Research Projects

The research aims to provide technology transfer to small, landless, marginal, and tribal farmers in Kashmir. The study will be conducted in four phases: Phase I, which standardizes a protocol for biofortication of tomato and lettuce with thiamine and/or zinc using soilless hydroponic cultivation systems. The study will include different concentrations of zinc, thiamine, and combinations of both plants per replicate. The biofortification potential will be assessed through various parameters such as morphological characteristics, nutrient composition, phytochemicals analysis, antioxidant status, and thiamine and zinc determination through HPLC. In Phase II, the most appropriate concentration of biofortified tomato and lettuce will be evaluated for nutrient digestibility in rabbit models. The impact on performance will be evaluated through growth parameters, digestibility, slaughter and carcass traits, biochemical parameters, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and microbiological analysis. In Phase III, transcriptional patterns of key biofortification genes involved in synthesis and transport of thiamine and zinc in young roots and leaves of tomato and lettuce grown in a hydroponic system will be evaluated using a next-generation RNAseq approach. Differential gene and protein expression studies will also be carried out to understand the early responses of plants to biofortification. DNA strand breaks assessment through comet assay will be performed to determine the modest increase in thiamine and zinc that might be delivered by biofortified crops. In Phase IV, farmers from three different districts under each KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra will be selected for distribution of biofortified crops. Scientific advice will be provided by experts in different KVKs of Kashmir valley, helping them develop hydroponic systems using locally-available materials. This will contribute to income for small, marginal, and landless farmers and promote the use of biofortified crops as salads to reduce hidden hunger and thiamine deficiency.