In an era where agriculture is increasingly influenced by technological advancements, it is imperative for students to gain exposure to cutting-edge research and development in this field. Recognizing this, AURORA Deemed to be University organized an educational visit to ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) on 8th May 2024. This excursion aimed to provide students with an immersive experience, allowing them to witness firsthand the pioneering work undertaken by ICRISAT in crop research, breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary objectives of the visit were multifold: to expose students to the state-of-the-art facilities and research initiatives at ICRISAT, to foster an appreciation for the institute's contributions to food security and sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions, and to inspire students to explore potential careers and research opportunities in the field of agricultural sciences.

The visit provided students with a comprehensive understanding of ICRISAT's crop research and breeding activities, where they observed wheat germplasm under observational growth, covered with paper bags to maintain genetic purity. They learned about advanced techniques such as phenotyping and genotyping used to characterize germplasm and develop new crop varieties with desirable traits.