalo, goats and sheep in India.

Generation on information and knowledge on how to edit genome of buffalo and goat.

Project title: Captive Breeding of Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha: Phase II

Project Code : 8026

Duration of project : Mar 2021 - Feb 2024 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 574.78504 PI Name : Dr. Srikanta Samanta

CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. Debasis De Dr. D. N. Chattopadhyay

Dr. S. Dasgupta Lead Centre : ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Cooperating centres :

:

:

ICAR- CIBA, Chennai

ICAR- CIFA, Bhubaneswar ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai

Objectives:

Development of captive hilsa brood stock through nutritional and environmental manipulations.

Development of protocol for captive maturation and spawning of hilsa.

Refinement of hilsa larval rearing technology.

Expected output:

Captive hilsa brood stock developed.

Suitable inducing agent for hilsa spawning.

Refined hilsa larval rearing protocol.

Project title: Epidemiological studies and development of antiviral

therapeutics against coronaviruses

Project Code : 8027 Duration of project : Jun 2021 - May 2024

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 306.42028 PI Name : Dr. Baldev R Gulati

CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr Anamika Mishra Dr. Gaurav K Sharma Dr. K.P. Suresh

Lead Centre : NRCE, Hisar Cooperating centres :

:

:

NIHSAD, Bhopal

IVRI, Izatnagar NIVEDI, Bengaluru

Objectives:

To study the epidemiology and interspecies relatedness of coronaviruses.

Evaluation of host-directed chemical inhibitors and medicinal plants for anti-CoV activity

Expected output:

The study will help in the identification of different corona viruses circulating among animals in India.

Generation of baseline epidemiological data for implementation of control measures

against COVID-19. Evaluation of role (if any) of domesticated livestock and pet animals in virus harbouring and disease transmission

Developing the frame containing the list of villages, livestock population and other risk factors associated with CoVs

Deliverables are optimal and feasible sampling plan (region specific) and predicted spatial clusters, hotspot maps and risk maps which helps the policy makers and planners to improve the disease risk management

Preparedness for any new emerging and re-emerging novel corona viral like infections

in near future.

Detailed genetic studies on corona viruses from different animal/poultry population will

aid in understanding their inter-species transmission possibilities

Characterized reference corona virus isolates will be available in the NCVTC repository for future research works.

Development of a pseudotyped virus particle system to study various aspects of coronaviruses without the need of a containment facility

Identification of compounds with potential therapeutic effects against Coronaviurs

including COVID-19

Understanding the role of cellular kinases, phosphatses and epigenetic modifiers in Coronavirus replication

Understanding drug resistance against host-directed Coronavirus agents

Project title: Development of Diagnostics for Coronavirus infections

Project Code : 8028

Duration of project : Jun 2021 - May 2023 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 244.10576 PI Name : Dr Praveen K. Gupta

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. Nitin Virmani Dr. Naveen Kumar

Lead Centre : IVRI, Izatnagar Cooperating centres :

:

NRCE, Hisar NIHSAD, Bhopal

Objectives:

To develop array of diagnostic tools for sensitive detection of Coronavirus antigen and

antibodies in clinical samples

To develop nucleic acid-based diagnostic assay to detect Coronavirus infections

Expected output:

Coronavirus-specific reagents like, recombinant proteins (Nucleocapsid and Spike),

antigens of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies including, monoclonal

antibodies

ELISA (indirect and competitive) and chemiluminescence assay for detection of SARS-

CoV-2 antibodies in serum

Antigen capture/sandwich ELISA for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples

“Point-of-care” nucleic acid based diagnostics for rapid detection of SARS-COV-2 in

animals and human

Project title: Studies on host pathogen interaction and development of

vaccine against zoonotic coronaviruses

Project Code : 8029

Duration of project : Jun 2021 - May 2024 Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 379.15880

PI Name : Dr. Sandeep Bhatia CCPI Name :

:

Dr. C. Madhan Mohan Dr. B. C. Bera

Lead Centre : NIHSAD, Bhopal Cooperating centres :

:

IVRI, Izatnagar

NRCE, Hisar Objectives:

To conduct host pathogen interaction studies to identify molecular mechanisms of susceptibility/resistance to SARS CoV-2 in different animal hosts.

To develop vaccine candidates for SARS-CoV-2 using inactivated whole virus,

Newcastle disease virus vector and m-RNA based platforms.

Screening of animal models for suitability in vaccine challenge studies for SARS COV-

2 and evaluation of the vaccine candidates for protective efficacy in the animal model.

Expected output:

The study will develop a number of vaccine candidates for induction of humoral and

cell-mediated immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

The study will lead us to many of the unknown factors of -, susceptibility/resistance,

transmission and pathology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in respect of different hosts.

Project title: Harnessing haplotype diversity of genes controlling yield,

stress tolerance and resource use efficiency traits in rice for accelerating

genetic gains


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 220.59098 PI Name : Dr. M. Raveendran CCPI Name :

:

:

Dr. Ranjith Kumar Ellur

Dr. M. Sheshu Madhav Dr. M.S. Sheshshayee

Lead Centre : TNAU, Coimbatore Cooperating centres :

:

:

IARI, New Delhi IIRR, Hyderabad

UAS, Bengaluru Objectives:

To assess the genetic diversity in yield, stress tolerance and resource use efficiency traits in the Indian subset of 3K Genome Panel

To survey the sequence diversity and identification of superior haplotype of major

genes controlling yield and climate resilience traits in the Indian subset of 3K Genome

panel

Validation of superior haplotypes and developing markers for breeding applications

Expected output:

Trait mapped panel of traditional rice varieties/ landraces of Indian origin exhibiting

diversity for yield potential, nutritional quality, tolerance against major biotic/abiotic stresses and resource use efficiency, which will be useful as donors in breeding

programme, gene mapping and molecular analyses.

An Indian database containing phenotypic and genomic information of 396 rice lines of

Indian origin, which can be used by other researchers for data mining

Identification of Novel alleles of elite candidate genes (≈ 100 - 150 genes) associated with yield, stress tolerance and resource use efficiency from Indian germplasm which will be useful for trait pyramiding by MAS

A diagnostic chip for precise gene selection(s) in breeding population(s) developed

A MAGIC population in rice involving 3-4 elite genotypes and diverse Indian

germplasm lines will be developed

Pre-breeding genetic stocks accessible to breeding program(s) will be developed

Capacity building in allele mining, GWAS, MAGIC, etc.

Project title: Development of nano sensor and its application through

cloud based network for real time irrigation to soil and plant


Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 291.01794 PI Name : Dr. Tapan Adhikari

CCPI Name :

:

Dr. C. D. Singh Dr. Samir Kumar Pal

Lead Centre : IISS, Bhopal


:

CIAE, Bhopal S N Bose NSBS, Kolkata

Objectives:

Development of contact and non-contact nano sensors for moisture stress measurement

in soil and crop.

Development of nano sensor network to irrigate the field, based on real time in situ

measurement for improving water use efficiency.

Techno-economic analysis of developed nano sensor network system at field level.

Expected output:

Contact nano sensor developed by surface modification with PANI.

Non-contact nano sensor developed with composite polyamide 66/cobalt chloride

NFM by following electro-spinning method.

Nano sensor network for soil moisture stress measurement in plant and soil.

Database of moisture stress in plant and soil.

Real time database on yield variability with critical input parameters (soil

moisture, soil nutrients, etc) in soil.

Wireless sensor network for remote field data collection.

Database of variability in soil moisture, soil nutrient and its effect on soil, crop

abiotic stress attributes.

New Technique, High Benefit Cost ratio, Enhanced Farmers’ Income.

Project title: Exploring aus rice for drought, submergence and

phosphorus starvation tolerance: Mining superior alleles and deciphering

mechanism of tolerance

Project Code : 8032 Duration of project : July 2021 - Jun 2024

Total budget (₹ in lakhs) : 206.00560 PI Name : Dr. Somnath Roy CCPI Name : Dr. Umakanta Ngangkham

Lead Centre : NRRI-CRURRS, Hazaribag Cooperating centres : RC for NEH Region, Meghalaya

Objectives:

To characterize aus varietal group (including aus and boro) for natural variation in tolerance to drought, submergence and phosphorus starvation (low-P) and identify

highly adaptive accessions for targeted traits.

Mining superior alleles for traits conditioning tolerance to drought, submergence and low-P through genome-wide association mapping by utilizing the aus rices.

To decipher the underlying mechanism(s) of tolerance to (i) drought, (ii) submergence and (iii) P starvation in highly tolerant/ adapted aus accessions.

To mine novel alleles of Phosphorus starvation tolerance 1 (PSTOL1) and

Submergence (Sub1) from aus germplasm conferring higher efficiency for stress

tolerance.

Expected output:

A well characterized germplasm panel for phenotypic variability in drought (both vegetative and reproductive), submergence (up to 21-days), and low-P tolerance traits to be used for association mapping and gene functional studies.

Novel loci for major abiotic stress (drought, submergence and Phosphorus-starvation)

tolerance traits and their functional validation for developing climate resilient rice varieties.

CALL VIII ONGOING PROJECTS Project title: Development of ...

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