CGIAR-IRRI Strengthens National Partners' Capacity in Advanced Breeding Data Management and Analysis

Hyderabad, India (30 April 2025) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) conducted a one-day training on the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) and Biometrical Genetics Workflow (BioFlow) to support national partners in improving breeding data management and analysis.

Bringing together over 30 participants from national research and academic institutions across the country, the training aimed to build core competencies in trial planning to selection decision-making using EBS and BioFlow, digital tools that streamline data management and support the analysis of breeding trials.

Participants also took part in practical exercises, including the use of the FieldBook app for field-level data collection, and its integration with EBS and BioFlow for efficient data validation and analysis.

Participants engage in an in-depth discussion on integrating BioFlow and EBS to enhance data-driven decision-making in breeding trials

A key highlight of the session was the use of BioFlow for single- and multi-environment trial (MET) analysis. Participants learned how to analyze performance data across different locations and seasons to identify high-performing varieties. This helps them enhance their ability to identify high-performing varieties and, subsequently, improve selection accuracy and accelerate genetic gains.

The training received positive feedback from participants, many of whom expressed interest in continued engagement with IRRI on digital breeding tools. Their feedback highlights the increasing demand for capacity building in data-driven breeding approaches.

To sustain this momentum, IRRI is planning follow-up trainings focusing on trait-based mapping and haplotype-based (Haplo) breeding tools developed in-house. This initiative is part of CGIAR-IRRI’s broader effort to integrate digital platforms into national breeding programs to support more efficient and informed decision-making and contribute to improved agricultural outcomes.

Participants represented a wide network of institutions, including: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi; ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (ICAR-CSSRI), Karnal; Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour; ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-RC-NEHR), Lembuchera; Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Allahabad; Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), Hyderabad; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad; Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana; IRRI-South Asia Hub, Hyderabad.

The training was coordinated by Dr. Reshmi Das and Dr. Pronob J. Paul from the IRRI-South Asia Hub. Technical sessions were facilitated by Ms. Alaine Gulles, Lead Specialist – Biometrics and Breeding Analytics, supported by Ms. Connie Lotho and Mr. Michael Reyes, Data Management Specialists. Dr. Ashish Kumar Mall, Manager for EBS and Rice Breeding, led the practical demonstrations on applying the tools in field scenarios.

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