NBRI unveils India’s first 90K SNP Cotton Chip, transforming cotton farming.

The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow has launched India’s first 90K SNP Cotton Chip, a powerful tool that promises to revolutionize cotton cultivation. This technology provides cotton breeders with valuable genetic insights, allowing them to develop high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-adaptive cotton varieties.

What is the 90K SNP Cotton Chip?

The chip uses Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers, which help scientists identify desirable traits in cotton plants. By analyzing 90,000 genetic markers, breeders can speed up the process of selecting and crossbreeding superior cotton strains. This technique, known as marker-assisted breeding (MAB), is already widely used in crops like maize, rice, and soybeans.

How Does It Help Farmers?

1. Higher Yields: By selecting the best genetic traits, farmers can grow more cotton per acre.
2. Pest and Disease Resistance: Reduced dependency on pesticides, leading to cost savings.
3. Climate Adaptability: New varieties can withstand extreme weather conditions like droughts and floods.
4. Faster Breeding Cycles: Reduces the time needed to develop improved cotton varieties.

Which Countries Use Similar Technology?

Countries like the United States, China, and Australia have been using SNP-based breeding in various crops for years. These nations have successfully enhanced crop productivity, improved resistance to diseases, and made farming more sustainable.

Benefits Seen in Other Countries:

1. U.S. & China: Higher cotton production with improved fiber quality.
2. Australia: Better drought-resistant cotton varieties, reducing water consumption.
3. Brazil: Faster crop adaptation to local soil and weather conditions.

Potential Drawbacks:

1. High Initial Costs: Advanced technology requires investment in equipment and training.
2. Dependency on Genetic Data: Farmers might rely heavily on lab-developed seeds rather than traditional methods.
3. Risk of Reduced Genetic Diversity: Continuous selection of certain traits could limit natural variation in cotton.

The Future of Cotton Farming in India

The introduction of India’s own SNP Cotton Chip marks a major step toward self-sufficiency in cotton production. With precise breeding techniques, farmers can grow healthier, more productive cotton while reducing chemical usage and environmental impact.

As India embraces agricultural biotechnology, innovations like this could redefine the future of farming, making it smarter, faster, and more sustainable.

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