In a significant recognition of its contribution to agricultural science, CCS HAU Hisar has been selected as a primary hub for a new national mission on climate-resilient farming. The ₹50 crore grant, approved today, is set to revolutionize the way crops are bred in the region.
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Targeting Climate Challenges: The research project will focus on the genetic modification and traditional breeding of crops that are less dependent on intensive irrigation and more resistant to the rising temperatures of Northern India. Key crops under the scanner include Wheat, Mustard (Raya), and Bajra, which are staple to the Haryana-Punjab agricultural belt.
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Modernizing Infrastructure: A substantial portion of the ₹50 crore will be utilized to establish state-of-the-art Climate Control Chambers and Genome Mapping Labs. These facilities will allow scientists to simulate future weather scenarios and test how new seed varieties perform under heat stress or water scarcity.
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Soil Health and Technology: Beyond just seeds, the grant covers research into “smart fertilizers” and sensor-based irrigation systems. By integrating AI and IoT in the university’s experimental farms, HAU aims to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional farming while maintaining or increasing the current yield.
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National Impact: Vice-Chancellor of HAU expressed that this funding will not only benefit Haryana but will provide a blueprint for other agrarian states. “The development of climate-smart crops is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This grant allows us to fast-track our research by at least five years,” the VC stated.
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Phased Implementation: The project is slated to be implemented over a three-year period, with the first installment of ₹15 crore expected to be released by the end of this month.
