University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

Institute name change to national research centre for soybean and Indian Institute of soybean research

Genetic Resources : conservation, Characterization and utilization -- Breeding for early maturity, higher yield, wider adaptability and food-grade characters -- Seed quality characteristics -- Seed project and breeder seed production -- Abiotic stresses - Crop production technologies -- Biotic stresses -- Social sciences & technology transfer -- 49th Annual group meeting of AICRP

It is a matter of great honour and pride for me to present the Annual Report (2018-19) of ICAR-Indian Institute of Soybean Research, Indore. The research accomplishment and technological competence of the institute can be judged by the fact that the soybean was introduced for commercial cultivation in late 60's, and in a span of 5 decades the soybean has become the most important oilseed crop of India. At present, the crop is grown in ~ 11.0 million hectare with a production of 13.7 million tones. In a scenario of meeting edible oil demand by importing almost 60% country's requirement, the contribution of soybean to total oilseeds and edible oil produced in the country is 42 and 22%, respectively. Soybean seed contains 50% protein and 20% oil and it is one of the most economical sources of good quality protein. It also contains many minerals and useful nutraceuticals like isoflavones,which have immense health benefits. Therefore, the crop has a potential to provide nutritional security and eradicate rampant protein malnutrition in the country.