Research Thrust Areas

Basic Research

1. Identification of resistance sources against insects, diseases and nematodes in different crops

• Screening of germplasm/genotypes against insects, diseases and nematodes in different crops.
• Induced resistance against insects, diseases and nematodes in different crops.
• Identify the antixenotic characteristics of plants against insects, diseases and nematodes.
• Identify the biochemical characteristics of plants against insects, diseases and nematodes.
• Use of identified resistance sources for the development of resistant varieties.

2. Diversification and identification of new insects, diseases and nematodes in NEH region

• Diversity and distribution mapping of insects, diseases and nematodes through GIS mapping
• Documentation of new insects, diseases and nematodes of underutilized crops.
• Molecular characterization of new insects, diseases and nematodes of underutilized crops.
• Exploration of native predator and parasitoid insect species from different agro-ecosystems agricultural as well as horticultural crops.
• Exploration of native isolates of pathogen for management of insects and diseases.

Applied Research

3. Integrated management of insect pests, nematodes and diseases under different cropping systems

• Exploration of local botanicals and biocontrol agents for insects, diseases and nematodes management.
• Integrated management of tree bean, citrus decline and rhizome rot of ginger
• Development of bio-formulation with native isolates for pest and disease management.
• Development of bio-intensive pest management modules in different crops against pests and diseases.
• Pest management strategies for insects, diseases and nematodes under organic/ natural farming.
• Integrated management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of maize with chemical insecticides and entomopathogen.
• Exploration local resources for green synthesis of nanoparticles for pest and disease managemen

Strategic Research

4. Documentation and commercialization of edible fungi, edible insects and beneficial insects

• Survey, identification of bee species, bees floral reward, assessment of nutraceutical value of natural honey under NEH condition.
• Study on the utilization of local mushroom and commercial mushroom production.
• Development of insect protein concentrates as protein supplement.
• Standardization of Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) cultivation in polypropylene bags using agricultural waste and byproducts.

---

Significant Achievements under different Research Thrust Areas

Biocontrol & Value Chain Development

Pioneered a Complete Value Chain for Sustainable Agri-Inputs with Global Replication Potential:

• Technology Development: Standardized 10 robust liquid bioformulations from indigenous biocontrol agents, achieving a 16-month shelf-life—a critical parameter meeting international commercial viability standards, reducing waste, and enhancing accessibility for smallholder farmers globally.
• Production & Infrastructure: Established and operationalized a state-of-the-art biopesticide production unit, creating a decentralized, localized supply chain model that can be replicated in resource-constrained regions worldwide to deliver sustainable pest management solutions.
• Commercialization & Scale: Catalyzed market-led adoption by commercializing 6 technologies through a public-private partnership (PPP) with a local enterprise, demonstrating a scalable public-private engagement model applicable to agri-input sectors across developing economies.
• Knowledge Transfer & Adoption: Successfully transferred 2 core technology platforms to the State Governments of Meghalaya and Nagaland, enabling regional production capacity, fostering community ownership, and driving large-scale adoption of organic practices—a model for sub-national technology dissemination globally.

Biosecurity & Phytosanitary Infrastructure

• Established Assam’s First Private-Sector Post-Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Facility: Conceptualized and operationalized SOP-driven PEQ facilities for the private sector in Assam, ensuring full compliance with Government of India phytosanitary regulations and international biosecurity standards, thereby de-risking the supply chain for imported planting materials and strengthening agricultural biosecurity infrastructure—a scalable framework for regions seeking to enhance quarantine capabilities.

Nanotechnology & Climate-Resilient Innovation

Advanced Frontier Research in Green Nanotechnology:

• Established a pioneering Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, creating a hub for cutting-edge innovation and advanced human capital development (PG/PhD) aligned with global priorities in sustainable materials science.
• Developed a novel, green-engineered synthesis protocol for patentable metallic nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Cu, ZnO), contributing to the international shift toward eco-friendly nanomaterial production with applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental remediation.

Developed Climate-Resilient Agricultural Systems:

• Pioneered 5 biointensive integrated Packages of Practices (PoPs) specifically designed for fragile hill ecosystems, offering a replicable framework for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable productivity enhancement in ecologically sensitive regions worldwide.

Entomology & Genetic Resource Management

• Global Biorepository Contribution: Deposited 28 novel Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains in an internationally recognized repository (NBAIM-NAIMCC), including 2 elite strains under safe deposit, enriching the global genetic resource pool for biocontrol agent discovery and sustainable pest management research.
• Commercialization of Indigenous Biopesticide: Successfully scaled and commercialized ‘CAU Bt’ , a liquid biopesticide derived from a novel native Bt strain (MKAKG-1), demonstrating a complete translational pathway from microbial discovery to commercial product with outreach extended to extension systems and farming communities—a model for indigenous bioresource valorization.
• Advancement of Insect Taxonomy & Biodiversity Science: Described seven new species of fruit flies (Tephritidae) from Indian biodiversity hotspots (Western Ghats, Meghalaya), with discoveries published in high-impact international journals (Zootaxa, ZooKeys) and registered in ZooBank—the official international registry for zoological nomenclature—alongside reporting four new national records, collectively refining global distribution maps and contributing to foundational biodiversity knowledge.
• Technological Innovation in Pest Management: Developed the proprietary ‘Healer cum Sealer’ technique for borer complex management and secured a design patent (No. 221566) for a novel “Portable Liquid cum Paste Trunk Borer Applicator” , introducing globally relevant innovations in precision application and integrated pest management strategies