Genetics & Plant Breeding Profile


Established in 2017, the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding & Seed Science and Technology is one of the five major academic divisions of SBVR Agricultural College, Badvel, located in YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh. The college is affiliated with Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) and is proud to be ICAR-accredited (2023), reflecting our commitment to excellence in agricultural education and research.

This department plays a pivotal role in delivering core and advanced courses to undergraduate students in the disciplines of Genetics, Plant Breeding, Seed Science & Technology, and Biotechnology. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to blend fundamental principles with modern advancements, thereby equipping students to address real-world agricultural challenges.

Mission & Objectives:

The primary mission of the department is to produce highly competent agricultural graduates with a strong foundation in the science of genetics, plant breeding, and seed technology. We aim to foster innovation, scientific thinking, and practical skills among students to contribute effectively to crop improvement, seed industry development, and sustainable agricultural growth.

Vision:

Human Resource Development:

To educate and train undergraduate students, developing skilled professionals for the agricultural sector with specialization in Genetics and Plant Breeding.

Hands-on Practical Learning:

To strengthen students' technical and operational skills by encouraging hands-on experience in laboratories and field conditions, including emasculation, pollination, hybridization, and instrument handling.

Knowledge Updating and Innovation:

To provide continuous exposure to the latest research advancements, newly released varieties, molecular breeding tools, and key achievements in the field of crop improvement.

 Technology Transfer to Farmers:

To act as a bridge between research and farming communities, transferring relevant agro-technologies, seed production methods, and improved crop varieties to enhance farm productivity.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Genetics and Plant Breeding:

Study of Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, molecular breeding, and biotechnological tools.

Training in classical and modern breeding techniques for the improvement of field and horticultural crops.

Hands-on experience in crossing programs, selection methods, and varietal development.

2. Seed Science & Technology:

Focused instruction on seed biology, seed production, seed processing, and quality control.

Contribution to seed certification protocols, development of quality planting material, and support for the seed industry.

3. Laboratory & Field-Based Research:

ANGRAU’s state-of-the-art laboratories and experimental farms provide the infrastructure for:

Crop improvement trials

Germplasm evaluation and characterization

Data analysis and hypothesis testing

Exposure to real-time field experimentation, phenotyping, and multi-location trials.

4. Seed Production & Processing Initiatives:

Active involvement in foundation and certified seed production.

Initiatives toward establishing small-scale seed processing units and improving seed supply chains at local and regional levels.

Faculty Excellence & Mentorship:

Our department is supported by a team of dedicated and experienced faculty members who are not only subject-matter experts but also mentors and research guides. The faculty actively participates in:

Academic instruction

 Research project supervision

Student career counselling

Organizing field visits, farmer interactions, and training programs

Students benefit from close mentorship, gaining insights into scientific research, entrepreneurship, and job-ready skills.

Outreach and Extension:

The department plays a key role in extension education, organizing:

Farmer awareness programs

Seed distribution campaigns

Demonstrations of improved varieties and cultivation practices

Workshops on hybrid seed production, plant protection, and resource management

This ensures the effective transfer of lab-to-land technologies, empowering rural communities and enhancing productivity.

Conclusion:

The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding & Seed Science and Technology at SBVR Agricultural College is committed to building a future-ready generation of agricultural professionals. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research innovation, practical training, and rural development, the department continues to make a significant contribution to the progress of Indian agriculture. We strive to blend tradition with technology, nurture a scientific temperament, and create solutions that matter for farmers, researchers, and the nation at large.

 

According to Fifth Dean’s Committee

Sl. No

Course.no

Title of the course

Credits

1

GPBR-111

Fundamentals of Genetics

3(2+1)

2

GPBR-211

Fundamentals of Plant Breeding

3(2+1)

3

GPBR-311

Crop Improvement-I (Cereals, Millets, Pulses and Oilseeds)

2(1+1)

4

GPBR-312

Crop Improvement-II (Fibres, Sugars, Starches, Narcotics, Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers)

2(1+1)

5

GPBR-313

Intellectual Property Rights

1(1+0)

6

GPBR-314

Principles of Seed Technology

3(2+1)

7

ELCT-315

Commercial plant Breeding

3(1+2)

 

According to Sixth Dean’s Committee

Skill Enhancement Courses

1.

SEC- III

Seed Production and Testing Technology

 2 (0+2)

 

S.no

Name of the Staff

Designation

Teaching Staff

1.

Dr. Pandit Praveen Kumar

Assistant Professor & HOD

2.

K. Sushma Swaraj

Assistant Professor

3.

G. Sabitha

Assistant Professor

4.

Pappireddy Susmitha

Assistant Professor

Non-Teaching Staff

1

A. Ravi

Lab Assistant

 

 Teaching Faculty

 Dr. Pandit Praveen Kumar

Assistant Professor & HOD

Specialization

Ph.D.:Marker Assisted Introgression of Blast Resistance and Earliness into Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

M.Sc. (Ag): Determinationof Genetic Divergence in Mungbean (Vigna radiate L. Wilezek) Genotypes

Email: panditpraveen9997@gmail.com

Mobile no: +91 73799 19959

 

 Kommalapati Sushma Swaraj

Assistant Professor

Specialization:

M.Sc. (Ag): Genetic Variability for yield and contributing traits of f3 Generation on

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

                          Email: kommalapatisushma@gmail.com

                             Mobile no: +91 93472 02978

 

 G. Sabitha 

Assistant Professor

Specialization:

M.Sc. (Ag): Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advances in Newly Developed Maize Genotypes (Zea mays. L)

                              Email: gaddamsabitha28@gmail.com

             Mobile no: +91 85220 57554

 

 Pappireddy Susmitha

Assistant Professor

Specialization:

M.Sc. (Ag): Specialization Research: Studies on Genetic Divergence for yield and yield attributes in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

                          Email: susmithapappireddy @gmail.com

    Mobile no: +91 62812 52714