- Received the award at the annual meeting of Soybean Research Project held in Hyderabad.
- Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam extended his congratulations and best wishes.
The All India Coordinated Research Project (Soybean) at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, has been awarded the “Best Centre Award” at the national level for its outstanding performance during the 2023-2025 evaluation period. Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Ram Vichhar Netam extended his congratulations and best wishes for this national-level honor.
This award was presented under the National All India Coordinated Research Project (Soybean) Network. The award recognizes the Raipur center’s multidisciplinary excellence, including research trials, scientific publications, breeding innovations, technology development, farmer outreach programs, and seed production. The award was received by the All India Coordinated Research Project (Soybean) University team members: Dr. Sunil Kumar Nag (Principal Scientist), Dr. Rama Mohan Savu (Senior Scientist), and Dr. Aishwarya Tandon (Associate Professor). The award was presented by Dr. Pratap Singh, Honorable Vice Chancellor, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur; Dr. S.K. Rao, Former Vice Chancellor, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior; Dr. K.H. Singh, Director, ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore; and Dr. R.K. Mathur, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Seeds Research, Hyderabad at the 56th Annual Group Meeting of All India Coordinated Research Project (Soybean) held at Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad on 09 April 2026. Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University has congratulated and wished the team leader and members of the award winning research team for this achievement.
This award is based on a comprehensive evaluation system and competitive process, in which the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur Centre demonstrated outstanding achievements. For three consecutive years, the Centre successfully completed and received approval for all allotted trials in various disciplines, including plant breeding, agronomy, plant pathology, and microbiology. Significant contributions to soybean research were made through high-quality NAS-rated research papers, conference papers, bulletins, and guidance of M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. The Centre has progressed in robust germplasm management (over 1,000 accessions per year), extensive hybridization programs, and the development of excellent varieties such as ASC 11-42, ASC 11-72, and ASC 12-32. Key achievements include the development of three improved soybean varieties for the eastern region, the development of six production and protection technologies, and the registration of three germplasm lines. The Centre has also performed outstanding extension work through 100 front-line demonstrations annually, benefiting farmers under the Tribal Sub-Plan in Kanker district, and regular farmer training and field demonstrations. Along with achieving the target of about 90% in breeder seed production, remarkable achievement was also made in nucleus seed production.
The Centre has played a key role in the evaluation of large germplasm collections (up to 1100 lines), the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties (such as ASC 11-42 and ASC 11-35), innovations in sustainable agricultural practices including integrated nutrient and weed management, and the development of climate-resilient and farmer-friendly technologies. Through its strong extension network, the All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean Centre has significantly increased soybean productivity and farmer incomes by promoting high-yielding varieties and improved crop management practices, supporting tribal farmers through targeted interventions, and raising awareness about sustainable and mechanized agricultural techniques. This award reflects the collective efforts of the multidisciplinary team, their dedication to scientific excellence, and their commitment to strengthening the soybean production system for farmers. The team will continue to innovate and contribute to national agricultural development in the future. The All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean, operating at IGKV Raipur since 2001, is a flagship national program to increase soybean productivity through coordinated research across various agro-climatic zones of India. Adding to these achievements, Dr. Sunil Kumar Nag was awarded Fellow-2025 by the Soybean Research and Development Society, Indore, for his outstanding contributions to soybean research and development. Additionally, Dr. Tapas Choudhary was honored for developing an innovative technology that recommends seed treatment with microbial consortia (Bradyrhizobium decurrens and Bacillus aryabhattai) at 10 g/kg seed, which helps increase soybean productivity and improve nutrient use efficiency.