Evaluation of Stress Tolerant Orphan Legumes (STOL) for use in dryland farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa and India – promoting India- Africa Framework for Strategic Cooperation (Phase II)
ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), India
Dr Kuldeep Tripathi and Dr DR Pani, at NBPGR regional station, Bambara field in Cuttack, Odisha, India.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Background
This project aims to enhance food and nutrition security in India’s arid and semi-arid regions by introducing and improving Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.), an underutilised, nutrient-dense legume indigenous to Africa. Known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in low-fertility soils, Bambara groundnut offers a sustainable option for resource-poor farmers in rainfed farming systems, where crops such as groundnut and pigeonpea are increasingly affected by harsh climatic conditions. Rich in dietary fibre, protein, iron, potassium, calcium, and B vitamins, Bambara groundnut is considered a near-complete food and provides a cost-effective means of addressing protein deficiencies in vulnerable communities. However, its wider adoption has been limited by low yields, long cooking times, pest susceptibility, and limited breeding efforts.
Under Phase II of the KT-NBPGR project, the initiative will introduce trait-specific germplasm from IITA, the University of Nottingham, and African genebanks, focusing on drought tolerance, pest resistance, and higher yield potential. Around 500 accessions will be evaluated across agroecological zones in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Cuttack. A core collection will be re-established based on yield stability, resistance to major biotic stresses, and nutritional quality, with promising accessions supporting breeding programmes in India and Africa. The project aims to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, promote crop diversification, and enhance food security in India’s dryland regions.
Farmer Bambara awareness day April 2026
Farmer Bambara awareness day April 2026
Objectives
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Strategic germplasm exchange and conservation
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Multi-environment evaluation for climate resilience
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Development of an India-adapted core collection
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Strengthening India–Africa South–South Cooperation
PROJECT TEAM
Dr Kuldeep Tripathi
PI,
ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), India
Dr Bhaskar Bajaru
Co-PI
ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), India
