Sabour: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour has been awarded the country’s “Best AICRP–Linseed Centre Award 2024–25” for its pioneering work in linseed research and innovation. The award was presented during the annual review meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on safflower and linseed, held at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi.
The honour recognises BAU’s outstanding contributions to germplasm improvement, the development of climate-tolerant and disease-resistant linseed varieties, and nanotechnology-based production techniques. The research was led by Anil Kumar Singh, director of research at BAU, whose strategic vision and scientific guidance were central to the achievement.
Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, the project team – chief investigator R.B.P. Nirala and associate scientists Ramanuj Vishwakarma, Shivshankar Acharya, S.K. Chaudhary and A. Lokeshwar Reddy – developed three new varieties:
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Sabour Tisei-2: high oil content (≥42%), medium duration and stable yield.
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Sabour Tisei-3: tolerant to Alternaria blight and powdery mildew.
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Sabour Tisei-4: drought- and heat-tolerant, suitable for climate change adaptation.
These varieties now account for 21.4% of breeder seed production across India, a significant national contribution from a single centre.
The university has also developed an innovative nanotechnology-based foliar spray of nano-urea (3 ml per litre of water) at the flowering stage. The technique has increased nitrogen use efficiency by 18–20%, reduced chemical fertiliser consumption by 25–30%, and boosted yield by an average of 12–15%. For this, BAU received a special commendation certificate from the Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research.
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, α-linolenic acid, lignans and high-quality protein. The new BAU varieties are particularly suitable for use in functional foods, medicine, bio-based paints, varnishes and animal feed. Through genomic selection and phenotypic improvement, oil quality and industrial applications have also been enhanced.
Vice-chancellor D.R. Singh said the award was a “living proof of BAU’s multidisciplinary scientific approach and continuous innovation”. He added that the institution has now set a national benchmark in the development of new linseed varieties and climate-resilient technologies.
