GS3 ICAR Developed New Pigeon Pea variety

Important example for GS3 Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.

ICAR's Genome Breakthrough –

Why in News? ICAR developed India's first fully annotated Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) reference genome of pigeonpea (Tur/Arhar), now approved as the global reference genome.

T2T Genome: Complete DNA sequence from one chromosome end (telomere) to the other without gaps.

Significance:

Develops climate-resilient, high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties.

Improves precision breeding and nutritional quality.

Strengthens pulse self-reliance and food security.

Background: ICAR-NIPB produced the world's first draft genome of a pulse crop in 2011.

Prelims Fact: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is a pulse and a nitrogen-fixing legume (Family: Fabaceae).