University of Hyderabad Secures Rs 2.5 Crore DBT Grants for Crop Research

The University of Hyderabad has secured two research grants totaling Rs 2.5 crore to develop biotechnology-driven solutions for climate-resilient agriculture. The funding was awarded under the Department of Biotechnology's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy through a joint call for proposals with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Dr. M. Muthamilarasan from the Department of Plant Sciences at the university's School of Life Sciences will serve as the Principal Investigator for both projects. The research initiatives bring together scientists from multiple national institutions to collaborate on crop resilience.

The first project focuses on developing climate-resilient microbial consortia designed to enhance resilience in foxtail millet. The second project aims to impart viral resistance in tomato plants by utilizing gene editing techniques alongside peptide-based foliar treatments.

According to Dr. Muthamilarasan, the two BioE3 projects represent a natural extension of the laboratory's ongoing research on tomatoes and millets. He noted that the addition of these two grants has increased the lab's total project portfolio to Rs 417.71 lakh.

The research efforts are part of the broader national push under the BioE3 framework to encourage sustainable agricultural innovations capable of withstanding emerging environmental and climatic challenges.