The first meeting of the newly constituted Research Advisory committee (RAC) of the ICAR- CICR, Nagpur was held on 27th and 28th November 2020 under the chairmanship of Dr. S. A. Patil, Hon’ble Chairman, Farmers Commission of Karnataka, Former Director ICAR-IAR1, New Delhi and Former Vice Chancellor UAS, Dharwad. Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, only the Chairman and Dr. O. M. Bambawale, one of RAC member could physically attended the meeting while the other RAC members viz. Dr. P. A. Kumar, Prof. S. S. Siwach, Dr. A. R. Sharma, Dr. A. J. Shaikh, Dr. R. K. Singh and Shri Vishvaas Naamdev Sawant, Shri Makrand Mukandrao Korde (IMC Members and non¬official RAC Members) attended through virtual mode.

Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, welcomed the Chairman and the other members of the RAC. Dr. Y. G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur emphasized the importance of the RAC meeting in up gradation of cotton research in the wake of new challenges posed with changing time. Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary presented the Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the previous RAC meeting held on 7th December 2019. The Heads of the Divisions and Regional Station presented a brief account of tire research achievements.

Dr. S. A. Patil, Chairman RAC appreciated the conduct of the meeting and urged the institute to incorporate the suggestions of the members in the research programmes of the institute. The committee proposed the following recommendations and the same were subsequently approved by the Council.

1. Top priority should be given to popularize the Bt varieties of CICR through aggressive seed production, maintenance and demonstration. For this, a Rs 5 crore programme on released/notified Bt varieties may be prepared and pursued. These varieties should be demonstrated widely and promoted aggressively in locations where they perform well.
2. Prepare a time bound programme for scaling up of ELS cotton production. Commercial production of ELS, G. barbadense varieties alone may not be cost effective (except in and around Coimbatore). More emphasis may be given for developing and popularizing high yielding premium quality H x B hybrids
3. For PBW management, insecticidal efficacy of cry1Ac (Tg2E-13/Mon531 + cry2Axl (CH-12) may be studied. As cry1D is extremely effective against PBW and has no cross resistance to cry1Ac and cry2Axl, research programme should be initiated to synthesize cry1D gene and to be explored for its insecticidal efficacy and development of transgenics for PBW management. Multi-pest resistant 3rd generation Bt cotton can be developed by stacking NRCPB-vip3a14, cry1Fa1 for Spodoptera, cry1D for PBW along with cry1Ac and cry2Axl in a phased manner
4. Targeted genome editing is an important tool for trait improvement in crop plants. Hence, isolation, characterization and cloning of EPSPS gene from cotton, and a comparative analysis with the rye grass EPSPS gene may be explored for genome editing options for glyphosate tolerance in cotton
5. Develop a Cotton Technology Demonstration park (minimum 2 ha) at the headquarters and regional stations to showcase the best technologies in both compartmental and integrated mode to assess the potential of the best locally adapted varieties/hybrids under the given agro-ecological settings by providing the state of art crop management practices. Also develop high fertility plot of 2 hectares for evaluating Bt-segregating individual plants and progenies.
6. Promotion of long-linted arboreum and its seed production should be given importance. Prepare an action plan to scale up the area and production of long linted G. arboreum cotton. Demonstrations on long linted arboreums may be upscaled in PPP mode with relevant partners
7. Prepare a status paper and database on the cotton value chain (seed to garment), including problems and potentials for reorientation of existing research programmes. The problems should reflect the national, state and zonal wise yield targets, production constraints and potentials, export targets, etc.
8. Cotton cultivation is nutrient demanding and labour intensive. It is essential that mechanization (mechanical harvester, artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones) aimed at improved efficiency and reducing the cost of cultivation in various operations (tillage, sowing, weeding, inter-culture, spraying, harvesting and processing etc.) is given due importance in the research programmes. Also a part of the crop residue produced must be recycled to improve soil health
9. As recommended by the RAC in 2019, the possibility of double cropping with the availability of early duration cotton varieties should be explored by utilizing the harvested rainwater in an efficient manner. A good double cropping system may provide an alternative to the practice of extension of cotton crop and help in the management of Pink Boll Worm.
10. Special thrust on organic cotton cultivation should be given. Conduct large scale demonstration on commercial organic cotton, cultivation. Compile the organic package developed by different universities and ICAR- CICR, test them and potential ones may be integrated into existing package of practices. Discuss the ways to enhance organic cotton production in the country with organic producer/marketing organizations.
11. Breeding on plant types may be intensified by introducing suitable genotypes from Russia, USA & Brazil.
12. As release of susceptible populations of PBW may not be a viable option for PBW management, identification of entomopathogenic viruses from pink bollworm management in cotton has to be emphasized. Large scale field demonstrations of promising entomopathogenic viruses can be attempted during the flowering stage by aerial spray to prevent pink bollworm proliferation in
13. Conduct large scale demonstrations on PBW management with the available technologies (minimum 100 demonstrations) in different agro- ecological zones of cotton growing regions of the country for the management of pink bollworm. Plan one cluster or block demonstration on 25-50 ha contiguous area in one village. The management practices for PBW may be updated through a technical group discussion.

The RAC meeting concluded with the vote of thanks been proposed by the Dr. V. N. Waghmare, Head Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR- CICR, Nagpur.

The third meeting of the current Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur was held on 7th December 2019 under the Chairmanship of Dr. C. J. Dangaria, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari.

The Chairman and RAC Members visited selected laboratories/ experimental fields, interacted with the scientists and reviewed the progress of research work being carried out. This was followed by a review meeting in the Seminar Hall of the institute. Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, welcomed the Chairman and members of the RAC. Dr. V. N. Waghmare, Director, ICAR-CICR also extended a formal welcome and underlined the importance of the RAC meeting for fine tuning the research activities.

In his opening remarks Dr. C. J. Dangaria, Chairman RAC appreciated the contribution of ICAR-CICR. He pointed out that cotton has traditionally been a problem oriented crop and climatic uncertainties are adding to the woes of fanners. Although ICAR-CICR is addressing both national and regional issues, there is need to increase the visibility of the institute and make the research work more relevant to the current situation.

A bulletin entitled “Success Story: Management of Whitefly-Bemicia tabaci (Gennadius) and Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) in North Cotton Growing Zone of India (2016-18)” by Rishi Kumar, Satish Kumar Sain and Dilip Monga” was released by the RAC.

Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary RAC presented the Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the previous RAC meeting held on Feb 22, 2019. The RAC discussed and approved it with some suggestions. The Chairman RAC and the Members appreciated the work initiated on the suggested action points

The Heads of the divisions and regional stations presented the salient achievements of the research undertaken at their respective divisions/stations. They also presented the thrust areas for research to be undertaken during the next plan period (2020-25). After elaborate deliberations the RAC provided the following recommendations:

1. Separate national research programmes should be initiated for the development of compact plant types, CLCuV resistance, heterotic population and big boll with ICAR-CICR as lead centre and selected SAUs as co-operating centers
2. Granting non-exclusive licensing for certified seed production in Public-Private-Partnership mode should be encouraged
3. Work on gene pyramiding of transgenic events into elite varieties/genotypes of public sector institutions should be given top most priority
4. QTLs reported for improvement of fibre quality, yield and other important economic trails may be validated
5. With the availability of early maturing varieties, the possibility of adopting double cropping should be explored for those areas where supplemental irrigation is available in order to make the cropping system more profitable.
6. Studies on the effect of release of available susceptible pink boll worm population into a population of resistant ones has to be initiated under controlled conditions to understand its efficacy as a resistance management strategy for pink boll worm
7. Priority should be given for development, popularization and use of bio-agents (bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, predators and parasitoids) in management of biotic and abiotic stresses in cotton to reduce chemical impact on the environment
8. Studies on viruses and its association with pink boll worm have to be initiated. Further, studies on the role of available proven virus (NPV and GV) have to be tried against pink boll worm management
9. Estimate the fibre quality parameters including trash content of the cotton harvested through mechanical cotton picker following defoliation.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Dangaria, Chairman RAC appreciated the conduct of the RAC meeting and urged the institute to look into the valuable suggestions provided by the members of RAC and incorporate them in the research programmes.

The meeting concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. D. Blaise, Head I/c. Division of Crop Production, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur.

The second meeting of the current Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur was held on 22nd February 2019 under the Chairmanship of Dr. C. J. Dangaria, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. At the outset, Dr. M.V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, introduced and welcomed the Chairman and members of the RAC. Dr. V. N. Wagmare, Director, ICAR-CICR also extended a formal welcome and underlined the importance the institute attaches for this RAC meeting.

In his opening remarks Dr. C. J. Dangaria, Chairman RAC exhorted that in a highly dynamic global and national cotton scenario characterized by climate change and variability, changing farming situation, input use and pest scenario, the task ahead of cotton scientists is tremendous. He suggested that ICAR- CICR should focus on plant types and management practices for High Density Planting System (HDPS), development of varieties with big bolls and mechanization of cotton harvesting. He added that the RAC is a platform where experienced members provide critical suggestions for improvement of research programmes of the institute and the institute should consider these suggestions in right earnest. Dr R.K. Singh, ADG (Commercial Crops), ICAR suggested that in the A1CRP on Cotton evaluation trials, the Bt cultures must be evaluated both under conventional spacing and H DPS, to assess their potential yield superiority. Dr. S.S. Patil, Member RAC wanted that the task of maintaining the purity and uniformity of germplasm resource should be given priority. Dr. G.R. Chary, Member RAC suggested detailed studies on pink bollworm incidence and severity vis-a-vis climate change/ variability. Dr. S. V. Sarode, Member RAC explained the distinction between population diversity due to racial difference and resistance development due to selection pressure. He also urged ICAR-CICR to develop pro-active strategies to delay or prevent resistance development of H. armigera to cry toxins.

Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary RAC presented the Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the previous RAC meeting held on 4-5 January, 2018. The Heads of the divisions and regional stations presented the salient achievements of their respective divisions/stations. On the basis of the presentations and interactions, the RAC made certain specific recommendations and some general suggestions for follow up action. The recommendations are summarized below:

1. Despite inferior performance of CGMS based hybrids over conventional hybrids, due to labour shortage; companies are employing CGMS based systems for hybrid seed production. It is necessary to indentify the reasons for their poor performance and device strategies to overcome it. Gossypium harknessii and Gossypium aridum may be explored for development of Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility (CGMS) in cotton. Both sterility and restorer genes are to be drawn from same source. Sterile cytoplasm should be used for development of male sterility system so that restoration is manifested. Progenies developed may be evaluated under different temperature regimes to understand the stability of sterility system. Basic research regarding male sterility and hybrid development needs to be initiated and sustained. A net work project involving 2-3 SAUs may be formulated to undertake this work.
2. The early maturing compact lines identified as promising for HDPS must be converted to Bt background on priority. In AICRP on Cotton evaluation trials, the Bt cultures must be evaluated both under conventional spacing an HDPS, to assess their potential yield superiority.
3. Project on the development of Bt varieties using deregulated and non-deregulated events should be pursued more vigorously. All aspects vis event characterization, bio-safety studies, bit efficacy and BRL trials should be conducted o priority.
4. Based on the recent recommendations emanate from the meeting of the Group of Secretaries for promoting ELS cotton, a detailed road map clearly identifying the role of different partners and time bound action plan has to be prepared, submitted and executed.
5. ICAR-CICR has developed new G. barbadense cultures with high yield potential and fiber properties equal to Suvin. These should be promoted on priority to meet the requirements of ELS cotton.
6. ICAR-CICR should initiate a national programme for developing varieties resistant to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) with inclusion of interest centre of SAU’s. Pooling of genes for resistance from different sources, including arboreum cotton through inter mating and pyramiding them is essential for arresting the breakdown resistance. The material developed should evaluated in CLCuV hot-pots.
7. ICAR-CICR should have a populate improvement programme aimed at developing cultures possessing desirable traits like compact plant type, sucking pest tolerance, CLCuV tolerance, early maturity etc.
8. ICAR-CICR has developed seven Bt varieties, and large scale seed production was taken up during 2018-19 for five Bt varieties. Front line0 demonstrations may be taken up during 2019- to popularize these varieties.
9. ICAR-CICR has developed a prototype mechanical picker in collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra. To carry forward this work, a collaborative project involving ICAR-CICR Nagpur, ICAR-CIAE Bhopal, ICAR-CIRCOT Mumbai and other relevant stake-holders must be initiated on priority.
10. ICAR-CICR has successfully implemented the e-kapas programme in collaboration with SAUs. The institute should undertake a study to analyse the impact of this programme and quantify the economic benefits that the farmer have accrued by adopting the advisories provided. It should be documented as a success story.
11. In the Integrated Farming System (IFS) project, presently there is no off-farm component. On- farm, off-farm and non-farm enterprises need to be properly integrated. Cotton + Soybean in 4:2 rows can be tried and rabi crops like safflower can be evaluated in the harvested rows of soybean to achieve intensification-cum- diversification.
12. Extent of natural infestation of bio-agents (microorganisms/endophytes/endosymbionts) in PBW collected from different locations can be studied to known the geographical distribution of predation/parasites/pathogens of PBW in the natural eco-system.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Dangaria, Chairman RAC urged that the institute should take note of all the valuable suggestions provided by the members of RAC and should implement them to improve the research outputs. He wanted the scientists of ICAR- C1CR to prioritize the demands of farmers (including good hybrids) and work towards finding solutions to the demands.

The meeting concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. D. Blaise, Head I/c, Division of Crop Production, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur.

The first meeting of the reconstituted Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur was held from 4-5 January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Dr. C. J. Dangaria, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. The following RAC members and officials attended the meeting:

1. Dr. R. K. Singh, Assistant Director General (Commercial Crops), ICAR, New Delhi and Member, RAC
2. Dr. S. V. Sarode, Ex Director Research, Dr. PDKV, Akola and Member, RAC
3. Dr. A. J. Shaikh, Ex-Director, Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai and Member, RAC
4. Dr. S. S. Patil, Ex-Senior Cotton Breeder & Professor, Dept of Genetics & Plant Breeding, UAS, Dharwad and Member, RAC
5. Dr. G. Ravindra Chary, Project Coordinator (Dryland Research), AICRPDA, Hyderabad and Member, RAC
6. Dr. V. N. Waghmare, Director (Acting), ICAR-CICR, Nagpur
7. Dr. A. H. Prakash, Project Coordinator (Cotton) & Head, ICAR-CICR, Regional Station, Coimbatore
8. Dr. D. Monga, Head, ICAR-CICR, Regional Station, Sirsa
9. Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Principal Scientist, ICAR- CICR, Nagpur and Member Secretary, RAC
10. Dr. K. P. Raghavendra, Scientist, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur-Rapporteur
11. Dr. K. Velmourougane, Scientist, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur – Rapporteur

At the outset, Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, introduced the Chairman and members of the RAC and Dr. V. N. Waghmare, Director (Acting), ICAR- CICR extended a formal welcome. After the introductory remarks by the Chairman and Members of RAC, Dr. M. V. Venugopalan presented the Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the last RAC meeting held on 1-2 Dec 2016 and the same was accepted. Dr. V. N. Waghmare, Director ICAR-CICR presented the cotton scenario and the salient achievements of the institute during the 12th Plan period. Later, the Heads of the Divisions and Regional Stations presented the research highlights of their respective Divisions/ Stations.

On 5th January, 2018 the members of RAC visited the experimental fields, bio-control laboratory and poly¬house facilities. A joint interaction session with all the scientists was held where the scientists expressed their views on the current problems and researchable issues on cotton.

Based on the presentations and discussions, field visits, laboratory visits and interaction with the scientists, tire committee made the following specific recommendations:

1. Wild species garden maintained at ICAR-CICR is a diverse treasure for several genes imparting stress tolerance and fibre quality. A special programme on development of pre-breeding materials can be taken up using wild species so that valuable traits that are hidden in wild species can be utilized.
2. Irrigation using structured has been shown to improve yield of cotton. All the scientific data right from the point of field delivery of structured water to the soil and in the plant system should be generated so that the precise reasons for yield improvement could be elucidated
3. Impact of extreme climatic events on cotton and pest damage in relation to abiotic factors for past 30 years needs to be studied as a project. Studies on climate change/variability on production, productivity, pest dynamics on irrigated/rainfed cotton production system can be studied.
4. ICAR-CICR has developed a number of drought tolerant lines in the past. These drought tolerant lines identified in all the earlier programme needs to utilized in regular breeding programmes of the institute.
5. Diploid cotton is hardy and is known to perform well under adverse soil conditions. The diploid (G arboreum) cotton should be tried for their adaptability and performance on calcareous soils
6. The profits of cotton farmers are ultimately linked to the prices realized. Research on market intelligence for benefit of the farmers to forecast the price at pre-¬sowing, pre-harvest and post harvest to be formulated on priority
7. Pink boll worm has gained resistance to Bt toxins in several areas of central and south India. Genetic diversity and population structure of Pink Boll¬worm needs to be studied in order to understand the differential nature of resistance among the PBW populations of north, central and southern India.
8. Infestation period, race diversity and microclimatic data of PBW need to be studied and to be utilized for design of management strategy to control PBW. Research may be intensified for investigation of intrusive and extrusive factors responsible for occurrence, severity, spread and damage due to PBW.
9. Push Pull strategy/molecules which attract the female moths for egg laying should be identified and formulated to address the Pink Boll-worm problem. Research on the deployment of semio- chemicals/kairomones/oviposition deterrents for the management of pink bollworm may be prioritized.
10. Minicore collection group of germplasm of G. hirsutum and G. arboreum should be generated based on the morphological as well as molecular marker data.
11. Gene based marker should be explored for fibre quality traits and their utilization in MAS.
12. GVS lines procured from USA are being used for crossing to incorporate CLCuV tolerance. The progenies must be tested for their reaction to sucking pests.

RAC mooting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. D. Blaise, Head 1/c, Division of Crop Production, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur.

Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting was held at ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur from 1-2 December 2016. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. V. Patil, Director of Education, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka.

Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, ICAR – CICR, Nagpur welcomed the Chairman and members of RAC. In his introductory remarks, the Chairman RAC expressed his happiness over the crop condition in the country during 2016-17. He reiterated that timely sowing, well distributed rainfall and above all the relentless training and information campaign coordinated by ICAR-CICR, SAUs and State governments that kept the key pests (pink bollworm and whitefly) under control were the reasons for high yields expected this year. He stressed on strengthening research on control of pink bollworm, mechanical picker for small farms and compact early varieties with Bt suitable for High Density Planting. Action Taken Report (ATR) was placed before the RAC for deliberation. Dr. B. V. Patil, Chairman, RAC expressed satisfaction on ATR and appreciated the research efforts of the institute.

Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director 1CAR-CICR, in his presentation “Global and National Cotton Perspectives” emphasized that sustainable cotton production depends upon prudent use of water and agrochemicals. He presented the National and Global cotton scenario and narrated the reasons for enhanced yields (>1500 kg lint/ha) achieved by Australia, China, Brazil, Turkey, Mexico and Israel. The reasons for low yields and approach to improve cotton yields in India were also elaborated. The Chairman and the members of RAC widely appreciated the presentation.

Research Advisory Committee members along with the Director, ICAR-CICR and Heads of divisions/sections/regional stations visited different experimental fields and laboratories and interacted with the scientists regarding the research programmes being implemented. They also visited the polyhouse where backcrossing of F, (Tg2E-13 event) with their corresponding recipients and crossing of donor (CH12 event) with recipients is being carried out. The research achievements during 2016 were presented by Heads of the Division of Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, I/c Biotechnology Section, Head CICR Regional Station Coimbatore and Dr. O. P. Tuteja from Regional Station Sirsa. The work done was reviewed thoroughly. The committee appreciated the efforts and made specific recommendations:

1. CICR has developed excellent cultures with specific economically important trait values (earliness, compact plants, zero monopodia, fibre quality, drought tolerance, sucking pest tolerance etc). Desired traits can be combined by adopting appropriate breeding strategies like multiple crossing (involving more than four parents), diallele selective mating system, early generation intercrossing or by subjecting the segregating populations to different mating systems to obtain good recombinants.
2. Based on the results of the multilocation trials involving 21 Bt varieties, the commercial release and subsequent seed production of the most adaptable and high yielding varieties may be expedited.
3. ICAR-CICR should sponsor varieties, irrespec¬tive of their performance in AICRP on cotton trials, to Slate Varietal Evaluation Trials and promising ones must also be released through State Varietal Release Committees.
4. Research on the contribution of microbiome including PGPR towards lint yield, fibre quality and stress tolerance needs to be explored.
5. Rearing system for whitefly and protocol for screening for whitefly tolerance needs to be standardized and a dedicated rearing facility may be developed through proper funding support.

Research Advisory Committee meeting was held at ICAR-CICR, Nagpur from 16-17 October 2015. Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur welcomed the Chairman and members of RAC and briefed the house about emerging issues in cotton cultivation with special mention of whitefly menace in North India, Pink Bollworm resistance to Bollgard II in Gujarat and leaf reddening in central India. He also informed the RAC about salient research findings of the institute Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Head, PME and Member Secretary RAC, presented the Action Taken Report. Dr. B. V. Patil. Chairman, RAC expressed satisfaction on ATR and appreciated the research efforts of the institute. He called for focusing the efforts on research in early maturity, jassid tolerance, compact plant architecture and mechanical picking. He recalled 2015 as ‘International Year of Soils’ and asked the CICR scientific fraternity to work on aspects of soil health, seed quality biofortification, conservation agriculture, climate change and whitefly management. Dr. A. K. Dhawan called for promo¬tion of desi varieties which are resistant to whiteflies and superior G. hirsutum varieties which are better than Bt hybrids in north India through SAUs and KVKs. He also stressed the importance of basic research on the aspects of sucking pest tolerance in cotton. Dr. T. Pradeep, Member, RAC appreciated the efforts of cotton breeders and suggested to consolidate the research gains with appropriate breeding strategies to develop an ideal plant type with reasonable tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. Sunil Mukherjee stressed the need of utilizing the available cotton genome sequence information to achieve stress tolerance through biotechnological and molecular breeding approaches. Dr. A. J. Shaikh appreciated the efforts of CICR in identifying the varieties suitable for surgical purpose and also stressed the importance of lower trash content in mechanical picking and removal of gossypol in seed processing. Dr. Sandhya Kranthi, Head, Divison of Crop Protection, Dr. D. Blaise, Head, Division of Crop Production, Dr. Suman Bala Singh, I/c Head, Division of Crop Improvement, Dr. Dilip Monga, Head. CICR RS, Sirsa. Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, former ADG, Commercial Crops, RS, Coimbatore and Dr. S. B. Nandeshwar, CICR CICR I/c, Biotechnology Section, briefed the achievements of their respective Divisions / Stations. Recommendations were suggested by the Chairman and members of the RAC based on field visits, lab visits and the presentations made for the respective Divisions / Regional Stations. The recommendations subsequently approved by the Council is as follows-

1. Chloroplast specific markers for DNA fingerprinting. SSR specific unique amplicons to be linked to quality traits using genome sequence data
2. Elite genotypes to be screened under different spacing and fertility levels to validate the architecture of the genotype for HDPS
3. Studies should be carried out to ascertain whether leaf reddening is a death signal
4. Resistance development of PBW to Cry proteins – should be addressed on priority.
5. Real-time PCR analysis of somatic embryogenesis related genes and micro RNAs involved in regeneration of cotton may be explored for transgenic cotton development.
6. Validation of fiber specific GhcesA1 promoter with GUS, over expression and down regulation gene constructs (GhcesA1, GhcesA2, Ghfla3, Ghcobl4) may be examine through transient Agro-infiltration technique.
7. The role of epicuticular waxes in resistance to whiteflies & CLCuD and the role of weather and management interventions on whitefly outbreak should be studied.
8. Experiments on conservation agriculture at CICR, Regional Station (Coimbatore) should be fine tuned.

Research Advisory Committee (RAC) review meeting was held at ICAR-Central institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur on November 21- 22nd, 2014 to review the progress of work and io discuss the technical programme for the year 2014-15. The meeting was chaired by Dr. B. V. Patil, Former Vice Chancellor, UAS, Raichur, Karnataka. The meeting started with welcome address by Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR. Dr Patil, Chairman, RAC in his introductory remarks provided an overview of cotton scenario this year and reiterated that High Density Planting System (HDPS) and mechanical picking of cotton should continue as the two important flagship programmes. Dr. S. K. Mukherjee, Member RAC, stressed on develop¬ment of drought tolerant cotton varieties. Dr. T. Pradeep, Member, RAC, emphasized on need for prioritization of research efforts benefiting the farmers and other stake holders. Dr. A. K. Dhawan, Member, RAC, discussed about Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) in north India and its management approaches. Dr. A. J. Shaikh, Member. RAC. talked about the challenges for scientific community with respect to availability of cotton in 2050. Dr, N. Gopalakrishnan, ADG (CC) and member, RAC, called for tailoring crop improvement progra¬mmes for sustainable cotton production. He also appreciated the E- kapas effort which was included in 100 days achievement of Government of India.

Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR, presented CICR Vision 2050 before RAC members. The Action Taken Report (ATR) was presented by Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, RAC. The research achievements of 2013-14 and technical programmes for 2014-15 of various divisions and regional stations wore presented by Heads of Divisions and Regional Stations. The RAC members also visited the experimental fields and reviewed the trials laid out. The meeting concluded with vole of thanks proposed by Dr. Sandhya Kranthi. Head, Crop Protection Division, CICR, Nagpur.

1. Publication of research results has to be expedited:

   RAC urged all the scientists to focus their research efforts on basic aspects and called for sincere efforts for the early publication of the findings in the reputed national and international journals.

2. Efforts towards development of cotton G. hirsutum and G. arboreum genotypes amenable for high density planting system and machine picking:

   High density planting system is emerging as an alternate production technology. To sustain the momentum of HDPS system there is need (a) to accelerate efforts for the development of compact genotypes of G. hirsutum and G. arboreum amenable to closer planting and machine picking, (b) to develop / evaluate planters to obtain satisfactory plant stand in cotton fields.

3. Initiate a long term programme to improve the soil health through appropriate cotton based cropping systems:

   The decline in soil health and low partial factor productivity of fertilizers in cotton production is affecting the sustainability of cotton production systems. There is a need to initiate a long term research programme with components of both basic and strategic objectives aimed at improving soil health through appropriate cotton based cropping systems.

4. Resistance breeding against whitefly has to be initiated like using Tomato leaf curl virus Ty-2 and Ty-3 virus resistance gene:

   Cultivated cotton in north India is inherently susceptible to cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV). In Tomato commercially important alleles like Ty-1 and Ty-3, which were introgressed from the wild tomato relative Solanum chilense. These genes were originally mapped to different regions on chromosome 6, but recent findings suggest that they may rather be alleles of the same gene. Ty-l and Ty-3 are alleles that code for an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of a class for which no function had been described before. Thus, Ty-l/Ty-3 unveils a completely new class of resistance genes. An attempt may be made to utilize the available information about these genes for screening of cotton genotype / germplasm lines for their cross species validation against CLCuV.

5. MicroRNA approach may be explored for the management of cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) using the conserved regions:

   Gemini viruses are plant pathogens that profoundly affect diverse plant crops in tropical and subtropical countries. These are emerging class of viruses with new strains still evolving, thereby making them more virulent with wide host range specificity. Cotton leaf curl virus (CuCLV) is a member of begomoviruses infecting cotton crop causing severe yield losses. Genetic engineering approach through RNAi may be further explored by analysing the sequence information through bio-informatic tools. Conserved region of the target genes in the viral genome may be identified and targeted for management of the Cotton leaf curl virus through RNAi approach.

6. Regular monitoring of PBW incidence on Bt cotton in different ecosystems:

   There is a concern regarding the incidence of pink bollworm in Bt hybrids in farmers fields and the chances of resistance development cannot be ruled out. Hence, the existing programme on monitoring of pink bollworm population from different agro- eco regions for resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab needs to be intensified.

1. Dr. T. Pradeep, Principal Scientist (Breeding), Maize Research Centre, ARI, ANGRAU
2. Dr. A. K. Dhawan, Ex. Prof. & Head, Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana
3. Dr. A. J. Shaikh, Ex-Director, Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology
4. Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR welcomed the RAC Chairman and the members,

Heads of the Divisions and Regional Stations, Coimbatore and Sirsa. The proceedings started with the opening remarks by the Chairman, RAC. In his opening remarks, the Chairman, RAC, welcomed the members of RAC for the meeting and appreciated the suggestions made in QRT report. He emphasized the problem of lower yield levels in India and suggested that all the scientific efforts should be consolidated to achieve higher cotton productivity. He also congratulated the institute for bagging Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Sansthan Award for outstanding performance in cotton research. The action taken report for each of the institute, TMC and external funded projects was presented by Dr. M.V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, RAC.

1. Identification of early maturing varieties for different situations under HDPS with incorporation of Bt gene, if possible and development of picker should be the overall objective.
2. Plant type and mechanization of harvesting should be given priority
3. Time framing of the project objectives for effective monitoring and evaluation
4. Foreign training of young scientists should be arranged in the best laboratories especially in frontier areas of gene discovery aspects for crop protection

1. DNA fingerprinting of all the public sector cotton varieties should be done on priority.
2. Reducing the number of projects to improve the focus of the research in crop improvement.
3. Strategies for improving seed vigour should be given emphasis. Changes in the biochemical profile within the seed during germination may be investigated.
4. Seed packaging material needs to be standardized for long term storage.
5. Breeding programme towards development of surgical cotton should be given impetus for meeting the future industrial requirement.
6. Registration of plant varieties should be taken up at the earliest.

1. Trials to develop a comprehensive weed manage¬ment strategy for HDPS are needed
2. Demonstration of one large scale precision cotton farming in all the zones with the latest HDPS concept
3. Variety ‘F1054’ along with other genotypes may be tested under HDPS in North India
4. Location specific agro-technology for HDPS in cotton to be worked out. The possibility of double cropping after HDPS cotton may be explored wherever earliness is obtained by this technology
5. Problems if any, pointed out by the farmers with HDPS system should be redressed. Seed production of varieties suitable for HDPS need to be given emphasis to enable wide spread adoption of technology by the farmers
6. Any herbicide (like paraquat) alone or in combination at low doses can be explored as an alternative to costly defoliants available in the market after ruling out its undesirable effects on fibre quality
7. Application of combination of herbicides should be done cautiously and checked for phyto-toxicity to popular cotton varieties
8. Bulletin on weed flora of cotton system may be published
9. Changes in soil health parameters should be monitored periodically from GPS fixed locations in CICR farm under continuous cultivation of Bt hybrids. Soil health card for these sites should be maintained.
10. Evolutionary significance of seed gossypol in relation to plant growth, stress abatement and crop development may be explored.
11. Cost benefit ratio of use of Pusa Hydrogel technology should be worked out for cotton
12. Ajwain as a cover crop may be explored.

1. Efforts can be taken to develop repository of the AICCIP entries known to be tolerant to different sucking pests and diseases at CICR
2. Collection and conservation of biodiversity of all the insect pests and natural enemies.
3. Management of jassids and whiteflies in cotton to be addressed on priority.
4. Role of pollinators in cotton ecosystem and the effect of different insecticides on pollinators needs to be studied.
5. Intensification of the work on gene silencing.
6. To investigate if north populations of pink bollworm undergo diapause when brought to central India and if so, the percentage of diapausing pupae.

1. Consolidate the efforts within a time frame towards development of Bt cotton varieties.

1. Study of possible variation in Bt toxin levels in relation to elevated levels of CO2 pruning and leaf reddening.

1. Studies on the whitefly populations carried over.
2. Reconfirm the efficacy of neem ba0 sed insecticides on the management of whiteflies.

The RAC Meeting was held at CICR, Nagpur on 21-22nd Feb 2013 and the following RAC members were present

• Dr. S. A. Patil, Chairman, RAC
• Dr. Srinivasan. Ex Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai
• Prof. K. R. Koundal, ICAR-Emeritus Scientist, NRCPB, Delhi
• Dr. V. Kumar, Ex-Head, Cotton Research Station, Surat
• Dr. Jadhav, Ex-Director of Extension, MAU, Parbhani
• Shri. Shared Tasare, Ex. MLA and Member, IMC, CICR, Nagpur

The proceeding started with the presentation of Action Taken Report of the RAC 2012 by Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR and followed by presentations by Heads of Divisions of CICR, Nagpur and Regional Stations.

1. The future research programmes attempted in the Institute should be oriented to specific agro- ecological conditions.
2. A team of Economists from CICR should prepare and publish a consolidated statistical report (40-50 pages) of Indian cotton production and productivity in changing global scenario to help the fanners and policy makers.
3. Production of ELS cotton should be enhanced in the country considering the low production In ELS cotton producing countries such as Egypt, USA, and Sudan. Opportunities for the ELS cotton in unconventional areas may be attempted.
4. CICR should intensify research programmes on management of jassids in cotton.
5. CICR should make video films depicting the cotton cultivation practices adopted by the champion farmers in different regions (success stories) to demonstrate their technologies to other cotton fanners in different parts of the country.
6. Instead of single gene, cassette of genes (bollworm, leaf curl virus, biotic and abiotic stress) should be explored for future gene constructs. Construction of fusion gene with cry + lectin for durable resistance in transgenic cotton may be explored.
7. Concern was raised about the exclusion of cotton entries in AICCIP trials which showed poor yield but exhibited good fibre quality properties. It was informed that many entries have been knocked out during the initial evaluation owing to their low yield performance. The RAC felt that there should be separate window in the AICCIP trials to test the entries only of fibre quality attributes. The promising accessions in the germplasm and also 20-25 elite cultivars can be tested for its quality attributes in three locations for three years to study the impact of weather parameters on fibre quality to use in future conventional breeding programs.
8. The RAC suggested using PA255 instead of RG-8 in arboreum and Suraj in hirsutum for transgenic cotton development. It was also suggested to try cry1 Ac and cry2Ab in combination and as separate constructs to test the transformation efficiency in Suraj cotton.
9. The RAC suggested testing Pusa ‘Hydrogel’ a water conservation technique developed by IARI, New Delhi in cotton production to improve water use efficiency in rainfed systems.
10. The RAC strongly felt that CICR should be supported with sufficient manpower to take up intensive research to tackle the emerging pest problems.
11. Research on Plant Type for HDPS and for Machine picking must be intensified.
12. Development of varieties with Bt gene may be attempted in all the cultivated species.

The Chairman and members of RAC also had discussion with the Coordinators of the HDPS programme in cotton of various districts. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty, Head, Division of Crop Improvement, CICR, Nagpur.

The Research advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting for the year 2011 was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. S. K. Patil. Ex. Director IARI & Ex-VC. UAS Dharwad on 10th May, 2011. The RAC members who participated in the meeting included Shri Suresh Warpudkar. Ex-Minister Agriculture. Maharashtra, Shri Sharad Tasare, Ex-MLA, Dr. V. Kumar. Head, Cotton Research Station, Surat, Dr. Jadhav, Ex-Director Extension. MAU Parbhani and Dr. M. V. Venugopalan, Principal Scientist, Agronomy. CICR as Member Secretary.

Dr. P. R. Bharambe, Head, Division of Crop Production. Dr. R. K. Deshmukh, I/C Head, Crop Improvement Division, CICR, Nagpur, Shri M. K. Meshram, I/C. Head. Crop Protection Division. Dr. D Monga, Head, CICR Regional Station, Sirsa, and Dr. Surulivelu, Head I/C. CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore were special invitees. Dr. Nandini Gokte Narkhedkar, Principal Scientist, Crop Protection Division and Dr. V. N. Waghmare, Senior Scientist, Crop Improvement were the rapporteurs.

In his opening remarks Dr. SA Patil appreciated pivotal role played by NAS system in development of farmer oriented technologies. He further mentioned significant role played by cotton in country’s economy. He suggested that adaptive research trials are must for determining suitability of Bt hybrids and agronomists of SAU may be involved in these trials. Introduction of new genes in breeding is important and needs to be strengthened. Cotton pickers for small farmers also need to be developed. Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, presented the action taken report, which was discussed and approved by the chairman and members of the RAC. Dr. K. R. Kranthi presented an overview of cotton in the country and world along with problems that plague Indian cotton. He advocated growing cotton in high density planting system (HOPS) to achieve breakthrough in productivity. He mentioned that straight growing dwarf plants with a single stalk would meet the criterion of HOPS. He added that new gene discovery, construct making, transgenic development, implements for mechanization in cotton have been taken up as flagship programmes by CICR, Nagpur. Shri Suresh Warpudkar stressed need for research on validating quality of hybrids developed by private companies Shri Sharad Tasare sugges¬ted that attention be given to management of weeds in cotton system. Shri Jadhav desired that research on reducing cost of cultivation be taken up and system productivity needs to be enhanced.

In his concluding remarks Chairman emphasized on interaction with International organizations for fibre quality improvement and suggested that research on seed technology be taken up in depth. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks presented by Dr Venugopalan, Member Secretary. RAC.

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting for tire year 2012 was held on 23rd Feb. 2012 under the Chairmanship of Dr. S. K. Patil, Ex. Director IARI & Ex-VC. UAS Dharwad. The RAC members who participated in the meeting included Dr, V Kumar, Head, Cotton Research Station. Surat, Dr S. Srinivasan, Ex-Director. CIRCOT. Mumbai, Dr N. Gopalakrishnan, ADG (CC), ICAR New Delhi and Dr MV Venugopalan. Principal Scientist, Agronomy, CICR as Member Secretary.

At the outset. Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director. CICR welcomed the Chairman and members of the RAC. In his opening remarks Dr. S. A. Patil appreciated the contribution of CICR, Nagpur for development of Bt Diagnostic kits and its commercialization. He expressed his concern about the stow progress of cotton improvement work. He desired that field breeding should be strengthened. To renew the importance of public sector research, he insisted for public-private partnership in strategic areas with more visibility and transparency. International collaborations are required especially in biotechnology.

Dr. Patil felt that with the enormous number of private Bt cotton hybrids available in the market, it has become a challenging task to assess their suitability and yield benefits at different locations Proper research methodology should be evolved to identify appropriate hybrids suitable for specific regions. He suggested simplicity in breeding, for instance selection of traits by 4-5 rounds at each intermated cycle of selection, for which comprehensive field work is required in compartmental and convergent mode to compete with the private sector.

Dr M. V. Venugopalan, Member Secretary, presented the action taken report, which was discussed and approved by the Chairman and members of the RAC.

The second meeting of Research Advisory Committee of the institute was held at CICR, Nagpur on May 19-20, 2010. Dr. S. S. Baghel, Ex. Vice Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat & Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Chairman of RAC presided over the meeting. Dr. K. C. Jain, ADG (CC), ICAR, Dr. S. K. Sharma, Ex. Project Director, Project Directorate of Cropping Systems Research, Modipuram, Dr. G. T. Gujar, Head, Division of Entomology, IARI, New Delhi and Dr. J. Kumar, Professor & Head, Deptt. of Plant Pathology, GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology. Pantnagar, Members of RAC; Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR, Nagpur, Dr. P. R. Bharambe, Head, Crop Improvement Division. Dr. R. K. Chakrabarty, Head, Crop Improvement Division, Dr. M. K. Meshram, Member Secretary RAC & I/c Head Crop Protection Division. CICR, Nagpur, Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, Project Coordinator (AICCIP) and Head, CICR RS Coimbatore and Dr. D. Monga, Head, CICR Regional Station Sirsa (Haryana) attended the meeting.

Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR, Nagpur welcomed the chairman and members of RAC. In his introductory remarks, Dr. Baghel, Chairman, RAC advised that CICR should undertake commercialization of genetic stock with specific traits. Dr. K.C. Jain, ADG (CC) emphasized that cotton Scientist must carry out focused research on specific objectives. Dr. S. K. Sharma advised that the technologies developed should have end use and stressed the need for development of good Bt varieties from the public sector. Dr. G. T. Gujar remarked that commercialization of technologies is easy and quick in the private companies as compared to public sector. Dr. J. Kumar informed the house that lately pesticide consumption in Bt cotton has again been showing upward trend and stressed the importance of studies on insecticide resistance development. The Member Secretary presented Action Taken Repot on the recommendations of the previous RAC meeting. Heads of Crop Improvement, Crop Protection and Crop Production Divisions, CICR, Nagpur, Project Coordinator (AICCIP) & Head CICR Regional Station Coimbatore and Head CICR Regional Sirsa also presented salient achievements of the respective Divisions/ Regional Stations. The presentations were followed by lively discussions. The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks proposed by the Member Secretary.

The Research Advisory Committee (RAG) of the Institute held its first meeting at CICR, Nagpur on April 24-25, 2009. Dr. S. S. Beghel, Ex. Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Chairman RAC presided over the meeting and guided the deliberations. Other members of RAC viz. Dr. S. K. Sharma. Ex. Project Director, Project Directorate of Cropping Systems. Modipuram, Dr. V. Shiva Reddy, Group Leader (Transformation) International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB). New Delhi and Dr. G. T. Gujar, Head, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi attended the meeting. Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Acting Director CICR, Nagpur, Dr. P. R. Bharambe Head Crop Production Division. Dr. V. V. Singh. Head Crop Improvement Division, Dr. N. Gopalakrishanan, Project Coordinator (AICCP) and Head, CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore, Dr. D. Monga, Head CICR. Regional Station Sirsa and Sh. M. K. Meshram. Principal Scientist, Members Secretary were also present.

Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR, Nagpur formally welcomed the RAC Chairman and its members. Dr Kranthi presented an overview of current cotton situation. In his introductory remarks, Dr. Beghel, Chairman RAC appreciated the efforts made in the development of indigenous Bt genotype. Natural resources, especially water, he predicted, would be limiting in the days to come. He advised management of biotic stresses through cultural practices by understanding the life cycle of the pest. Dr. Shiva Reddy congratulated UAS, Dharwad. NRCPB New Delhi, and CICR, Nagpur for their joint efforts in release of first public sector transgenic variety BN Bt.

The action taken report (ATR) on the recommendations of the previous Research Advisory Committee meeting held on August 3, 2007 was presented and discussed in detail. Dr. Kranthi highlighted the recent research initiatives and major research achievements of CICR, Nagpur and its regional stations. The Project Coordinator, Dr. N. Gopalakrishanan presented the achievements of the Regional Station. Coimbatore wherein the performance of high yielding interspecific hybrid CCHB 110, farming system approach, NAIP project and growing cotton under polymulch were highlighted Dr. D.Monga, Head Regional Station Sirsa. presented the achievement of the station which includes release of CSHH 243, submission of CISA 614 for varietal identification and registration of 13 genetic stocks. Dr. V. V. Singh. Head Crop Improvement Division, Dr. P. R. Bharambe, Head. Division of Crop Production and Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director and Head. Division of Crop Protection also presented research achievements of their respective divisions.

During the deliberations, Dr. Shiva Reddy desired that CICR should gear itself with reference to fibre specific genes and must ensure for the partnership in the cotton genome programme. Dr. Gujar expressed satisfaction with work being carried out by the plant protection group. Dr. Sharma desired that yield targets be fixed for rain-fed and Irrigated cotton production system.

The Chairman Dr. Baghel expressed satisfaction at the work being carried out and evinced need for a brain storming session on the challenges for cotton cultivation in North, South and Central India. He suggested for improvement in seed oil from cotton seed as by product, implementation of appropriate strategies for IRM through DOCD. Mumbai and identification of better combiners with agronomic parameters having good yield potential. Dr. Kranthi assured the house that all the valuable suggestions/recommendations will be implemented by improving the research programmes. He also assured the house that the seeds of BN Bt variety and Bt hybrid NHH 44 will be made available to the farmers through the Government agencies. The Director also expressed optimism on obtaining regulatory clearance for the commercialization of hybrid Bt NHH 44. The meeting concluded with a formal vote of thanks by the member secretary.

The 3rd meeting of the Research Advisory Committee was held on 3 August 2007 at the CICR, Nagpur. Dr. S. N. Puri, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal (Manipur) as Chairman of the RAC presided over the meeting. The following members attended the meeting 1) Dr. S. Sreenivasan, Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai, 2) Dr. N. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, NRCPB, New Delhi, 3) Dr. S. K. Ghosh, Principal Scientist, CRIJAF, Barrackpore, 4) Dr. J. Prasad, Principal Scientist, CIAE, Bhopal, 5) Dr. B. M. Khadi, Director, CICR, 6) Shri Nanabhau Embadwar 7) Shri Ankushrao Tope, Non-official member.

Dr. Puri, in his introductory remarks, appreciated the efforts made in the development of indigenous Bt genotypes and expressed his concern about the spurious Bt seeds which are posing major problems. Dr. Khadi presented the status of cotton production in the country in the year 2006-07 and highlighted the fact that states like Gujarat and Punjab achieved productivity levels close to the world average productivity figures of 715 kg/ha. Dr. Khadi presented in detail the scientific achievements of the Institute and Regional Stations and informed the house that CICR had received its first International patent for the Bt kits from South Africa.

Shri Embadwar suggested that not more than 2-3 varieties of cotton be cultivated in a region in rotation with other crops. He emphasized the need for public sector Bt hybrids/varieties, and a bullock drawn planter and picker. Shri Tope emphasized the adoption of technologies and practical utility of research. Utility of polymulch as a tool to conserve moisture and nutrients needs to be demonstrated to farmers growing cotton under rainfed situation and contract farming should be promoted.

Dr. Sreenivasan mentioned that China was actively promoting the concept of value-added products. On similar lines, he desired that the machinery required for the production of value-added products in the cotton sector in the country be strengthened. Dr. Singh emphasized that DNA marker assisted selection for biotic and aboitic stresses needs to be strengthened. Dr. Ghosh appreciated the work carried out in the area of diagnostics and requested that it be documented. Dr. Prasad informed that intercultural machinery, tractor operated poly mulch spreading machine could be developed in due course of time.

Dr. Puri in his concluding remarks desired to know as to when the Public sector Bt hybrids/varieties would be released. Transfer of Technology to farmers is weak; hence, the need for strengthening of Social Sciences and collaboration with the State Agriculture Departments was also expressed. He felt that machines need to be developed for the plant types rather than tailoring plant to suit the machine. Dr. Puri was also concerned on the reduction in susceptibility to Cry 1 Ac in the bollworm populations of Gujarat. He was happy that the productivity figure of the country now stands at 525 kg/ha. The meeting ended with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Sh. M. K. Meshram.

The proceedings of the meeting were approved by the Council. The following are specific RAC recommendations / suggestions:

1. Commercial release of public sector Bt hybrids within the next 2 years.
2. Develop robust resistance management strategics for delaying the development of resistance in the boll worm.
3. Validate the use of polymulch in Vidarbha as a method of water conservation in rainfed cotton cultivation.
4. Strengthening of facilities for marker assisted breeding for biotic and abiotic stresses.

The 2nd meeting of the Research Advisory Committee of the Institute was held on May 26, 2006 at CICR, Nagpur. Dr. S. N. Puri. Vice-Chancellor, CAU. Imphal (Manipur) & Chairman of the RAC presided over the meeting. The following members attended the meeting.

1. Dr. S. Sreenivasan. Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai- Member
2. Dr. N. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, NRCPB, New Delhi- Member
3. Dr. S. K. Cosh, Principal Scientist, CRIJAF, Barrackpore- Member
4. Dr. P. P. Tarhalkar, Retd. Principal Scientist, CICR, Nagpur – Member
5. Dr. B. M. Khadi. Director, CICR, Nagpur – Member
6. Shri Nanabhau Embadwar -Non-official Member
7. Shri AnkushraoTope- Non–official Member
8. Dr. N. K. Taneja- Member Secretary

Dr. S. N. Puri in his inaugural address emphasized the changing scenario of Bt cotton hybrid area in North India and expressed his concern on no public sector Bt hybrid available in that area. Dr. Khadi, Director CICR presented the highlight of Institute research contributions and status of transgenic research, watershed activity, nutrient management and resource generated by the sale of Bt detection kit. Dr. N. K. Singh desired the need to have molecular breeding programs to identify DNA markers linked to new genes or traits such as drought. Dr. Sreenivasan stressed the importance of cotton quality parameters including Bt hybrids. Dr. P. P. Tarhalkar advised to develop low cost cultivation technology for shallow soils and organic farming in cotton. Dr. Ghosh suggested the need for uniform screening methodology keeping in view the incidence and intensity of insect pests and diseases.

Dr. S. N. Puri in his concluding remarks stressed the need to identify genotypes with low total water requirement. He desired that the Scientists should prioritize the research in micro irrigation. Apart from seed purity; Dr. Puri expressed that Bt hybrids should not be released without their agronomic evaluation. He advised the scientists to keep a vigil on the outbreak of diseases.

1. Develop public sector hybrid/Bt for cultivation
2. Develop mechanical planter/ harvester for commercial use
3. Study the feasibility of drip irrigation in farmers fields
4. Invite an engineer of CIAE Bhopal for RAC meeting

The Annual Institute Research Council meeting of CICR. Nagpur was conducted from 16-19 June, 2006. The meeting was chaired by Dr. B. M. Khadi, Director. CICR. Nagpur. Dr. Khadi in his opening address presented current scenario of cotton cultivation in India, Regarding Bt cotton, he mentioned that production and protection technologies need to be addressed. Dr. Khadi also informed scientists about major RAC recommendations and these recommendations have to be considered while formulation of research programme. Results of work done in 2005-06 for each project were presented and technical programmes for 2006-07 were approved after deliberations and discussions.

The IRC meeting of Regional Station, Sirsa was held on Mayll, 2006 under the Chairmanship of Director. Dr. B. M. Khadi. All the scientists of Regional Station presented their results for each project and proposed the Technical programme for the ensuing season. The Chairman reviewed all the projects and the technical programme were modified accordingly.

The IRC meeting of CICR Regional Station. Coimbatore was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. M. Khadi. Director. CICR. Nagpur on July 17-18. 2006. In his opening remarks. Dr. Khadi stressed the need for better genotypes / Bt hybrids for moisture stress conditions for realizing higher yields. He specifically mentioned about the requirement of extralong staple (ELS) cotton and the need to bridge the short fall in this category in the country. Other key issues viz., resistance development in Bt cotton cultivation, problem in use of specific pesticides and pest resurgence that need attention were also mentioned. All the Scientists of the regional station participated and presented their research findings in the meeting. Director reviewed all the on going projects including TMC and gave his valuable comments and suggestions.

The annual meeting of Institute’s Research Advisory Committee was held on 21 April, 2005 at CICR. Nagpur under the chairmanship of Dr. S. N. Puri, Vice Chancellor. Central Agricultural University, Imphal. The following members attended the meeting.

1. Dr. S. Sreenivasan. Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai Member
2. Dr. B. M. Khadi. Principal Scientist, UAS, Dharwad Member
3. Dr. N. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, NRC for Biotechnology, New Delhi Member
4. Dr. S. K. Ghosh, Principal Scientist, CRIJAE Barrackpur Member
5. Dr. P. P. Tarhalkar, Ex.Head, Division of Crop Production, CICR. Nagpur Member
6. Shri Nanabhau Embedwar. Member
7. Shri Ankushrao Tope Member
8. Dr. P. Singh, Director (Acting), CICR. Nagpur Member
9. Dr. N. K. Taneja, Principal Scientist. CICR. Nagpur Member Secretary

The proceedings of the meeting were approved by the Council. The following are specific recommendations for the research work to be carried out/strengthened.

• Develop blue print for fast-track development of Bt, keeping in view the quality aspects.
• Studies should be conducted to evaluate efficacy of micronutrients in improving micronaire value of Bt cotton.
• Breeding for drought tolerant varieties which will give yield even under water scarce situations.
• Breeding good fibre quality cotton
• Varieties suitable for shallow soils should be developed.
• DNA finger printing of germplasm in view of IPR
• Work on genomics should be initiated
• INFOCROP model should be fine-tuned.
• Cotton mechanization projects need to be strengthened.
• OCR should develop better types of 80s and 120s counts barbadense cotton.
• Management of bollworms involving IPM/IRM

The research advisory committee meeting for the year 2003 was held on June 3-4, 2003 at CICR, Nagpur under the chairmanship of Dr. Y. S. Nerkar former Vice Chancellor, MPKV, Rahuri. The following members attended the meeting Dr S. S. Narayanan, Dr V. C. Patil, Dr. K. C. Jain, Dr. C. D. Mayee and Dr. MRK Rao. Member Secretary.

The proceedings were approved by the ICAR. The following are the general recommendations:

• For registration of a variety/hybrid, DUS testing as per the guidelines of ICAR should be made mandatory.
• Components of precision farming be identified for good fibre quality along with higher productivity
• Impact of major/minor nutrients on fibre quality be worked out.
• For efficient rain water harvesting, appropriate technologies be developed in collaboration with agricultural engineers for reduction/checking evaporative losses, so as to optimize storage of harvested rain water
• The valuable material developed by CICR through introgression should serve as a base material for increasing productivity.
• Publication on the impact of extension activities and economic/risk analysis in the form of bulletins be brought out.
• Training programme for B Sc. (Ag) and M. Sc (Ag.) to set up Agr. Clinics. A course with a duration of 30 days be considered during September-October every year for enabling them to establish Agri. Clinics.
• DNA finger printing work has to be further intensified.
• Cytoplasmic genetic male sterile system has to be emphasized more in the development of hybrids. Broadening of CMS base for evolving productive CMS hybrids should be looked into.
• Basic research work has to be given more importance besides applied research.
• Gene construct to be made available through genomics research.
• Development of superior quality arboreum lines comparable to hirsutum could strengthen the productivity and adoption pattern of des/ cotton in the country. Exclusive arboreum cotton growing villages should be selected and feedback should be sought upon for improving boll weight and picking quality.
• CICR should secure all the valuable genetic material in respect of cotton and store it in its gene pool with proper listing, so that it can be properly maintained and further utilized.
• Breeders of the crop improvement division should also be involved in the transfer of Bt genes to some Important elite lines and also study the over all performance and fibre quality and may use them in superior hybrid development.
• Agricultural Engineer may be encouraged to develop a battery operated spindle/suction based picking unit with proper efficiency and trash free picking.
• CICR to get actively involved in genomic and proteonomics research and collaborate in the global network of International Cotton Genome initiative workshop to be held in India next year.
• A compendium based on R&D findings of CICR and AICC1P centers be prepared in an extension style publication as a guide for cotton farmers and others including cotton R&D personnel and policy planners.

The annual meeting of Institute’s Research Advisory Committee was held on 2nd and 3rd June, 2002 at CICR, Nagpur under the Chairmanship of Dr. Y. S. Nerkar, Ex. VC, MPKV, Rahuri. The following members attended the meetings:

Dr. S. S. Narayanan, Dr. V. C. Patil, Dr. K. C. Jain, Dr, C. D. Mayee and Dr. M. R. K. Rao, Member Secretary.

The proceedings were approved by the ICAR. The following are some of the major recommendations.

• For registration of a variety/hybrid, DUS testing as per the guidelines of ICAR should be made mandatory.
• Components of precision farming be identified for good fibre quality along with higher productivity.
• Impact of major minor/micro nutrients on fibre quality be worked out.
• For efficient rain water harvesting, appropriate technologies be developed in collaboration with agricultural engineers for reducing/checking evaporative losses, so as to optimize storage of harvested rain water,
• The valuable material developed by CICR through introgression should serve as a base material for increasing productivity.
• Publications on the impact of extension activities and economic/risk analysis in the form of bulletins be brought out.
• Cytoplasmic genetic male sterile system has to be emphasized more in the development of hybrids. Broadening of CMS base for evolving productive CMS hybrids should be looked into.
• Development of superior quality arboreum lines comparable to hirsutum could strengthen the productivity and adoption pattern of desi cotton in the country. Exculsive arboreum cotton growing villages should be selected and feedback should be sought upon for improving boll weight and picking quality.
• Breeders of the Crop Improvement Division should also be involved in the transference of Bt genes to some important elite lines and also study the overall performance and fibre quality and may use them in superior hybrid development.
• Age Engineer may be encouraged to develop a battery’ operated spindle/suction based picking unit with proper efficiency and trash free picking.
• CICR to get actively involved in genomics and protenomics research and collaborate in the global network of International Cotton Genome initiative workshop to be held in India next year.

The Council constituted 3rd Research Advi¬sory Committee for the CICR for next 3 years. The first meeting of Third Research Advisory Committee was held on 25th June, 2001 at CICR, Nagpur under the Chairmanship of Dr. Y. S. Nerkar. The following mem¬bers attended the meeting.

Dr. K. R. Krishna Iyer, Dr. S. S. Narayanan, Dr. V. C. Patil, Dr. Joginder Singh. Dr. K. C. Jain. Dr. C. D. Mayee and Dr. M. R. K. Rao. Member Secretary

Dr. M. R. K. Rao. Member Secretary wel¬comed the Chairman and members of the Research Advisory Committee, for the first meeting. Dr. C. D. Mayee, Director, CICR. initiated the meeting with a comprehensive overview of the achievements made, by CICR during the past few years. This is followed detailed presentation by the Heads of Divisions/Sections on the ongoing programmes in their respective Divisions/Sections. Dur¬ing the presentation and in the discussions that followed, the following suggestions were made by the Chairman and the members of the RAC. The proceedings were approved by the ICAR.

1. The Institute should undertake system¬atic characterisation of germplasm by using the new molecular techniques.
2. By reducing priority on breeding efforts in a phased manner, emphasis should be laid on basic and fundamental studies.
3. In view of the significant progress made in the field of insect resistance manage¬ment, it was felt that these studies should be extended to more centers, covering all the three major cotton growing zones.
4. The screening technologies for insect pest and diseases need to be further im¬proved and refined.
5. The Institute should undertake work on development of package of practices for reducing the cost of cultivation without affecting the yield and quality. This ap¬proach attains relevance, so as to make the Indian cotton production cost effec¬tive and competitive.
6. The scope of biotechnology efforts in the Institute should he enhanced to cover other areas such as abiotic stress resis¬tance. pest and disease resistance, in ad¬dition to the development of Bt. Transgenic cotton.
7. Material developed through introgressive hybridization be distributed to different centers for evaluation.
8. CICR Regional Station at Sirsa should be strengthened with scientific man¬power along with infrastructural support.
9. Work on development of computer simu¬lation models for crop modeling be ac¬corded high priority.

Dr. Y. S. Nerkar, Chairman. RAC in his con¬cluding remarks, appreciated the quantum as well as the quality of work being done at the Institute and desired that some of the major points which have emerged during the delib¬eration. be considered for implementation to the extent possible, looking to the fact that a large number of projects are already in progress at the Institute.

• Dr. V. N. Shroff, Ex Dean. College of Agriculture, Indore – Chairman
• Dr. Amir Singh. Ex-Head, Division of Seed Technology, IARI, New Delhi – Member
• Dr. P. V. Sane. Ex-Director, NBR1, Lucknow- Member
• Dr. M B Lal. Former Chairman & Managing Director, CCI, Mumbai – Member
• Shri. Sanat Mehta – Member
• Dr. K. C. Jain. Asstt. Director General (CC), ICAR, Krishi Bhavan. New Delhi – Member
• Dr. M. S. Kairon. Director, CICR, Nagpur – Member
• Sheoraj, Principal Scientist & Member Secretary

The second meeting of the 2nd Research Advisory Committee was held on Dec. 27 & 28. 1999 under the Chairmanship of Dr. V. N. Shroff. The members, Dr. P. V. Sane and Mr Sanat Mehta could not attend the meeting.

Two minute silence was observed to pay respect for the departed souls of Dr. N. L. Bhale, Chairman, RAC.

Dr. V. N. Shroff, Chairman, RAC in his opening remarks, expressed his deep regard and close association with Dr. N. L. Bhale. He stated that cotton is a very important cash crop and major foreign exchange earner in the country. To survive in the global competitive market, more emphasis is to be given to basic research for which CICR has to design the work programme. Biotechnology research (like genetically modified organisms) has been found to be quite effective, but all these need to be utilised in a big way- only after intensive investigations.

Mr. M. B. Lal gave a very comprehensive account of the present market demand about cotton fibres. There should be a close interaction between research workers, market and end users to know what is suitable from the trade point of view. Mr. Lal emphasised that long staple hirsutum varieties should have mean fibre length of 29- 30 mm, micronaire value between 3.8-4.2 with fibre strength 26-27 g tex. Likewise in barbadense type (DCH32), it should have fibre length 36-37 mm and micronaire 3.5-3.8, strength 28-30 g lex. In the absence of quality as mentioned, Indian textiles prefer to import long staple cotton Hence, it was emphasised that cotton research workers should address to the needs of the trade.

Sh. Amir Singh opined that basic input seed for which special efforts need to be made for multiplication of quality seed.

Dr. K. C. Jain, ADG (CC), ICAR emphasised the need for restricting the number of cotton varieties in cultivation. This will help in maintaining quality parameters. He suggested that to streamline release of cotton hybrids/ varieties even from private companies existing Seed Act needs to be amended so as they are brought under the purview of ICAR system

Dr. M. S. Kairon, Director, CICR presented overall research achievements of the CICR.

The Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the previous RAC meeting was presented by the Member Secretary. The committee later reviewed the on going research programmes of the Institute and made recommendations.

At the end, it was emphasised that cotton cultivation, cotton trade and textile industry are major source for employment and foreign exchange earning for India. India should continue to dominate in this competitive global trade for which basic research needs to be further strengthened keeping in view- special situation obtaining in different agro climatic situation of the country. Need for cotton cultivars with higher production and productivity, even in rainfed situation which tolerate prevailing pest and diseases arc long fell need. This is possible only by multidisciplinary and team efforts by all the scientists working on different aspects of cotton.

In global competition, quality norms are becoming stringent for which Gossypium hirsutum and G barbadense cottons will have to be retailored with reference to fibre quality. Demand for eco-friendly vis- a-vis organic food and fibre is on increase. India is suitably placed to become a major player in this field too.

Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of the CICR. was reconstituted with the following mem¬bers

1. Dr N.L. Bhale. Ex-Director, CICR & FAO consult¬ant – Chairman
2. Dr Amir Singh. Ex-Head, Division of Seed Tech¬nology, IAR1. New Delhi- Member
3. Dr P. V. Sane. Ex-Director, NBRI. Lucknow – Member
4. Dr V. N. Shroff. Ex-Dean, College of Agril. Indore- Member
5. Shri M. B. Lal. Chairman & Managing Director, CCI, Mumbai – Member
6. Shri Sanat Mehta – Member
7. Dr K. C. Jain, Asstt.Director General (CC), ICAR, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi- Member
8. Dr M. S. Kairon, Director, CICR, Nagpur – Mem¬ber
9. Dr Sheoraj, Principal Scientist and Member Sec¬retary

The first meeting of the reconstituted Research Advisory Committee (RAC) was held on Sept.2-3, 1998 under the chairmanship of Dr. N. L. Bhale. The members, Dr. P. V. Sane. Dr. V. N. Shroff, Shri. M. B. Lal and Shri. Sanat Mehata could not attend the meet¬ing.

Dr.M. S. Kairon, Director, CICR in his introduc¬tory remarks briefed about the cotton scenario in In¬dia and also summarized the development activities taken up at the Institute. Dr. N. L. Bhale, Chairman, RAC in his opening remarks congratulated all the past and present researchers, development agencies and cotton growers for the impressive achievements in increasing cotton production and quality during the 50 years of independence. Dr. Amir Singh stressed upon the cleaning and storage aspects of cotton and the need to supply quality seeds at rea¬sonable price.

The Action Taken Report on the recommenda¬tions of the previous RAC meeting was presented by the Member Secretary. The committee later reviewed the ongoing research programmes presented by all the scientists at CICR, Nagpur. Project Coordinator & Head, CICR Regional Station. Coimbatore and 1/ C Head, CICR Regional Station, Sirsa and made rec¬ommendations.

NATP proposals and project based budgeting were also discussed by RAC. The exercise made in the Institute for identification of priority areas was presented to RAC and approved.

In his concluding remarks, the Chairman complimented scientists for their efforts and exhorted them to work as a cohesive team in order to speed up and improve quality of ongoing research programmes. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks proposed by the Member Secretary.

I. C. A. R. has approved the constitution of. the Research Advisory Committee to help in the formulation of the research programme in the different disciplines and to see the progress of research work. The committees constituted for different disciplines are as follows.

• Dr. C. T. Patel, Res. Project Coordinator. ICMP, Surat.
• Dr. T. H. Singh. Sr. Scientist Cotton, PAU. Ludhiana.
• Dr M. A. Tayyab, Sr. Scientist, P. K. V. Akola.
• Dr. V. Sundaram, Director, CTRL, Bombay.
• Director, Directorate of Cotton Development, Bombay,
• Head Divn. of Crop Improvement, CICR, Nagpur

• Dr. Kanwar Singh. Director (Res.) HAU. Hissar.
• Dr. Mukhtiar Singh, Scientist Emeritus. PAU, Ludhiana.
• Dr. B. G. Bathkal, Assoc. Dean PKV. Akola.
• Dr. Y. B. Morachan, Prof, and Head Agronomy, TNAU, Coimbatore.
• Dr. N. P. Wankhede. Project Coordinator. World Bank Cotton Project, CICR, Nagpur.
• Prof. K. R. Kulkarni, Project Coordinator. AICARP, UAS. Hebbal, Bangalore.
• Head. Divn. of Agronomy, CICR. Nagpur.

• Dr. Sardar Singh. World Bank Consultant HAU, Hissar.
• Dr. A. S. Siddu. Prof, and Head. Entomology. PAU, Ludhiana.
• Dr. Zile Singh. Prof, and Head Entomology. HAU. Hissar.
• Prof. A. Rao Deo. Prof, and Head Entomology. MKV, Parbhani.
• Prof. M. G. Hardas, Prof, of Entomology, College of Agril Nagpur.
• Dr. B. P. Srivastava. Research Manager. Union Carbide. Bhopal.

• Dr. A. Appa Rao. Director (Res.), APAU. Hyderabad.
• Dr. K. V. Srinivasan, Ex. Director, OCR, Nagpur.
• Prof, of Pathology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar.
• Dr. V. N. Shukla. Dean. College of Agril Nagpur.
• Head Division of Pathology. CICR, Nagpur.

The research advisory committees in Crop improvement. Crop production and Entomology met in the month of May 1979. discussed and helped in formulating the research programme in the respective fields.