Ajil Mankunnummal, Research Officer at the Foundation for Agrarian Studies (FAS), and Dr. Manoj Kumar Patel, Research Associate at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetics Research (NBPGR), visited the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B), and the ICAR-National Institute of Seed Science and Technology (NISST), Regional Station, Bengaluru, on Friday, 24 July 2026, as a part of the CGIAR Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA)-funded research projects titled “Dynamics of Agricultural Innovation in North India” and “Dynamics of Agricultural Innovation in South India”. These projects are being undertaken by the Foundation for Agrarian Studies in collaboration with Monash University, Australia, and ICAR-NBPGR. The primary objective of the visit was to gather information on crop improvement innovations developed and disseminated in India in collaboration with CGIAR centres operating in India.
During the visit to UAS-B, the team held detailed discussions with Dr. Muddalagiriyappa, Director of Research; Dr. Lohithaswa H. C., Principal Scientist; and Dr. Vishwanath K., Special Officer (Seed). The discussions focused on the reach and adoption of crop improvement innovations in maize, groundnut, and pigeonpea that were developed by the University in collaboration with CGIAR centres since 2000. The scientists shared valuable information on the variety-wise area under cultivation and the quantity of breeder seed produced by the university.
During the visit to NISST Regional Station, the team met Dr. Sripathy K. V., Senior Scientist (Seed Science and Technology), and discussed the objectives of the research projects. Upon request, Dr. Sripathy shared variety-wise breeder seed data for different crops.
The data and other information obtained from UAS-B and the ICAR-NISST Regional Station will contribute substantially to the ongoing projects.
Here are a few glimpses from the visit…
