BHAGALPUR, Sept. 14 -- Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour has been awarded the country's 'Best AICRP-Linseed Centre Award 2024-25" for its pioneering work in linseed research and innovation. The award was conferred at the annual review meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on safflower and linseed, organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad, and hosted by Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. The award has recognised BAU's outstanding contribution to linseed (Linum usitatissimum) germplasm improvement, climate-resilient and disease-resistant variety development and nano-technology based production technologies. Anil Kumar Singh, director of the high-impact research team comprising RBP Nirala (Principal Investigator), Ramanuj Vishwakarma, Shivshankar Acharya, SK Choudhary and Lokeshwar Reddy, carried out commendable research between 2021-22 and 2023-24 through intensive breeding and molecular studies. The team developed three new varieties Sabour Tisei-2 (High oil content), Sabour Tisei-3 (Tolerant to Alternaria blight and blight and powdery mildew) Sabour Tisei-4 (drought and heat tolerant, suitable for climate change adaptation). BAU has also developed an innovative nanotechnology based foliar spray of nano-urea (3 ml per litre of water) at the flowering stage. The technique has enhanced the nitrogen efficiency by 18-20 percent and at the same time led to reduction to chemical fertilizer consumption by 25 to 30 percent and boosted the yield by 12 to 15 percent. This innovation earned a special citation from ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad and is recognized as a model for climate-resilient, low-input oilseed farming. Vice-Chancellor DR Singh, expressing his happiness over the achievement, said, 'BAU has set a new national benchmark in climate-resilient linseed breeding and advanced production technologies,' calling the award proof of scientific innovation and a multi-disciplinary approach. Anil Kumar Singh, director of the research team, dedicating the award to his colleagues, said, 'This will help increase yield significantly,' expressing hope that 'this recognition will prove to be a giant leap towards positioning Bihar prominently on the global oilseed research map....