Scientists from BARC Mumbai and IGKV Raipur Highlight the Superior Traits of Vikram-TCR, an Improved Mutant of Safri-17 Paddy
Published on: October 18, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A “Field Day” program was organized at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Surgi under the joint aegis of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) Raipur, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy and Biotechnology.
Former MP Mr. Abhishek Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest. Engaging in detailed discussions with agricultural scientists, he encouraged farmers to adopt the Vikram-TCR variety and other improved crops under the seed production program to enhance productivity and profitability.
The event witnessed a large turnout of progressive farmers from the surrounding regions. Scientists from BARC and IGKV highlighted the research efforts behind Vikram-TCR, an improved mutant variety of Safri-17 rice, developed through nuclear and biotechnological innovations.
Prominent participants included Dr. P.A. Hasan, Director, Bioscience Group, BARC Mumbai; Dr. A.D. Balal, Head, NA-BTBD; and Dr. B.K. Das, Senior Scientist, CIS, NA-BTBD. From IGKV Raipur, Prof. Dr. Deepak Sharma and Dr. Parmeshwar Sahu shared their insights into the superior yield, grain quality, and disease resistance of the new variety. Farmers also received informational folders outlining the advanced cultivation techniques of Vikram-TCR.
Dr. Gunjan Jha, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Surgi, urged farmers to adopt this high-yielding variety to boost their income and ensure sustainable farming practices. Other key contributors included agricultural scientists Dr. Diveshwar Nishad, Dr. Pooja Sahu, Dr. Atul Dange, Dr. Nutan Ramteke, Mr. Manish Kumar Singh, Dr. Yogendra Shrivas, Mr. Jitendra Meshram, and Mr. Ashish Gaurav Shukla.
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The event also saw participation from award-winning farmers such as Mr. Aneshwar Verma, recipient of the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Krishi Ratna Award, Multilayer Farming Award, Young India, Water Hero, and Innovative Farmer Award.
In the concluding session, farmers were taken to the KVK demonstration field, where they observed the standing crop of Vikram-TCR and studied its distinct agronomic traits first-hand.
