Bikaner, Rajasthan — pulses research for the hyper-arid western plain, from climate-resilient varieties to seed production and technology transfer for arid-zone farmers.
2019
Established, in February
100 ha
Farm area
5
Mandate crops
11
Ongoing research projects
ICAR-IIPR Regional Centre, Bikaner was established in February 2019 and is situated in agro-climatic zone IC (hyper arid, partially irrigated western plain) of Rajasthan.
The objectives of the centre are to cater to the needs of pulse-growing farmers of the arid region — breeding improved and climate-resilient varieties, developing location-specific technologies for enhanced pulses production, large-scale quality seed production, and the demonstration and transfer of technologies to enhance the productivity and profitability of pulse growers in the arid ecosystem.
28.07°N
Latitude
73.32°E
Longitude
225 m
Altitude
The farm — 100 hectares
Buildings & installations
Mandate crops
Breeding programmes focused mainly on mothbean and cowpea, aimed at new pulse varieties with improved yield, nutritional quality and resilience to environmental stresses. The centre conducts extensive research on pulse germplasm to identify traits such as drought tolerance, heat resistance and pest resistance — characterizing, screening and evaluating diverse germplasm collections to identify promising genetic resources for further breeding programmes.
The centre develops and promotes production and protection technologies for pulse crops under arid and semi-arid conditions, with a primary focus on optimizing irrigation and nutrient management in water-scarce regions — micro-irrigation, scheduling based on crop stages, and efficient use of fertilizers. It also works on integrated disease and insect pest management: identifying region-specific threats, developing resistant varieties, and promoting eco-friendly control measures such as biological control agents, crop rotation and the timely application of biopesticides or safe chemicals.
The centre plays a crucial role in breeder seed production and in the distribution of quality seed of improved mungbean and chickpea varieties, ensuring that farmers have access to certified seed that can significantly enhance crop yields and quality.
Demonstrations, training programmes and workshops transfer technology and knowledge to farmers and stakeholders — best practices in crop management, seed treatment, integrated pest management and water-efficient irrigation tailored to arid conditions. The centre also conducts training programmes and input distribution under the SCSP programme to uplift the socio-economic status of SC farmers.
The centre collaborates with other research institutions, agricultural universities, government agencies and international organizations to leverage expertise, resources and funding. A mutation breeding programme in mothbean has been initiated in collaboration with BARC for the development of drought tolerant mothbean varieties.
Research on arid pulses suited to arid and semi-arid conditions — strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change through high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties and agronomic practices tailored to local agricultural challenges.
Developing and adapting technologies such as precision agriculture, water-efficient irrigation and integrated pest management systems for sustainable pulse production in the arid agro-ecosystem — enhancing productivity while conserving natural resources.
Strengthening training programmes and workshops for farmers, extension workers and researchers to promote the adoption of modern pulse production technologies, including skill development in seed production, crop management and post-harvest handling.
Encouraging entrepreneurship among farmers and youth through agri-business incubation centres, skill development programmes and access to market linkages for agricultural products.
9 institute-funded projects and 2 externally funded projects are currently running at the centre.
A. Institute projects
| S.No. | Project | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Integrated management of chickpea dry root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina |
PI: Dr. Sudheer Kumar Co-PIs: Dr. S. K. Aggarwal |
| 2 | Exploring agronomic interventions for sustainable pulses productivity in arid region |
PI: Dr. B. Lal Co-PIs: Dr. L. K. Rolaniya, Dr. R. L. Jat, Dr. Priyanka Gautam (ICAR-NRCC, Bikaner) |
| 3 | Social vulnerability assessment and adaptation strategies to cope with the impact of climate change in the arid region of Rajasthan |
PI: Dr. B. Lal Co-PIs: Dr. Ashis R. Udgata, Dr. Uma Sah |
| 4 | Improving crop and water productivity through integration of regenerative agriculture and strategic irrigation management practices in arid ecosystem |
PI: Dr. R. L. Jat Co-PIs: Dr. L. K. Rolaniya, Dr. R. K. Jhaakar (Soil Science, SKRAU Bikaner), Dr. Viksa Sharma (Microbiology, SKRAU Bikaner) |
| 5 | Long-term effect of pulses in diversifying pulses-based cropping system on crop productivity and soil health in the western dry region of India |
PI: Dr. R. L. Jat Co-PIs: Dr. L. K. Rolaniya, Dr. B. Lal, Dr. S. K. Aggarwal, Dr. R. K. Jhaakar (Soil Science, SKRAU Bikaner), Dr. Viksa Sharma (Microbiology, SKRAU Bikaner) |
| 6 | Prevalence, distribution and management of major fungal diseases of kharif pulses in arid region |
PI: Dr. Sumit Kumar Aggarwal Co-PIs: Dr. Sudheer Kumar, Dr. Ram Lal Jat, Dr. Ashok Kumar (SKRAU Bikaner), Dr. Laxman Singh Rajput (ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur) |
| 7 | Improving soil health and minimizing the yield gap in pulses through resource conservation technologies in arid ecosystem |
PI: Dr. Lalit Kumar Rolaniya Co-PIs: Dr. Ram Lal Jat, Dr. Banwari Lal |
| 8 | Development of integrated weed management strategies for pulse-based cropping systems in arid region |
PI: Dr. L. K. Rolaniya Co-PIs: Dr. R. L. Jat, Dr. B. Lal, Dr. C. P. Nath, Dr. Viksa Sharma (Microbiology, SKRAU Bikaner) |
| 9 | Development of abiotic and biotic stress resistant genotypes in arid pulses — mothbean, cowpea and cluster bean |
PI: not stated Co-PIs: Dr. A. K. Raniar, Dr. S. K. Aggarwal, Dr. Manu B. D., Dr. L. K. Rolaniya |
B. Externally funded projects
| S.No. | Project | Funding agency | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exploring and utilizing microbial communities from mothbean and cluster bean to improve stress resilience in pulses in arid region | AMAAS network, ICAR-NBAIM, Mau | PI: Dr. Sudheer Kumar |
| 2 | Supply chain of pulses in major pulse production states of India with focus on Eastern states | Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution |
PI: Dr. Uma Sah, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur Co-PIs: Dr. Sudheer Kumar, Dr. B. Lal |
Dr. Sudheer KumarPrincipal Scientist & HeadPlant PathologyView full profile ›
Dr. Banwari LalSenior Scientist & InchargeAgronomy — stress management, cropping systemsView full profile ›
Dr. Ram Lal JatSenior ScientistAgronomy — cropping systems, conservation agriculture and water managementView full profile ›
Dr. Sumit Kumar AggarwalScientist (Sr. Scale)Mycology, plant disease management and evaluation of crop plants against diseases, molecular plant pathologyView full profile ›
Dr. Lalit Kumar RolaniyaScientist (Sr. Scale)Agronomy — conservation agriculture, weed and nutrient managementView full profile ›
Human resources
| S.No. | Cadre | Sanctioned | Filled | Vacant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Scientific | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 | Technical | — | 0 | — |
| 4 | Administrative | — | 1 | — |
Technical personnel
| S.No. | Name | Cadre |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr. Kishan Lal Meena | T-5 (Driver) |
| 2 | Mr. Ram Swaroop | T-1 |
