Lok Sabha Question No. 5645 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-04-06
Subject: Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA

## ADMITTED/UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5645 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06-04-2022

## Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture

## 5645. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY िवǒान और ŮौȨोिगकी मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a)     whether the Government has been supporting application of biotechnology tool in the areas of  Agriculture  and  allied  sectors  and  if so,  the  details  of  research  and  development  activities conducted in genetic improvement of wheat and rice in the country;
- (b)    the present status of commercial cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) wheat and rice in the country along with the details thereof;
- (c)    whether the Government has conducted assessment of the Genetically Modified(GM) crops for  commercial  cultivation  on  a  case  to  case  basis  and if  so,  the  details  and  outcome  thereof particularly in confined field trials, food and feed safety studies; and
- (d)    whether  the  studies  conducted  on  such  trials  conforms  the  safety  tests guidelines   for  the Safety  Assessment  of  Foods  Derived  from  Genetically Engineered  Plants,  2008  and  if  so,  the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDER SINGH)

ͪव£ान और Ĥौɮयोͬगकȧ तथा पृØ  वी ͪव£ान क े  राÏ य मंğी (è वतंğ Ĥभार)

(डॉ. िजतेÛ ġ ͧसंह)

- a) Yes Sir, the Government of India has been supporting application of biotechnology tool in the areas  of  agriculture  and  allied  sectors  through  extra  mural  research  grants  provided  by  the Department of Biotechnology, Department Agriculture Research and Education/ India Council of Agriculture Research, National Agriculture Sciences Fund  (NASF)  and  Science  and Engineering Research Board (SERB). The Government of India through its various agencies is supporting ninety eight (98) projects for improvement of rice (72) and wheat (26).
- b) No,  Sir.  The  Government  of  India  has  not  approved  commercial  cultivation  of  genetically Modified (GM) rice and wheat in the country.

c & d) Yes Sir, the Government of India has received applications for the commercial release of food  crops  GM  mustard  and  Bt-brinjal  under  the  Genetic  Engineering  Appraisal  Committee (GEAC) as  per  provisions  of  the  rules  for  the  manufacture,  use/import/export  and  storage  of hazardous microorganisms/ genetically engineered organisms or cells, 1989 of the Environment Protection Act (1986).

The Government of India through GEAC has received feedback from multiple stakeholders for these crops. GEAC has advised the developer to conduct additional studies for the assessment of impact on environment and health.

## Annexure-i

## Details of ongoing R&D projects supported in genetic improvement of Rice and wheat:

## A) Department of Biotechnology

|   S.No. | File no. &title                                                                                                                                              | Institution                                                                                           |
|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       1 | Marker Assisted Breeding for Developing Early Maturing versions of Popular Rice Varieties of Tamil Nadu                                                      | Agricultural College and Research Institute, TANU, Coimbatore                                         |
|       2 | Improvement of Biscuit Making Quality of Indian Wheats Utilizing Molecular Approach - IInd Phase                                                             | Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research formerly Directorate Of Wheat Research, Karnal, Haryana |
|       3 | Development of high yielding gall midge resistant rice varieties through marker assisted pyramiding of multiple gall midge resistance genes                  | Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India        |
|       4 | "Development of rice varieties for kerala with pyramided genes for Resistance to BLB by marker assisted selection"                                           | Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram                                                    |
|       4 | "Development of rice varieties for kerala with pyramided genes for Resistance to BLB by marker assisted selection"                                           | Rajiv Gandhi centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram                                             |
|       5 | Marker aided incorporation of major genes conferring resistance to blast disease into genetic background of high altitude temperate rice (Oryzasativa L.)    | Sher -e-Kashmir University of Science and Technology, Khudwani                                        |
|       6 | Marker Assisted Improvement Of Rice Variety Pusa 44 For Phosphorus Use Efficiency                                                                            | Indian Agricultural Research Institute Pusa, New Delhi - 110012                                       |
|       7 | Development of GA-sensitive semi-dwarf high yielding climate resilient wheat utilizing Marker assisted background selection                                  | Punjab Agricultral University, Ferozepur Road, Near Ludhiana                                          |
|       8 | Development of semi-dwarf blast and bacterial blight resistant version of Ranbir Basmati by marker assisted backcross breeding                               | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu                     |
|       8 | Development of semi-dwarf blast and bacterial blight resistant version of Ranbir Basmati by marker assisted backcross breeding                               | CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University                                                          |
|       9 | Incorporation of biotic stress resistance gene(s) in the genetic background of Pusa Basmati 1509 through marker assisted backcross breeding                  | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi                                                     |
|      10 | Marker-assisted introgression of yield- enhancing genes to increase yield potential in rice                                                                  | Indian institute of rice research formerly called Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad             |
|      10 | Marker-assisted introgression of yield- enhancing genes to increase yield potential in rice                                                                  | Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack                                                              |
|      11 | De Novo Genome Sequencing of Karnal Bunt (TilletiaIndica) Pathogen of Wheat: Characterization of Pathogenecity Genes/Proteins for Development of Diagnostics | G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar                                          |

|   12. | Generation and comparative analysis of salinity responsive miRNAs and miRNA-mediated pathways of halophyte (Oryzacoartata) and a tolerant glycophyte (Oryzasativa cv Nonabokra)                   | National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, PUSA, New Delhi                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|-------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|    13 | Engineering The Nodulation Signaling Pathway In Rice Plant To Promote Rhizobial Infection And Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis.                                                                          | The Energy and Resources Institute, Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|    14 | Development of chromosomal segmental substitution lines for 5U chromosome of Ae. triuncialis for transfer and mapping of multiple disease resistance and grain softness in elite wheat background | Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|    15 | Understanding the role of TAL effectors of Xanthomonasoryzaepv. oryzae in modulating rice innate immune response to cause bacterial blight.                                                       | Indian Agricultural Research Institute Delhi, New Delhi                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|    16 | Genome-wide mapping of QTLs controlling healthy amylose starch variation in wheat                                                                                                                 | National Agri - Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Mohali                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|    17 | Maintenance, Characterization and Use of EMS Mutants of Upland Variety Nagina 22 for Functional Genomics in Rice - Phase II                                                                       | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Hill Side Road, Pusa, New Delhi, National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology (NRCPB), Pusa Campus, New Delh Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore - 641003 University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) formerly DRR, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Odisha |

|   18. | 'Functional Characterization of Genetic and Epigenetic Regulatory Networks Involved in the Reproductive Development in Rice'                                                              | University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi University of Delhi South Campus (UDSC), New Delhi Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore Osmania University, Hyderabad Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Trivandrum. National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore   |
|-------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|    19 | Marker Assisted Pyramiding Of Apr And Seedling Resistance Genes For Durable Rust Resistance In Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)                                                               | G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology,. Pantnagar. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Wellington Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi                                                                                                                                                         |
|    20 | Development of high yielding water and labour saving rice varieties for dry direct seeded aerobic conditions utilizing recent discoveries on traits, QTLs, genes and genomic technologies | International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Odisha                                                                                                                                                                             |
|    21 | Characterization, Race Profiling and Genetic Analysis of Wheat Powdery Mildew Pathogen (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (DC) Speer (Syn. Erysiphe graminis DC f. sp. tritici) in India.  | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Coonoor Tamilnadu. Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal, Shimla Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Himachal Pradesh                                                                                                                                                          |
|    22 | Pyramiding of Rust Resistance Genes into High Grain Quality Wheat Lines Developed Through Marker-assisted Selection                                                                       | PAU, Ludhiana - 141004 Punjab. GBPUA&T, Pantnagar PAU, Ludhiana ARI, Pune                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |

|    |                                                                                                                                                                               | BHU, Varanasi CCSU, Meerut                                                                                                                                      |
|----|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 23 | Marker-Assisted Breeding and Mapping of QTLs for Drought Tolerance in Wheat.                                                                                                  | ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, PUSA complex, New Delhi Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut |
| 24 | From QTL to Variety: Genomics-Assisted Introgression and Field Evaluation of Rice Varieties with Genes/QTLs for Yield under Drought, Flood and Salt stress.                   | National Research Centre On Plant Biotechnology, Pusa, New Delhi,                                                                                               |
| 25 | Gene discovery for reproductive stage salt- tolerance in rice                                                                                                                 | National Research Centre On Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi                                                                                                      |
| 26 | Molecular cloning and characterization of Xa38 loci conferring resistance to bacterial blight (BB) disease in rice and identification of novel and superior alleles.          | Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana                                                                                                                         |
| 27 | Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Low-Affinity Nitrate Transporter Gene for Improving Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency in Aerobic Rice                                                   | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi                                                                                                               |
| 28 | Introgression Breeding for Transfer of Aphid (Rhopalosiphum Padi L.) Resistance from Aegilops tauschii, the D Genome Donor of Wheat                                           | Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana                                                                                                                        |
| 29 | Editing rice genes through CRISPR/Cas9 technology for enhanced and durable blast resistance in rice.                                                                          | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi International Centre for Genetic Engineering &Biotechnology                                      |
| 30 | Mainstreaming rice landraces diversity in varietal development through genome-wide association studies: A model for large-scale utilization of gene bank collections of rice. | IARI, New Delhi                                                                                                                                                 |
| 31 | Germplasm Characterization and Trait Discovery in Wheat using Genomics Approaches and its Integration for Improving Climate Resilience, Productivity and Nutritional quality  | National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi                                                                                                           |
| 32 | Development of superior haplotype based near isogenic lines(Haplo-NILs) for enhanced genetic gain in rice                                                                     | International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), South Asia Regional Centre (SARC), Varanasi and IRRI-India                                                        |

|   33. | CRISPR/Cas9 based editing of OsERF12 gene for potential improvement of growth and yield of indica rice                                                                         | National Institute of Plant Genome Research                                        |
|-------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|    34 | CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome engineering of disease susceptibility genes in rice for sheath blight disease resistance                                                           | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore -3                                  |
|    35 | Genomics-assisted breeding for development of Dry-DSR ready Basmati rice varieties                                                                                             | Indian Agricultural Research Institute Punjab Agricultural University              |
|    36 | Functional delineation of exitron-spliced and exitron-containing isoforms of NRT1.5 gene of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in context with root-to-shoot nitrate transport | National Institute for Plant Biotechnology                                         |
|    37 | BT/PR39021/AGIII/103/1226/2020 Increasing Iron Levels in Rice Grains Through Altering the Expression of Vacuolar Iron Transporter (VIT)-Like genes                             | National Institute of Plant Genome Research                                        |
|    38 | Defining gene targets of rice OsMADS2 a transcriptional regulator of floral organ differentiation and fertility                                                                | INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, Bangalore                                             |
|    39 | Mapping and transfer of novel resistance genes for multiple biotic stresses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)                                                                    | IARI, New Delhi                                                                    |
|    40 | Development of herbicides against Acetyl Co-A Carboxylase to address resistance and cross resistance in Phalaris minor: A weed of wheat crop field                             | Central University of Bihar                                                        |
|    41 | Targeting Pup1 independent mechanisms for improving low soil phosphorus tolerance and use-efficiency in rice                                                                   | National Institute of Plant Genome Research ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research |
|    42 | Integration of plant and parasite omics to decipher the interactions and identify molecular targets for the management of root knot disease of rice                            | IARI, New Delhi.                                                                   |
|    43 | Identification and characterisation of phytosulfokine receptor kinase gene family of rice vis-a-vis Arabidopsis and elucidating its role in abiotic stress tolerance           | SKUAST, Jammu South Asian University, New Delhi                                    |
|    44 | NIPGR Flagship Programme 'Imparting Sheath Blight Tolerance in rice'                                                                                                           | NIPGR, New Delhi                                                                   |
|    45 | CRISPR mediated genome engineering for developing thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines (tgms) in rice (oryza sativa)                                                      | TNAU, Tamil Nadu                                                                   |
|    46 | Editing MPK3, a mitogen activated protein kinase gene using CRISPR/Cas9 tool in rice to study its role in cell cycle and grain yield                                           | NIPGR, New Delhi                                                                   |

|   47. | Development of a haploid inducer stock through CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex mediated knockout of ZmPLA1 gene and its orthologue in Maize and Rice                                                                         | PAU, Ludhiana                                                                                      |
|-------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|    48 | CRISPR/Cas-mediated multiplex genome editing of disease and herbicide tolerance traits in rice for improved performance under aerobic condition and irrigated conditions                                                           | UAS, Bengaluru TIGS, Bengaluru                                                                     |
|    49 | Elucidating the Genetic Architecture of tillering in wheat through CRISPR/CAS based editing of Ideal Plant Architecture gene IPA1 and Teosinte Branched 1 (TB1)                                                                    | PAU, Ludhiana; NABI, Mohali; IIT, Roorkee                                                          |
|    50 | Bio-degradable nanofiber encapsulated biofertilizer to enhance phosphorous and other micro nutrient uptake in rice                                                                                                                 | INST, Mohali; TERI, New Delhi; ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack; CUTN, Tamil Nadu                                |
|    51 | Nanoscale Zeolite-Zinc-Carbo-Mycolizers (ZinCarbolyzers) to Improve Productivity of Rice                                                                                                                                           | IIT, Kanpur; IIRR                                                                                  |
|    52 | Development of multiple stress tolerant versions of Rice varieties Gomati and Tripura Chikan through molecular breeding                                                                                                            | ICAR-RC-NEH, Tripura ICAR-NRRI, Odisha                                                             |
|    53 | Marker assisted pyramiding of three major genes (Pi54, Pi1, Pita) for blast resistance into elite rice varieties, Bhalum 5 and Shahsarang and identification of new sources for blast resistance in native land races of Meghalaya | ICAR-RC-NEH, Meghalaya ICAR-IARI, New Delhi                                                        |
|    54 | Development of Climate-smart rice for NE India: Introgression of drought (qDTY1.1 + qDTY2.1 + qDTY3.1) and submergence (Sub1) tolerant genes/QTL into high yielding glutinous RC Maniphou-7 rice variety (Oryza sativa L.).        | ICAR-RC-NEH, Meghalaya                                                                             |
|    55 | Genome wide association mapping for identification of novel genes/QTLs of Bao rice population of Assam for deep water tolerance and nutritional quality trait                                                                      | RARS, AAU, Assam ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi                                                              |
|    56 | Generating high-depth genomics information for the Himalaya rice cultivars for improving nutritional quality and stress tolerance                                                                                                  | IBSD, Manipur SKUAST, Jammu &Kashmir AAU, Assam ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi ICGEB, New Delhi NABI, Mohali |
|    57 | Strategic understanding of mechanisms that restrict grain yield, grain protein content and                                                                                                                                         | UAS Bangalore                                                                                      |

|    | quality in rice through an interface between clinical nutrition and agriculture research                                                 |                  |
|----|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|
| 58 | A National Mission Mode Program On Nutritional improvement of digestible protein content and quality in rice: Lead                       | NIPGR, New Delhi |
| 59 | High resolution QTL mapping for Fe, Zn, grain protein and phytate content and their introgression in high-yielding wheat cultivars: Lead | NABI Mohali      |

## B). Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

1. Applying Marker Breeding to develop rice hybrids: (a) resistant  to  Brown  Plant  Hopper (BPH),  Blast  and  Bacterial  leaf  Blight,  (b)  salt  tolerance,  drought  resistance,  biotic resistance
2. Applying Genetic engineering (GM) technology for development of rice genotypes/hybrids (a) tolerant to drought and salinity, (b) Enhanced tolerance against Lepidopteran insect and yellow stem borer, Scirpophagaincertulas
3. Double haploid breeding in development of Rice varieties for enhancing resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses.
4. Improvement of line yield per se and efficiency of hybrid seed production in rice using genome editing technologies.

## C). Details of ongoing R&D projects supported on Rice and Wheat by Indian Council of Agricultural Research

|   S.No | Project Title                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|--------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|      1 | Network Project on Functional Genomics and Genetic Modification (formerly, Network Project on Transgenics in Crops) to promote genomics & molecular marker, and genetic modification research works in number of crops including rice and wheat. |
|      2 | Incentivizing Research in Agriculture                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|      3 | Consortium Research Platform on Molecular Breeding                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|      4 | Consortium Research Platform on Biofortification                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

## D). Details  of  ongoing  R&D  projects  supported  on  Rice  and  Wheat  by  National Agricultural Science:

|   S. No. | Title of the project                                                                                                                                               | Lead centre      |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|
|        1 | Re-designing rice crop for improvised grain micronutrient quality using CRISPR- Cas9/Cpf1 genome editing                                                           | ICGEB, New Delhi |
|        2 | Fine mapping and marker-assisted breeding for alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 to develop semidwarf wheat genotype suitable for conservation agriculture | ARI, Pune        |

|   3. | Harnessing haplotype diversity of genes controlling yield, stress tolerance and resource use efficiency traits in rice for accelerating genetic gains               | TNAU, Coimbatore                                                                                     |
|------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|    4 | Exploring aus rice for drought, submergence and phosphorus starvation tolerance: Mining superior alleles and deciphering mechanism of tolerance                     | ICAR-NRRI-CRURRS, Hazaribag                                                                          |
|    5 | Utilization and refinement of haploid/doubled haploid induction systems in rice, wheat and maize involving molecular and invitro strategies                         | NRRI, Cuttack PAU, Ludhiana VPKAS, Almora                                                            |
|    6 | Genetic improvement of rice for yield, NUE, W UE, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance through RNA Guided Genome Editing (CRISPR-Cas9/Cpf1)                          | IARI, New Delhi ICGEB, New Delhi NRCPB, New Delhi NRRI, Cuttack IIRR, Hyerabad TNAU, Coimbatore      |
|    7 | Identification of super donors and alleles for spikelet fertility and low chalkiness under thermal stress in rice                                                   | University of Delhi, Delhi IARI, New Delhi IGKV, Raipur University of Delhi, Delhi PJTSAU, Hyderabad |
|    8 | Epigenomics of Drought Acclimatization and Stress M emoryin Rice                                                                                                    | IARI, New Delhi                                                                                      |
|    9 | Exploiting alien genetic resources for developing climate resilient wheat and understanding mechanism of heat tolerance                                             | IIWBR, Karnal PAU, Ludhiana NRCPB, New Delhi                                                         |
|   10 | Development of sensors for blast and blight diseases and stomatal activity measurement in rice (O. sativa L.)                                                       | BITS Pilani, Rajasthan IIT, Roorkee Anna University, Chromepet, Chennai                              |
|   11 | Identification of QTLs for subcomponent traits ofWUE through strategic utilization of whole genome sequences and accurate phenotyping in rice                       | UAS, Bengaluru TNAU, Tamil Nadu ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi                                                 |
|   12 | Developing precision nutrient management protocols forrice-wheat and rice-maize systems in Indo-Gangetic P lains                                                    | ICAR-IARI, New Delhi ICAR-RCER, Patna ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut                                             |
|   13 | Paddy straw residues management through in-situ and exsitu microbial decomposition and mechanical interventions                                                     | ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack ICAR-IARI, New Delhi PAU, Ludhiana CCSHAU, Hisar                                  |
|   14 | Fine mapping and marker-assisted breeding for alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 to develop semi-dwarf wheat genotype suitable for conservation agriculture | MACS - ARI, Pune ICAR-IARI, New Delhi                                                                |

## E). Details  of  ongoing  R&D  projects  supported  on  Rice  and  Wheat  by  Science  and Engineering Research Board:

|   S.No. | Project Title                                                                                                                                                                            | Institute name                                                                                                                                         |
|---------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       1 | Functional characterization of rice EG45- like domain containing protein through development of overexpression and knock- down plants to identify its salinity- responsive role in rice. | University Of Calcutta (State University (Public)) 87 /1, College Street, Kolkata Kolkata-700073 (West Bengal)                                         |
|       2 | Understanding the molecular cross talk between light and abiotic stress in regulating the miRNA expression patterns modelled using rice plants.                                          | International Centre For Genetic Engineering And Biotechnology (Institution under central government) Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru University |
|       3 | Investigating gene regulatory networks operating downstream of OsAP2/ERF-40 during rice adventitious root development                                                                    | Indian Institute Of Technology Roorkee (Institution under central government) Roorkee - Haridwar Highway, Roorkee Roorkee-247667 (Uttarakhand)         |
|       4 | Genetic dissection of 13-lipoxygenases to modulate JA biosynthesis for enhanced N, P, K deficiency tolerance in rice                                                                     | National Institute Of Plant Genome Research (Institution under central government) Nipgr, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 (Delhi)                 |
|       5 | Investigating the roles of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene family in abiotic stress adaptation by generating CRISPR-mutants through multiplex- knockout approach in rice             | Indian Agricultural Research Institute Pusa (Institution under central government) Pusa, New Delhi New Delhi-110012 (Delhi)                            |
|       6 | Understanding the effect of aerobic adaptation loci on yield of drought tolerant rainfed shallow lowland cultivar in rice using genome editing tools                                     | Central Rice Research Institute (Institution under central government) Bidyadharpur, Cuttack, Or Cuttack-753006 (Odisha)                               |
|       7 | Investigating the role and regulatory aspect of intrinsically disordered region(s) in DOF- transcription factor(s) with emphasis to rice grain quality                                   | National Agri-food Biotechnology Institute (Institution under central government) Sector 81, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar Mohali-160071 (Punjab)         |
|       8 | Characterization of GABA-transaminase gene promoter for regulatory mechanism                                                                                                             | Lucknow University, University Rd, Babuganj, Hasanganj, UTTAR                                                                                          |

|    | during rice leaf senescence process                                                                                | PRADESH-226007                                                                                                                        |
|----|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  9 | Roles for rice transcription factors OsETT1, OsETT2 and OsSPT in carpel development and floret fertility           | Indian Institute Of Science (Institution under central government) Cv Raman Rd, Bengaluru Bangalore Urban District-560012 (Karnataka) |
| 10 | Fungal Mimicry of Host Chemical Defense: Plant-Mediated RNAi-Based Investigation of Rice-Blast Fungus Interaction. | Indian Institute Of Technology Bombay (Institution under central government) Iit Po Powai, Mumbai Mumbai City-400076 (Maharashtra)    |
| 11 | Functional characterization of TaMSL5-D gene of bread wheat                                                        | Panjab University (State University (Public)) Sector 14, Chandigarh                                                                   |