Crop Breeding & Plant Biotechnology Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Joydeep Banerjee
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1173 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Agricultural and Food Engineering, Bioprocesses |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Crop Breeding and Plant Biotechnology
In a world facing climate change and a growing population, the science of improving our food supply is more critical than ever. The course Basics of Crop Breeding and Plant Biotechnology, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, provides a deep dive into the technologies shaping the future of agriculture. Designed and taught by an expert in the field, this 12-week program is your gateway to understanding how we develop resilient, high-yielding crops.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Joydeep Banerjee
Learning from an experienced guide is paramount. This course is led by Prof. Joydeep Banerjee of IIT Kharagpur, whose distinguished career bridges foundational science and advanced application:
- Academic Credentials: Holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from IIT Kharagpur, with a Master's in Genetics and Plant Breeding and a Bachelor's in Agricultural Sciences.
- International Expertise: Gained extensive postdoctoral training in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Kentucky and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA.
- Teaching & Research: Brings over 13 years of experience in Plant Molecular Biology and Transgenic Technology, with a prolific record of publications in national and international journals.
- Professional Journey: Previously served as an Assistant Professor at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya before joining IIT Kharagpur's Agricultural and Food Engineering Department.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for students and professionals looking to build or enhance their expertise in modern agricultural sciences.
- Intended Audience: Undergraduate (B.Sc. in Agriculture) and Postgraduate students (M.Tech./M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Agriculture, Plant Sciences, or Botany).
- Prerequisites: A basic science background at the 10+2 level is required to grasp the concepts effectively.
- Industry Relevance: The curriculum is developed with support from leading agri-biotech industries like MAHYCO and BAYER Crop Science LLC, ensuring the skills taught are directly applicable in the professional world.
What You Will Learn: Course Overview
Spanning 12 weeks, this comprehensive course covers the evolution of crop improvement from traditional methods to cutting-edge biotechnology.
Core Modules and Learning Objectives
1. Foundations of Plant Genetics and Breeding: The course begins with the genetic principles that underpin all plant breeding. You'll explore famous conventional breeding methodologies, understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind techniques that have fed civilizations for centuries.
2. The Power of Molecular Markers: Dive into the world of molecular markers, an integral tool in modern breeding. The course offers a thorough discussion on marker analysis—knowledge that is invaluable not only for research but also for students preparing for various competitive examinations.
3. Marker-Assisted Breeding (MAB): Learn how scientists use molecular markers to accelerate and precision-target breeding programs, selecting for desirable traits like disease resistance or drought tolerance more efficiently than ever before.
4. Transgenic Technology and GMOs: The course demystifies genetic engineering, covering both basic concepts and applied perspectives. You will learn about the techniques used to create transgenic plants and the biotechnological approaches employed to screen and confirm them.
5. Real-World Impact – GMO Success Stories: Moving beyond theory, the course examines real-world case studies of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Understand their development, the problems they solve, and their role in sustainable agriculture.
Essential Reference Materials
To supplement your learning, the course recommends foundational texts that are cornerstones in the field:
| Book Title | Author(s) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Breeding Principles and Methods | B. D. Singh | Conventional breeding techniques and principles. |
| Principles of Genetics | Snustad and Simmons | Core genetic concepts fundamental to breeding. |
| Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual | Michael R. Green & Joseph Sambrook | Essential protocols and techniques in molecular biology. |
Why This Course is Essential for Aspiring Agri-Scientists
This course is more than just an academic module; it's a career investment. It equips you with a holistic view of crop improvement, from field-based selection to lab-based genetic engineering. Under the guidance of Prof. Banerjee, you gain insights from a professional who has contributed to the field's advancement. Whether you aim to work in agricultural research, biotech industries, or pursue higher studies, this course provides the robust foundational knowledge and contemporary skills needed to excel.
Enroll today to begin your journey at the intersection of traditional agriculture and modern science, and contribute to building a food-secure future.
Enroll Now →