New Science and Breakthroughs

Significant Research Outputs of the Projects funded by NASF

A:Technology developed and demonstrated

• Developed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated rice varieties

Improvement of the elite mega rice cv. Swarna, MTU1010 and Samba Mahsuri with high yield, nutrient and water use efficiency, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance was undertaken by genome editing with targeted genes. The world’s first-ever pioneering genome edited varieties, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) which is a genome edited Samba Mahsuri having 35% more grain yield, and expressing superior characters like stronger culm, early maturity, vigorous growth and high photosynthesis use efficiency, and Pusa Rice DST 1, drought and salt tolerant rice variety (MTU 1010) with significantly higher grain yield and productivity; were developed at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad and ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, respectively. The varieties were released by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on May 4, 2025.

• Development of nutrient rich functional foods in pearl millet

Pearl millet is an underutilized crop with limited popularity due to seed rancidity. Through de novo transcriptome sequencing of landraces, hybrids, and composites, over 250 transcripts linked to rancidity were identified, and seven putative rancidity-related genes were cloned at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Expression analysis revealed that Lip-1, Lip-2, Lip-4, LOX-3, POX-4, and PPO-3 were highly expressed in harvested grains, indicating their role in rancidity development. Integrating transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome data helped model the rancidity pathway, highlighting the roles of multiple lipases, LOX, HPL, POX, PPO, and metabolites in off-odor formation during storage. Leveraging this knowledge, a processed pearl millet product “Divine Dough” was developed with low glycemic index (47), high iron, zinc, and fiber content, suitable for diabetics and individuals with gastrointestinal issues. Pearl millet based dalia was developed with instant cooking having high fibre, Fe/Zn and was commercialized to Melwach Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

Development of unmanned robotic ground vehicle for safe spray application of agrochemicals 
Established a technology platform for safe, autonomous and precision-based application of agrochemicals by developing an unmanned robotic ground vehicle capable of field-level operations. The vehicle was developed as per the defined design parameters and equipped with a GPS-guided auto-navigation system for autonomous manoeuvring. A targeted agrochemical spraying mechanism was integrated to enable precise and localized application of chemicals, thereby supporting safer and more efficient spraying practices. The developed robotic system was successfully tested and demonstrated under field conditions in potato and wheat crops.

Honourable Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Director General, ICAR, witnessing the field-level trial of the Autonomous Robotic Ground Vehicle for Safe and Precision Agrochemical Spraying

• AI-Enabled Farm, Weather & Market Decision Support System (FARWM-DS)

Developed and validated KRISHIDHARE, an integrated AI-enabled decision support system combining weather forecasting, market intelligence, crop management advisories, pest and disease forecasting, AI-based diagnosis and location-specific farm advisories for cotton, redgram, groundnut and tomato. The system was demonstrated and field-tested with 460 farmers and deployed through eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras across diverse agro-climatic regions. Weather forecast accuracy ranged from 78–90%, while AI-based diagnosis achieved 60–90% accuracy for insect pests and 70–90% for diseases. Fifteen years of weather and market data, along with field-level information on cropping patterns, yield and farm economics, were compiled to support the development of profitable cropping patterns. Capacity-building programmes for farmers and KVK scientists, along with continuous farmers feedback, supported refinement of the system for improved reliability, usability and wider dissemination through extension networks.

• Developed cost effective animal cloning technology

India made history in the field of animal cloning with the birth of the world’s first cloned riverine buffalo, achieved using a cost-effective and simplified cloning technique known as Handmade Cloning, developed at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. This innovative buffalo cloning technology has since been used to produce multiple cloned buffaloes across the country, utilizing various types of somatic cells. The technique is notably less complex in terms of equipment, skill, and time required. Seven clones were successfully produced from a single superior bull, ‘M-29’. The birth of the world’s first re-cloned calf from a cloned bull, named ‘Hisar-Gaurav’, marked another milestone. This bull has already contributed to the production of 15,000 doses of semen, which have been used at ICAR-CIRB and in farmer herds, resulting in 62 pregnancies that are progressing normally, much like offspring from conventionally born bulls. The semen from these cloned bulls has demonstrated fertility levels comparable to those of normal bulls, proving the viability of cloning technology for livestock improvement.

• Production of CRISPR edited farm animals

The multi-institutional research initiative demonstrated the feasibility and application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in Indian farm animals, buffalo, sheep, and goats; targeting the myostatin (MSTN) gene, which negatively regulates muscle growth. The project aimed to enhance muscle mass and productivity while establishing indigenous capabilities in livestock gene editing technologies. The birth of the country’s first MSTN gene-edited buffalo calf and MSTN-edited sheep was achieved.
MSTN gene editing was targeted in sheep fibroblasts using a dual guide RNA strategy, resulting in biallelic disruption of the MSTN gene at SKUAST-K, Kashmir. A modified handmade cloning (mHMC) approach improved blastocyst development rates over traditional cloning. CRISPR plasmids were also microinjected into in-vivo derived zygotes, successfully achieving gene edits at the embryo stage, although no pregnancies were established. These achievements mark a significant milestone in Indian agricultural biotechnology, demonstrating the practical potential of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for improving production traits in livestock and laying the foundation for future advancements in precision breeding and sustainable animal agriculture.

• Identification of unique signatures of selective sweeps in indigenous dairy cattle breeds

India’s indigenous cattle are increasingly threatened by unplanned crossbreeding with exotic breeds, risking the loss of native germplasm. To support conservation and breed improvement, identification of selection signatures in indigenous dairy cattle using Bovine BeadChip and genotyping-by-sequencing data was undertaken by ICAR–IVRI, Izatnagar. A genomic repository was created with samples comprising 96 Red Sindhi animals from the Central Cattle Breeding Farm, Chiplima, Odisha, and 96 Rathi, 48 Tharparkar animals from the Livestock Research Station, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Forty genes were identified under selection linked to morphometric traits and breed-specific genes influencing body conformation. These findings provide insights into the genetic basis of economically important traits like milk yield, fertility, and meat production, supporting sustainable conservation and genetic improvement of India’s native cattle breeds.

• Development of diagnostic kits for detection of Covid-19 infection in animals

Coronavirus (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 is known to infect multiple animal species, including pets (dogs and cats) and wild animals (such as tigers, lions, minks, and ferrets). In response, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, has developed a point-of-care RPA-CRISPR-based diagnostic kit, the ‘SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection LFA Kit’, for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigens in clinical animal samples. This test can be completed within an hour using a thermal block, with results obtained via lateral flow strips. The kit has been validated with clinical samples. Another indirect ELISA kit, the ‘SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection ELISA Kit’, has been developed and validated for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pet animals, specifically dogs and cats. Further, a blocking ELISA kit called ‘COVID-19 Blocking ELISA’ has been created to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across multiple species, including dogs, cats, lions, and tigers. Using this kit, serum samples from lions and tigers that were RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai during 2021 tested positive for antibodies.

• Developed early detection bovine pregnancy diagnosis kits

An early, reliable and non-invasive method of early pregnancy diagnosis is prerequisite for efficient reproductive management in dairy industry. It also helps to reduce the calving interval and rebreeding time which is beneficial for industries as well as farmers. India's first-ever cow-side pregnancy diagnosis kits, Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) against Pregnancy Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) and metabolite-based pregnancy diagnosis kit known as Preg-D, specifically designed for bovines was developed at ICAR-CIRB, Hisar. The first scientific evidence that PAG-7 isoform is the most abundant isoform among all the known isoforms of PAGs followed by PAG-18 and PAG-2 in buffalo was reported. Through successful cloning and expression of these PAG isoforms in E. coli, recombinant PAG-7, PAG-18, and PAG-2 were purified, which played a crucial role in the generation of antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies were developed using predicted epitopes from the sequences of PAG-7 and PAG-18. These antibodies successfully demonstrated their potential, proving their usefulness in the development of immunodiagnostic methods for detecting and quantifying PAGs in various biological samples. Subsequently, PAG-7, PAG-18, and PAG-2 were employed as key components in creating ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay kits for point-of-care pregnancy diagnostics.

• Development of advanced sensors for early detection of apple scab disease and optimizing harvesting time for apple and papaya

Apple scab, caused by the fungus V. inaequalis, is a serious apple disease, causing 50-60% damage to apples. A low-cost, metal-oxide and   nanomaterial-based handheld SMART sensor for non-destructive detection of Apple scab disease, caused by the fungus V. inaequalis by sensing signature volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been developed by ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. An early asymptomatic detection of scab disease allows proper control measures to be implemented in a localized area, thereby reducing fungicide usage and disease spread.
A low-cost non-invasive metal oxide hybrid transducer-based electronic nose (E-nose) sensor system for determining the correct fruit ripening stages of apple and papaya for harvesting and extended post-harvest storage based on signature volatile organic compounds, has been developed by IIT Roorkee. The E-nose senor work independently with its own display or can be integrated with any Android mobile phone using SMART-Nose app. The E-nose sensor can also monitor sugar, protein and polyphenol contents non-invasively under post-harvest storage conditions. This technology offers a non-invasive, efficient method to ensure better fruit quality and extended storage life.

• Development of biosensors for detection of fish pathogenic bacteria and hazardous metalloids in selected water bodies

Chemical and biological contaminants are of primary concern in ensuring seafood safety. Aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) have emerged as robust analytical tool for the detection of contaminants including heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, pathogens and biotoxins. A sensing device (IMAGinE) has been developed at ICAR- CIFRI, Barrackpore for efficient detection of Chromium (Cr6+) in water with very trace level detection limit. The sensor is able to detect Cr (VI) up to 100 ppb which is the permissible limit notified by US EPA. The sensor has been incorporated into a hand-held prototype device. Another aptamer-based biosensor has been developed for the detection of fish pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas veronii. The sensor is able to specifically detect Aeromonas veronii and shows no cross-reactivity with other bacteria when tested against A. hydrophila (AH), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). The sensor is able to detect the bacterial cell up to a concentration of 106 CFU/mL.

• Developed anti-tick phytochemicals for control of acaricide-resistant ticks

Repeated application of different generations of chemical acaricides has led to the development of multi-acaricide resistant tick populations and tick management has become a challenge to sustain the animal productivity. Phyto-formulation and strategic use of cross-protective vaccine were targeted to mitigate the situation. Safe, stable and characterized flowable (F10) and natural cream anti-tick formulations were developed at IVRI, Izatnagar to tackle the resistant tick problem. The anti-tick natural formulations (F10 and cream) demonstrated 80-90% effectiveness in an in vitro model and 60-90% effectiveness against ivermectin-resistant ticks. In experimental challenge infestations, these formulations showed 70-90% efficacy. The efficacy was validated in field trials involving more than 100 animals across various locations in Parbhani district, Maharashtra, with results exceeding 80% effectiveness. Additional field trials were conducted in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra, further supporting the formulations' efficacy. The first-generation anti-tick technology was transferred to Ajay Bio-tech India Ltd, Pune.

• Rubber check-dam for watersheds

 The necessity to harvest and store water for agricultural use, especially in regions with variable rainfall facilitated the development of the flexi-composite rubber check-dam technology for water harvesting for storing water and augmenting groundwater recharge for timely availability of water to grow rice and vegetable crops in different agro-ecological and geo-hydrological regions. Installation of rubber check dams at four sites in Odisha significantly improved water availability and agricultural productivity. The dams stored 4,800–10,000 cubic meter of water, ensuring supply from June onward for timely rice transplanting and irrigation over 12–16 ha, leading to a 16–25% increase in rice yield. During summer, farmers utilized the stored water to cultivate 5 ha of vegetables, which were previously fallow. The dams also contributed to groundwater recharge, and the successful demonstrations led to the adoption of rubber dam technology in several other states and agro-ecological regions.

• Design and development of solar-powered prime mover with multi-tool attachments for small farm holdings

Solar-powered prime mover integrates solar energy with electric propulsion and enhance the smallholder farm mechanization, promotes sustainable agriculture with minimal environmental impact and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. A solar-powered prime mover with multi-tool attachments (MTSPM) and a solar charging cart (SCC) has been developed for small farm operations at TNAU, including sowing, spraying, and weeding. The MTSPM features a speed controller (100 A, 60 V) enabling forward and reverse operation, while the SCC charges LiFePo4 batteries (75–105 Ah) and transports the prime mover. The SCC can also power DC/AC loads up to 2 hp and record weather and energy parameters. Field testing showed 83% sowing uniformity for groundnut, and the spray system was validated using a spray patternator. Structural analysis indicated a maximum stress of 49 MPa, below yield strength. Additionally, a three-row planter suitable for groundnut and chickpea was developed, and a remote-controlled version of the prime mover was also created.

• Traceable value chain for safe pork in the North Eastern region of India 

The piggery sector in India is highly unorganized though the demand-supply gap of pork in India is about 62%. An information technology aided pork value chain with proper traceability and security is needed to organize a sustainable pork production system in the country. Considering the importance of biometry-based identification in the livestock sector and traceability, a facial recognition system for pigs was developed at NRC on Pig, Guwahati using algorithms like Local Binary Patterns Histograms (LBPH), Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), with SVM achieving 97% prediction accuracy for individual recognition. Faster R-CNN predicted pig breeds with 91% accuracy, and a Decision Support System (DSS) was created for slaughtering based on 105 antemortem exam and 83 post-mortem exam disease profiles.

• Artificial Intelligence & IoT-based Smart Vet Ecosystem for animal health, patient care & precision livestock farming

Precision animal health care practices and interventions in terms of benefits to the animal patients and the farming community can be enhanced by AI & IoT integrated Smart Vet Ecosystem. Prototypes of Electronic Health Records for Animals (eHRA) and Electronic Veterinary Medical Records (eVMR), and Health and Medical Data Architecture Modules and Data panels QR Code based “Smart Contact” interface was developed which has been successfully adopted by 60 to 75% by animal owners. Five Animal Medical Information Management Systems were developed and tested for digital medical data capture. Work on generating Digital Animal IDs and e-Vaccination Records was initiated and tested for farmer use. An IoT Integrator was developed for conventional milk testers, enabling remote milk quality assessment and monitoring through a dedicated mobile app. Additionally, AI-based tools were developed for predicting body measurements and analyzing sheep and goat images using deep learning. Around 300 facial and muzzle images from three cattle breeds (Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Vrindavani) were analyzed using a Hybrid Residual Attention and Multi-Scale Context Aware Network, which is now being extended for breed and species classification.

• Captive breeding, seed production and culture of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha)

Tenualosa ilisha, commonly known as hilsa shad, is the most important prized edible fish rich in ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and consumed by more than 250 million people across the globe. The wild resource of the species is in decline, largely due to hydrological changes in its major spawning habitats in the Ganges River watershed. Stock characterization, captive breeding, seed production and culture of hilsa was therefore undertaken for standardization of breeding and culture techniques of Hilsa. Hilsa was successfully bred with 98% fertilization. Captive broodstock of hilsa was developed and being maintained in the freshwater culture facilities at Kolaghat and Rahara; and brackish water systems at Kakdwip of West Bengal. Artificial spawning of hilsa using wild brood stock yielded 95-99 % fertilization and 75-89 % hatching success. A stock of 20 fish was maintained in a RAS system, where males reached maturity. A non-invasive ultrasonography technique was developed to assess reproductive maturity in both sexes, and optimal anesthesia doses were standardized to reduce handling stress. Stage-specific feeds were formulated for larval, grow-out, and broodstock phases, confirming the feasibility of complete captive rearing in RAS. Artificial spawning using wild broodstock achieved 95–99% fertilization, 75–89% hatching, and 85–99% fry-to-fingerling survival. Currently, 800–1,000 juveniles are being maintained across three culture facilities.

• Encapsulated nanoparticle conjugated phytochemicals to combat antimicrobial resistance in poultry

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as an important public health emergency in the world. The encapsulation of the green synthesised nanosilver entrapped cinnamaldehyde (EAgC) and thymol (EAgT) were successfully achieved at NRC Meat, Hyderabad. The encapsulated compounds, EAgC and EAgT demonstrated antibacterial activity, improved poultry survival and feed conversion ratio (FCR), and showed minimal toxicity in the in vitro assays, Galleria mellonella larvae, mice, and broilers. Toxicity trials per OECD 425 guidelines confirmed safety with no residues in meat and no significant changes in serum biochemical parameters. The compounds are designed for targeted intestinal release (> 80% at alkaline pH), reducing required dose and production costs, with minimal risk of microbial resistance. They can be used both therapeutically and preventively in poultry. The technology has been commercialized to M/S ITP Special Additives India Private Limited, Mumbai, India.

• Smart Aquaculture Model for sustainable shrimp aquaculture

An android mobile application-CIBA Shrimp Krishi App with three expert systems viz., shrimp feed management, water quality management and shrimp disease management was developed by ICAR-CIBA, Chennai and launched for handholding the shrimp farmers to make real-time based informed decisions at farm level. The App is available in four languages viz., English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and it is free of cost. Using this interactive mobile application, the farmer can input his or her farm data on day-to-day farming operations/observations from stocking to harvest. Based on the inputs provided and inbuilt decision-making system, the App displays pond-wise status on shrimp survival, biomass, feed conversion ratio, pond water quality, and the expenditure incurred. The expert systems inbuilt in to the App alert the farmer with technical advisories whenever any deviations are noted in day-to-day parameters of water quality, feeding and shrimp health. The app can store the entire crop data in it, and the farmer can retrieve the data for their own long-term decision-making purposes or share it with their resource person for technical advice. The App has a post-your query option through that the end-user can send his queries in text or image format which are answered in two working days. It paves the way for accessing real-time bulk data from the remotely located shrimp farms to monitor and extend customized technical advisories. The App is widely being used by the shrimp farmers in India.

B:Infrastructure developed

• Solar refrigeration & PV power facility

A solar-biogas thermal energy based cold storage facility at Anand in Gujarat to store horticultural produce and a solar PV power-based cold storage facility at Bhopal has been developed.  The facility for storage of about nine tonnes of the horticultural produce for a period up to six weeks has been developed. The facility may operate in either stand-alone or grid connected mode. It can be set-up in the production catchments which are not covered by the grid power supply. The facility has a “vapour absorption machine (lithium bromide water)”, which uses hot water at 80-90oC as main source as against the electricity in the common cold storages.  A small PV power plant has been set-up to meet the auxiliary electricity requirements for operating water pumps and the fans. The cattle dung-based low-cost water requirement biogas plant of innovative design for supply of thermal energy during the non-sunshine hours has also been designed.

• Green Fishing Systems for Tropical Seas

The designing, fabrication and construction of the 19.75 m energy efficient fishing vessel, christened as ‘FV Sagar Harita’ was achieved by ICAR-CIFT Kochi at the Goa Shipyard Ltd. The ship could conduct Long line and Gillnet multiday fishing operations for 4-5 days in the depth of 1,500-1,900 m. Operations have been conducted from 24 stations for high sea gill netting and 6 stations for long lining. The solar energy was used in meeting 20% of the energy needs, onboard. Average diesel consumption was 42 litres/hr in deep sea experimental fishing operations. Low drag shrimp trawls (33 m head rope length) and fish trawls (27 m head rope length) were developed by optimizing the cutting rate which helped in the reduction of drag. The same operations in the commercial trawlers operated at Munambam and Vypeen of Kerala showed a reduction of fuel by 2.5%.

• Establishment of Nanaji Deshmukh Plant Phenomics Facility 

A state-of-the-art high throughput plant phenomics facility was established at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi for non-destructive and accurate characterization of large number of germplasm and recombinant inbred lines under defined environmental treatment conditions. The facility was inaugurated by Honourable Prime Minister of India on 11th October 2017. The facility consists of Hi-tech climate controlled green houses, moving field for handling of 1,200 plants within the green house and to transport them to imaging stations, different imaging platforms viz. IR Thermal, Chlorophyll florescence, Visual RGB, NIR root, NIR Shoot, VNIR Hyperspectral and SWIR Hyperspectral sensors for assessing drought and input use efficiency.