ICAR-SBI | Advanced Statistical Computing & AI-Driven Analytics 2026

About ICAR-SBI

The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, established in 1912, is one of the oldest and premier agricultural institutes under ICAR. It has been instrumental in fulfilling India’s sugarcane varietal requirements over a century. The institute focuses on developing improved sugarcane varieties and supporting breeding programs of 24 research stations located across the country. Its core activities include basic and strategic research in sugarcane crop improvement, production, and protection; conservation and evaluation of sugarcane genetic resources; studying and mitigating climate change impacts on sugarcane agriculture; and ensuring sustainable natural resource management. Additionally, the institute excels in technology transfer, human resource development, and has excellent research infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, seminar halls, a computer section, and a library.

Division of Crop Improvement

The Division comprises three key sections: Breeding, Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, and Genetics & Cytogenetics, each contributing to different aspects of crop improvement. It developed landmark mega-varieties Co 86032 and Co 0238, and houses scientists specializing in pre-breeding, varietal development, genetics, molecular cytogenetics, molecular breeding, genomics, cataloguing of world sugarcane germplasm, molecular markers and genome editing in sugarcane. The division continues to develop superior varieties and innovative technologies contributing to sustainable sugarcane production and the overall growth of the sugar sector in India.

Course Modules

Basics – Open Source Tools & Data Visualization

Advanced Excel, R basics including variables, important libraries, data creation, import, defining scalars, vectors, matrices for numerical computations, descriptive statistics, and exploratory data analysis.

Statistical Hypothesis Testing

Parametric tests: Z-test, t-test, F-test, Chi-square. Non-parametric: Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Friedmann tests. Probability distributions.

Design & Analysis of Experiments

Fundamentals of analysis of experimental designs: CRD, RCBD, LSD, Factorial experiments, Split plot & Strip plot design, Lattice design, Augmented designs.

Multivariate Data Analysis, Bioinformatics & Meta-Analysis

Genetic diversity, PCA, cluster analysis, path coefficient analysis, correlation and multivariate regression analysis. Bioinformatics: basics, sequence data, functional annotation tools, genomic data analysis. Meta-analysis concepts.

Time Series & Forecasting Techniques

Decomposition, smoothing, Logit, Probit models; Difference in Difference (DID), Regression Discontinuity Design, Propensity Score Matching, Endogenous Switching Regression and Economic Surplus approach. NSSO Data: extraction & analysis of consumer survey.

Introduction to AI Models

Basics of Python; classification and prediction AI models: CNNs, Random Forest, SVR, LSTM, and other deep learning frameworks for agricultural data science.

Eligibility

Students pursuing M.Sc. or Ph.D. in any discipline of agricultural and allied sciences can apply
Faculty members or Scientists from SAUs / ICAR institutes can also apply
Participants are required to bring their own laptops
The candidate should attach permission letter endorsed by the competent authority of your organization (mandatory if working or studying in any organization)

★ Limited to 25 Participants · First-Come, First-Served

Registration Fee

Fee Structure

Students / Research Scholars₹ 2,000/-

Faculty Members / Scientists₹ 2,500/-

★ Registration fee includes registration kit, working lunch & refreshments. Travel expenses and accommodation are not paid for or provided by the host institute.

Bank Details for Fee Payment

Account NameICAR-SBI, Coimbatore

Account Number10663184080

BankState Bank of India

IFSC CodeSBIN0010618

BranchVeerakeralam

How to Apply