by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – AS genomics reshapes modern agriculture, Digital Sequence Information (DSI)—data derived from plant DNA—has become central to improving access to and use of crop genetic resources, particularly for breeding better varieties.
Yet the rapid expansion of genomic data has outpaced the capacity of many national research systems, especially in developing countries, to apply these tools.
To help bridge this gap, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), together with AfricaRice and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, hosted a five-day hands-on DSI training workshop from 8 to 12 December 2025 at its headquarters in Hyderabad, India.
Delivered under the CGIAR Genebanks Accelerator, the program strengthened the technical and institutional capacity of 18 scientists from 12 countries across Asia and Africa.
Participants received practical training in handling, analyzing and integrating DSI into genebank databases, enabling more informed use of germplasm for crop improvement.
Dr Marie-Noelle Ndjiondjop, Head of the Monty Jones Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa and Interim Lead of the Genebank Accelerator, emphasized that coordinated capacity building is essential to align national and global genebanks.
By building shared skills, she said, the program supports consistent application of genomic tools and better breeding decisions.
Participants agreed to establish regional Communities of Practice in Asia and Africa to sustain peer learning and collaboration.
Experts from ICRISAT and partner institutions led lectures, discussions and laboratory sessions covering the full genomics workflow, from DNA extraction to high-throughput genotyping and SNP data analysis.
Study tours of ICRISAT’s genebank, speed breeding, quarantine, climate biology and aflatoxin facilities demonstrated how advanced tools link conservation to farmer-ready varieties.
Dr Kuldeep Singh, Acting Global Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement and Head of the Genebank at ICRISAT, said the workshop laid the foundation for long-term regional cooperation.
– CAJ News