Research

About PJTAU

Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), established in 2014, inherits a rich legacy of agricultural research and innovation from the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU), founded in 1964. The university serves as a premier institution for agricultural research, education, and extension services in Telangana, fostering advancements in sustainable farming systems, crop improvement, and resource management.

Mission

To align agricultural research and development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) by formulating and implementing sustainable crop production systems. The university is committed to ensuring food and nutritional security and improving farmers’ livelihoods through the development and dissemination of eco-friendly, innovative technologies that enhance resilience and sustainability in agricultural systems.

Vision

To enhance agricultural sustainability, productivity, and nutritional security through the integration of climate-resilient agronomic practices, genetic advancements, and innovative stress-mitigation strategies, while ensuring the conservation of natural resources for future generations.

Major Areas of Research

  • Farm Mechanization: Advancing automation and mechanization across the crop production cycle, from land preparation to harvesting, for labor and cost efficiency.
  • Market Intelligence and Agri-Business Linkages: Providing real-time market forecasts, price trend analysis, and value chain integration to enhance farmers’ income and decision-making.
  • Post-Harvest Processing and Value Addition: Innovating storage, processing, and food technology solutions to improve shelf life, quality, and marketability of agricultural products.
  • Extension and Technology Transfer: Strengthening farmer-scientist interactions, capacity-building programs, and digital extension platforms to ensure rapid dissemination and adoption of innovations.
  • Farm Mechanization: Advancing automation and mechanization across the crop production cycle, from land preparation to harvesting, for labor and cost efficiency.
  • Market Intelligence and Agri-Business Linkages: Providing real-time market forecasts, price trend analysis, and value chain integration to enhance farmers’ income and decision-making.
  • Post-Harvest Processing and Value Addition: Innovating storage, processing, and food technology solutions to improve shelf life, quality, and marketability of agricultural products.
  • Extension and Technology Transfer: Strengthening farmer-scientist interactions, capacity-building programs, and digital extension platforms to ensure rapid dissemination and adoption of innovations.Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Milestones in Crop Improvement Research

Cereals and Millets

  • Rice Improvement: Developed over 38 high-yielding rice varieties with enhanced resistance to major pests and diseases, superior cooking quality, and improved nutritional attributes (2014–2024). Notably, RNR 15048 (Telangana Sona), a low glycemic index variety, has gained prominence for its export potential.
  • Maize Hybrids for Enhanced Productivity:DHM 117 and DHM 121 have been extensively adopted, covering over 1 million hectares across multiple states in India. Four maize hybrids have been released in the last decade (2014–2024), including two at the national level (Karimnagar Makka-1 and DHM 206) and two at the state level (KNMH 141 and DHM 182), contributing to yield enhancement and climate resilience.These hybrids have also been successfully commercialized by 45 private-sector seed companies.
  • Climate-Resilient Millet Varieties: Developed six improved sorghum varieties (CSV 31, PYPS 2, CSV 41, PSV 516, STV 68, and STV 55), one pearl millet hybrid (PBH 1625), and one finger millet variety (PRS 38), offering enhanced adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and improved nutritional profiles.

Pulses and Oilseeds

  • Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Improvement: Released six high-yielding pigeonpea varieties (PRG 176, WRGE 97, WRGE 93, WRGE 121, WRG 55, and TDRG 59) and one hybrid (ICPH 2740) over the past decade (2014–2024). These cultivars have demonstrated extensive adaptability and are widely cultivated across various districts of Telangana.
  • Mungbean (Vigna radiata) and Other Pulses: Developed three improved greengram varieties (MGG 351, MGG 385, and WGG 42), along with one variety each in blackgram (MBG 1070) and chickpea (Adilabad Shanaga 2), contributing to enhanced productivity and resilience in pulse-based cropping systems.
  • Sesame (Sesamum indicum) and Oilseed Crop Enhancement: Released four sesame varieties (JCS 2454, JCS 1020, JCS 3202, and JCS 3287), two soybean varieties (Basara and AISb 50), and one variety each in groundnut (JCG 2141) and castor (PCS 362) during the period 2014–2024, supporting diversification and sustainability in oilseed production.

    Seed Production Leadership

    Over the past decade (2014–2024), more than 1.36 lakh quintals of high-quality seeds have been produced, reinforcing Telangana’s recognition as the “Seed Bowl of India.” The annual State-Level Seed Mela facilitates the distribution of certified seeds under TELANGANA SEEDS, ensuring access to superior genetic material to farmers. Additionally, 18 seed processing units and two cold storage facilities have been established to enhance seed quality, viability, and shelf-life.

    Innovations & Technology

    Cutting-Edge Agricultural Technologies

    • A total of 215 farm-implementable technologies have been developed across natural resource management, crop protection, mechanization, and value addition, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
    • Thirty-three innovative farm implements have been designed, including multi-crop threshers, groundnut pod strippers, and laser-guided land levelers, improving precision agriculture and labor efficiency.

    Biotechnology Breakthroughs

    • The first biotech-developed rice varieties, WGL 1487 and WGL 1119, have been officially notified by the CVRC, marking a significant advancement in genetic crop improvement.
    • The Biotechnology Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, enabling cutting-edge advancements in molecular breeding, genetic engineering, and biotechnological innovations.

    Specialized Research Centers

    • MFPI – Quality Control Laboratory: An NABL-accredited facility providing analytical and quality profiling services for university crops and commercial testing. The laboratory houses an AERB-authorized GC-5000 Gamma Irradiator (Category-I) with Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co), facilitating radiation-based research applications.
    • Pesticide Residue Laboratory: An NABL-accredited laboratory offering testing for 121 pesticide residues. Advanced analytical techniques, including LC-MS/MS (for 79 residues) and GC-MS/MS (for 42 residues), enable detection at a sensitivity threshold of 0.01 mg/kg.
    • Millet Processing & Incubation Centre: Engaged in the commercialization of FSSAI-approved millet-based products under the brand MILLET PLUS, promoting value addition and market expansion.

      Drones and Digital Agriculture

      • Telangana’s first DGCA-approved Drone Academy with scope of small and medium category has been established, featuring patented drone-based seed dispensing technology for rice cultivation, revolutionizing precision agriculture.
      • A total of 280 drone pilots, including 44 women, have been trained under the Namo Drone Didi initiative, fostering the adoption of advanced aerial technologies in sustainable farming practices.
      • Patented technology for drone seeding device for wet direct seeded rice.

      Strategic Research goals & Global collaborations

      Innovative Research for Sustainable Agriculture

      • Emphasizing the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, sustainable farming systems, and optimized resource utilization for enhanced agricultural resilience.
      • Advancing post-harvest processing technologies and value addition strategies to improve economic viability and ensure long-term sustainability in agricultural production.

      Technology Integration

      • Leveraging advanced technologies, including drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), to address critical agricultural challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate variability.
      • Establishing comprehensive value chains for key crops to enhance farmer profitability and promote economic sustainability in the agricultural sector.

      Research Alliances

      • Strengthening strategic collaborations with national and international research institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange, integrate global best practices, and accelerate transformative agricultural innovations.

      Agro Climatic Zones of Telangana State

      Telangana State is apportioned into three agro-climatic zones based on the geographical characteristics such as rainfall, temperature, nature of soils etc. as follows:

      1. North Telangana Zone
      2. Central Telangana Zone
      3. South Telangana Zone

      PJTAU is committed to advancing agricultural sustainability, food security, and rural development through innovation, strategic collaborations, and farmer-centric initiatives