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Centres of Crop Breeding and Seed Production in India with Special Reference to Kerala



Centres of Crop Breeding and Seed Production in India with Special Reference to Kerala

I. Introduction

Crop breeding is the scientific practice of developing new plant varieties with improved traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and quality produce. It is closely linked to seed production and certification, which ensures that quality seeds are supplied to farmers.

Crop breeding is carried out at International, National, and State/Regional levels.


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II. International Centres of Crop Breeding

These centres work globally to develop improved crop varieties and conserve plant genetic resources. India collaborates with many such centres.

1. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines

Focus: Rice breeding, stress-tolerant and high-yielding varieties.

Role in India: Releases new rice varieties suitable for different agro-climatic zones.



2. CIMMYT – International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Mexico

Focus: Wheat and maize improvement.

Contribution: Supplies germplasm and technology for high-yield and disease-resistant varieties in India.



3. ICRISAT – International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics, India (Hyderabad)

Focus: Sorghum, millet, chickpea, pigeonpea.

Role: Breeding for drought and heat tolerance.



4. IITA – International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria

Focus: Cassava, yam, tropical legumes.



5. CIAT – International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Colombia

Focus: Tropical root and legume crops.



6. ICARDA – International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas, Morocco

Focus: Dryland cereals and legumes.




> These centres provide germplasm, research support, and advanced breeding techniques to Indian programmes.




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III. National Centres of Crop Breeding (India)

India has an extensive network of ICAR institutes, SAUs, and AICRPs for crop improvement.

A. Major ICAR Institutes

Institute Focus Location

IARI – Indian Agricultural Research Institute Wheat, rice, pulses, oilseeds New Delhi
CTCRI – Central Tuber Crops Research Institute Tapioca, yams, aroids Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
CPCRI – Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Coconut, arecanut, cocoa Kasaragod, Kerala
IIHR – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Fruits and vegetables Bangalore
IISR – Indian Institute of Spices Research Cardamom, black pepper, ginger Kozhikode, Kerala


B. All-India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs)

Conduct multi-location trials for major crops.

Focus on breeding, varietal evaluation, and seed quality improvement.

Example: AICRP on Rice, Maize, Pulses, Oilseeds.


C. State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Regional Centres

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) plays a key role in crop breeding:

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi – rice and pulses.

Banana Research Station, Kannara – banana breeding.

Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station, Odakkali – spices and medicinal plants.



> These centres focus on region-specific crop improvement for Kerala’s agro-climatic conditions.




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IV. Seed Production

Seed production ensures that farmers receive genetically pure, high-quality seeds.

A. Types of Seeds

1. Breeder Seed – Developed at research institutes.


2. Foundation Seed – Produced from breeder seed by certified agencies.


3. Certified Seed – Produced from foundation seed and distributed to farmers.



B. Seed Production in Kerala

Conducted by KAU, CTCRI, CPCRI, IISR, and government seed farms.

Crops: Rice, tapioca, banana, coconut, spices.

Techniques include isolation, rouging, and quality monitoring to maintain genetic purity.



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V. Seed Certification

Seed certification ensures seeds meet national standards in terms of:

1. Genetic Purity – Variety must be true to type.


2. Physical Purity – Free from weed seeds and inert matter.


3. Germination Percentage – Minimum viability standards.


4. Moisture Content – Ensures safe storage and longevity.



Certification Agencies

State Seed Certification Agencies under Ministry of Agriculture.

Seed Testing Laboratories at KAU and ICAR institutes.


Kerala Examples

Kerala Forest Seed Centre (KFSC) – Forestry seed collection, processing, and certification.

KAU’s Department of Seed Science and Technology – Produces certified seeds of rice, pulses, and vegetables.



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VI. Conclusion

International Centres supply germplasm and breeding technology.

National Centres (ICAR) and AICRPs develop and release improved varieties for Indian conditions.

State Centres and KAU customize varieties for Kerala’s agro-climatic zones.

Seed production and certification ensures farmers get high-quality, genetically pure seeds, crucial for food security and agricultural productivity.



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References:

1. ICAR Institutes – icar.gov.in


2. CPCRI, Kasaragod – cpcri.gov.in


3. Kerala Agricultural University – kau.in


4. Seed Certification – seedicar.org.in


5. IRRI, CIMMYT, ICRISAT – irri.org, cimmyt.org





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