M.Sc. Agriculture (Genetics and Plant Breeding)

The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at School of Agriculture was started in the year 2014 and Masters Programme in “Genetics and Plant Breeding” was first started in the year 2021.The main emphasis of the department is to develop skilled and efficient human resources in the field of Plant Breeding & Genetics for imparting education to students, undertaking appropriate research on crop improvement on sustainable basis in the hills and mountains and extend knowledge and skill to the hill farmers. The department also focuses on Generating Excellent Human Resource in Plant Breeding & Genetics and Improve Crops by sustainable utilization of Indigenous & Exotic Gene-Pools Following Modern Plant Breeding Approaches for Enhancing Food Production, Productivity & Nutritional Level in Accelerated & Precised Manner Under Changing Climatic Scenario in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Vision and Mission:

To ensure quality teaching in the Genetics, Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding related subjects and also to facilitate quality research work of PG students.

To impart capacity building to students through trainings and guidance.

To Collect, evaluate, maintain and characterize the genetic resources of field crops. 

To conserve the valuable crop genetic resources by in-situ methods and under controlled conditions. 

To evolve superior crop varieties/hybrids with high yield, quality, biotic and abiotic stresses using classical and also using biotechnological tools. 

To conduct multidisciplinary research for pyramiding multiple traits in crop varieties. 

To ensure quality seed production of seed chain of notified varieties.  

To disseminate the knowledge on latest farm technologies to the farmers through on farm and off farm mode.

Duration: 2 years (Four semesters).

Seats: 15

Eligibility: A candidate who has passed Bachelor degree in Agriculture/ Horticulture from a recognized University with 60% marks (50% for SC/ST).