Research Projects

Cereal landraces, such as black rice (Chakhao), are crucial for sustainable agriculture and a malnutrition-free world. However, they have lost relevance due to low yields, which are resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses and rich in minerals and vitamins. Exploiting rice's landraces for enhancing yield and desirable traits could be a viable option for sustainable agricultural production in the emerging scenario of climatic change. Black rice, a traditionally popular rice landrace in northeast India, is gaining importance worldwide as a nutritional food due to its higher content of anthocyanin, protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and high-quality starch. Regular consumption of black rice can minimize the risk of non-communicable diseases like atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, digestive health, and heart stroke. To develop superior black rice with higher yield potential and lodging tolerance, CRISPR/Cas mediated targeted gene editing is proposed. This method allows for precise and predictable modification of multiple traits without time-consuming conventional breeding programs, overcoming the limitations of traditional crossbreeding techniques like linkage drag. The project aims to develop high yielding and lodging resistant black rice, encouraging farmers to increase the area and production of black rice. This enhanced production will not only increase farmers' income but also make it available to consumers at affordable prices, promoting sustainable and less input-intensive agricultural production and nutritional security.