University of Hyderabad Leads Quest for Climate-Proof Super Grain

1. University of Hyderabad Leads Quest for Climate-Proof Super Grain The Millet Lab: A Center for Resilience

2. In the face of escalating climate challenges, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in India is pioneering a groundbreaking effort to develop climate-proof supergrains, with millets at the forefront of this agricultural revolution. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events threaten food security, UoH’s research offers a beacon of hope for sustainable farming. According to Indo Thai news, this initiative is not only transforming agriculture in India but also holds immense potential for regions like Thailand, where similar environmental pressures are mounting.

3. The cornerstone of UoH’s efforts is The Millet Lab, established in 2020 under the leadership of Dr. Mehanathan Muthamilarasan, an expert in plant genetics. Located on the university’s 2,324-acre campus in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, the lab is dedicated to unlocking the genetic potential of millets—small-seeded grasses known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Unlike water-intensive crops like rice and wheat, millets require minimal resources, making them ideal for arid and semi-arid regions. Indo Thai news reports that the lab’s work is drawing attention from international agricultural communities, particularly in Thailand, where farmers face challenges from erratic monsoons and heat waves.

4. The Millet Lab operates a one-acre experimental farm where researchers cultivate foxtail and kodo millets, studying their genetic diversity to identify traits that enhance resilience to heat, drought, and salinity. With over 300 germplasms sourced from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), the lab is building a robust foundation for its research. As Indo Thai news highlights, this genetic repository is critical for developing crops that can adapt to the unpredictable impacts of climate change, offering a model that could benefit farmers globally.

5. A major milestone in UoH’s research is the identification of a stress-associated protein gene in millets that enables them to withstand extreme heat. This discovery, supported by funding from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), could redefine agricultural practices in a warming world. Researcher Pooja Shukla, speaking to Indo Thai news, explained, “Each millet germplasm is genetically unique, which makes our work both challenging and exciting.

6. We’re pinpointing traits that can be enhanced through gene editing to create heat-tolerant crops.” This breakthrough is particularly relevant for countries like Thailand, where rising temperatures threaten traditional crops like rice.The implications of this research extend beyond India’s borders. Thailand, a key agricultural hub, faces similar challenges with unpredictable weather patterns. By sharing genetic insights and technologies, UoH’s work could help Thai farmers adopt millets as a climate-resilient alternative, as noted in recent Indo Thai news coverage. This cross-border collaboration underscores the global significance of UoH’s efforts to develop sustainable crops.

7. Millets offer a stark contrast to conventional staples, such as rice and wheat. Producing one kilogram of rice requires approximately 2,500 liters of water, while millets need just 250 liters for the same yield. This water efficiency makes millets a sustainable choice for water-scarce regions. Dr. Muthamilarasan’s team is exploring an ambitious approach: transferring climate-resilient genes from foxtail millet (locally known as korralu) into rice through genetic engineering. This could create rice varieties that retain their cultural and economic importance while gaining the resilience of millets.

8. India, the world’s largest millet producer, stands to benefit significantly from this research. With climate change expected to reduce wheat production by 4 to 5 million metric tonnes per 1°C temperature rise, according to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), millets could fill the gap. UoH’s work aligns with India’s national push to promote millets, as seen in the designation of IIMR as a Centre of Excellence for global knowledge sharing. Indo Thai news notes that this initiative positions India as a leader in sustainable agriculture, with lessons that could benefit Thailand and other nations.

9. The genetic diversity of millets, while a strength, presents significant research challenges. Each germplasm requires detailed analysis to uncover its unique traits, demanding time, expertise, and resources. However, UoH’s partnerships with ICRISAT and IIMR provide access to diverse genetic material and advanced facilities, enabling the lab to navigate these complexities. The Millet Lab’s focus on both foxtail and kodo millets aims to uncover a wide range of resilient traits, from drought tolerance to salinity resistance, which could transform agriculture in vulnerable regions.

10. The broader context of climate change amplifies the urgency of this work. By 2050, India’s food grain demand is projected to reach 450 million metric tonnes, a target threatened by droughts, soil degradation, and salinity. Millets, with their low input requirements and high nutritional value, offer a viable solution. UoH’s research is laying the groundwork for crops that can ensure nutritional security while reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture.