ICAR Develops India’s First Telomere-to-Telomere Reference Genome of Pigeonpea

Background & Institutional Basis

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first complete genetic blueprint (T2T genome) of pigeonpea or Arhar (Tur). This will help scientists develop higher-yielding, climate-resilient and more nutritious varieties, supporting India’s goal of self-reliance in pulses and food security.

Key Genomic Findings

• Genome assembly contains 752.65 million base pairs of DNA assembled into 92 contigs, representing all 11 chromosomes of pigeonpea.
• Assembly designated NIPB_CcT2T_4; deposited in the global database NCBI under accession number GCF_000230855.1; released on 20 April 2026.
• Demonstrates chromosome-level completeness with all 11 centromeres and 22 telomeres.
• Genome annotation identified 36,557 genes, producing 48,008 mRNAs (coding sequences).
• Transcriptome mapping recorded more than 99.9% read alignment, confirming accuracy and completeness.

Significance & Applications

• Serves as a national genomic resource for advanced gene and pangenome analyses.
• Enables discovery of genes linked to key agronomic and nutritional traits.
• Supports application of molecular breeding and genome-editing technologies.
• Expected to accelerate development of climate-resilient, high-yielding and nutritious pigeonpea varieties.

Institutional & Policy Framework

• ICAR develops high-yielding, pest-resistant, climate-resilient pulse varieties; supervises breeder seed production; conducts multi-location trials; disseminates technology via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
• Mission for ‘Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ (2025-26 to 2030-31) launched by the Government of India to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production and reduce import dependence.
• Mission targets pulse production of about 35 million tonnes by 2030–31 through research, seed systems and extension services.

Conclusion

The T2T reference genome of pigeonpea provides India’s most comprehensive genetic blueprint of the crop to date, strengthening the country’s pulse research ecosystem and supporting the Mission for ‘Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ goal of self-sufficiency by 2030–31.