Predict the most promising interventions to be made at the farming system level to optimize returns at the economic and ecosystem level and broadening genetic base of breeding populations (enhanced use of germplasm, novel crossing methods to enhance genetic recombination), improving selection efficiency (precision in phenotyping, marker-assisted selection, use of efficient experimental designs).

1. Priorities for DAR-ICRISAT Research Collaborations
Pooran Gaur
On behalf of DAR-ICRISAT Team
DAR, Yezin
11 June 2019
Yezin, Myanmar

2. Area of ICRISAT mandate crops in Myanmar
Crop Area during 2017-18
(‘000 ha)
Groundnut 1035
Pigeonpea 658
Chickpea 377
Sorghum 215

3. Modernization of Crop Improvement Programs
(A) Enhancing genetic gains
• Development of Product Profiles and aligning
crop breeding programs to product profiles.
• Broadening genetic base of breeding
populations (enhanced use of germplasm,
novel crossing methods to enhance genetic
recombination)
• Improving selection efficiency (precision in
phenotyping, marker-assisted selection, use of
efficient experimental designs)
• Rapid generation turn over (taking 2-3 crop
cycles per year)

4. Modernization of Crop Improvement Programs
(B) Improving operational efficiency
• Use of trait ontology
• Standardization of naming convention for
pedigrees, breeding lines, nurseries and trials
• Bar coding and digital data capture
• Inventory of seed stored.
• Use of Breeding Management System (BMS)
• Mechanization
Single plant thresher Plot combine harvester
Seed counter
Barcoding and electronic data capture

5. Priorities for Chickpea Breeding
• Early maturity – replacement of ICCV 2 in
Sagaing division
• Resistance to fusarium wilt and dry root rot
• Drought and heat tolerance
• Large and extra-large seeded kabuli
• Machine harvestability

6. Priorities for Pigeonpea Breeding
• Super-early for crop diversification
• Resistance to FW and SMD
• Exploitation of hybrid vigor

7. Priorities for Groundnut Breeding
• Combining early maturity and foliar fungal disease
resistance
• Confectionary type with about 60-70 g for 100 seed
mass
• Combining early maturity with medium-bold size
kernels
• Short-duration, drought tolerant, fresh seed dormancy
lines (Spanish)
• For Pookoku region, Virginia type maturing in 120 days.
• For Myingyan region, varieties maturing in 120 days,
with 60-70 g 100-seed mass, foliar fungal disease
resistance and drought tolerance.
• High Oleic lines for emerging markets in the country
Need for mechanized threshing is urgent
Haulms
Foliar fungal disease resistance is a must trait as
dried haulms are used as fodder for livestock

8. Priorities for Sorghum Breeding
• Multi-cut forage varieties with
high digestibility
• Dual purpose varieties
• Biofortified varieties
• Exploitation of heterosis

9. • Conduct participatory on farm research and
demonstrations of technologies (e.g. FPVS
trials on improved varieties/elite lines)
• Provide training to extension personnel
• Knowledge empowerment of farmers by
organizing various awareness activities
(field days, electronic and print media) and
training programs through extension
personnel.
Enhancing adoption of improved cultivars and production technologies

10. Development and expansion of effective seed production
and distribution systems, including village seed banks
A seed grower farmer Daw Win in Saku Township (Magway Region)

11. Value addition and market linkages
• Creating a demand pull
• Providing farmers access to
primary processing facilities to be
established at the community level.
• Involve local youth entrepreneurs,
women SHGs or Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs) in managing
the processing facilities.
• Ensure inclusiveness of the farming
communities and ultimately
enhancing their income.

12. Integrated Watershed Management

13. Soil health mapping and promotion
of need-based application of macro
and micronutrients
Organic Carbon Phosphorus Potassium
Sulphur Boron Zinc
Online soil analysis results & recommendations
SoilHealthCard

14. Systems analysis for climate smart agriculture
• Crop Modelling: Generating prediction maps with genotype
or management alterations.
• System analysis: By scaling up one ladder to undertake
predictions at the system level (from one crop/one year to
multiple crops and seasons; and socio-economic analysis on a
regional basis to assess effects of interventions on livelihoods
• Weather forecast and predictions: Develop crop suitability
maps at a regional scale based on long term weather
observations; assess seasonal forecasts to make crop
recommendation at a regional scale; and generate soil and
weather data repositories for simulation use in SAT target
regions.
Predict the most promising interventions to be made at the farming system level to
optimize returns at the economic and ecosystem level.

15. Capacity Building of DAR and DOA in agricultural R&D

16. Thank you!
Yezin, Myanmar