A recent study by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has confirmed steady yield gains in groundnut varieties developed over the past two decades, marking a major achievement in crop improvement and food security enhancement.
The study, which measured Realized Genetic Gain (RGG) in ICRISAT’s groundnut breeding program, highlights consistent yield improvements and identifies key areas for future genetic enhancement.
Conducted over two years, covering three to four growing seasons, testing ICRISAT-bred groundnut varieties since 1988, the research highlights the steady genetic progress achieved through ICRISAT’s breeding efforts.
According to the findings, annual yield gains averaged 27 kg per hectare in medium-duration varieties and 25 kg per hectare in late-maturing varieties, indicating the program’s long-term effectiveness. These improvements, scientists noted, directly contribute to higher farmer incomes and greater food and nutrition security across Asia and Africa.
“What cannot be measured cannot be improved. Measuring the benefits of our breeding efforts is as important as developing breakthrough varieties,” said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT. “This study provides valuable insights that help us reorient our groundnut breeding strategies to deliver future-ready varieties.”
Since 1976, ICRISAT’s groundnut breeding program has released over 240 improved varieties across 39 countries, benefiting millions of farming families across Asia and Africa. Notably, ICRISAT, in partnership with NARS partners in India, released the first high oleic acid cultivars, ICGV 15083 (Girnar 4) and ICGV 15090 (Girnar 5).
The study focused on two major market types of ICRISAT-bred groundnut, Spanish Bunch and Virginia Bunch and evaluated them for three key yield-related traits: pod yield, shelling percentage, and seed weight. While steady gains were observed, the study also noted variations in shelling percentage, suggesting opportunities to fine-tune breeding strategies further.
“This study marks a significant milestone. It demonstrates the value of sustained investments in crop breeding,” said Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General – Research and Innovation, ICRISAT. “Each percentage increase in yield translates into millions of dollars added to the economy, and more importantly, more food and better livelihoods for smallholder farmers.”
Dr Janila Pasupuleti, Principal Scientist – Groundnut Breeding at ICRISAT, noted that while the results show a positive trend over the past two decades, there is a continued need to integrate advanced tools such as computed tomography and genomic selection in breeding.
Looking ahead, ICRISAT’s groundnut breeding program is advancing toward a data-driven breeding approach, combining genomic selection, modern phenotyping, data analytics, and machine learning. This integrated strategy aims to accelerate the development of 'breakthrough groundnut varieties' that are not only high-yielding but also nutritionally superior, with enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and drought.
The study, titled “Realized Genetic Gain for Yield and Yield Attributes in Groundnut Breeding at ICRISAT from an ERA Trial,” was published in Frontiers in Plant Science.