Brainstorming sessions on groundnut value chain innovations

Training session at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), Jamalpur. Photo: BARI

Groundnut innovations with large kernels and high oleic content preferred by the confectionery industry in Bangladesh being developed in partnership with the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute was discussed during a training program that deliberated on groundnut value chain innovations.

Researchers and extension staff from government and non-governmental organizations participated in the discussion. ICRISAT principal scientist Dr Janila Pasupuleti participated virtually and shared a presentation on market-preferred peanut varieties for Bangladesh being tested for release. ICRISAT shared advanced breeding lines with the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) and the evaluation trials conducted by BARI identified early-maturing and drought-tolerant lines ICGVs 00338, 07219, and 02038 and advanced to variety release testing in 2020. High oleic lines are also under testing in Bangladesh, said Dr Janila.

The enormous opportunity for cultivation of groundnuts in the Char area (riverine islands that surface after rainwater recedes post the monsoon season) in Bangladesh was raised by Dr Manjurul Kadir, Principal Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI). He noted that farmers can reap income benefits from such an intervention that also contributes to sustainability of production systems.

The training program was conducted by BARI, Regional Station, Jamalpur on 25 November. A total of 40 participants from BARI, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Soil Resource Development Institute, Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute, Bangladesh Maize and Wheat Research Institute, World Vision and Sanga (a local NGO) participated.

Read more about ICRISAT work on groundnut on EXPLOREit

This work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal.