ICAR’s fully annotated Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) genome of pigeonpea ‘Asha’—now the global reference genome—marks a major milestone in Indian agricultural genomics, enabling faster development of climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich pulse varieties while advancing India’s goal of self-reliance in pulses.
Historic Achievement
- ICAR developed India’s first fully annotated Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) reference genome.
- Crop: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
- Variety: ‘Asha’
- Approved as the global reference genome for pigeonpea.
Why Pigeonpea Matters
- Popularly known as Arhar/Tur
- One of India’s most important pulse crops
- Major source of plant protein
- Critical for:
- Food security
- Nutritional security
- Farmer livelihoods
What is a T2T Genome?
Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Genome
A complete DNA sequence covering an organism’s chromosomes from one telomere to the other, including previously difficult-to-sequence regions.
Advantages
- Highest genome accuracy
- Complete chromosome map
- Better gene discovery
- Supports precision breeding & genome editing
Genome Highlights
- 752.65 million base pairs
- 92 contigs
- Complete assembly of 11 chromosomes
- Includes:
- 11 centromeres
- 22 telomeres
- Genome Assembly:
- NIPB_CcT2T_4
Gene Annotation
Researchers identified:
- 36,557 genes
- 48,008 mRNAs (coding sequences)
- >99.9% RNA read alignment
- Confirms high accuracy & completeness
Global Recognition
- Genome deposited in NCBI global database.
- Accession No.:
- GCF_000230855.1
- Officially released:
- 20 April 2026
Why This Breakthrough Matters
The genome will accelerate:
- Gene discovery
- Pangenome research
- Molecular breeding
- Genome editing
- Trait identification
Focus Traits
- Climate resilience
- Higher yield
- Disease & stress tolerance
- Better nutritional quality
🌾 Benefits for Agriculture
- Faster development of improved pigeonpea varieties
- Increased pulse productivity
- Reduced import dependence
- Improved farmer income
- Stronger national food & nutritional security
🏛️ Building on Earlier Milestones
ICAR–National Institute for Plant Biotechnology (NIPB)
- 2011
- World’s first draft genome of a pulse crop
- First crop genome sequenced entirely in India
- 2017
- Improved draft genome released
- 2026
- Complete Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) reference genome
Role of ICAR
ICAR supports pulse development through:
- High-yielding varieties
- Pest-resistant varieties
- Climate-resilient breeding
- Breeder seed production
- Multi-location trials
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
- Farmer training & technology dissemination
Mission ‘Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’
Duration: 2025–26 to 2030–31
Objectives
- Achieve pulse self-sufficiency
- Reduce imports
- Increase farmer income
- Expand improved seed adoption
- Strengthen procurement & post-harvest infrastructure
Target
- 35 million tonnes of pulse production by 2030–31