Vinita Hooda, a professor in the Department of Botany at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak, has been awarded a grant of ₹25 lakh by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology (HSCST) for her innovative research project. Titled 'Mycorrhiza-Microbiome Synergy as a Sustainable Soil Management Strategy for Reducing Fertiliser Use and Enhancing Stress Resilience in Wheat,' the project will span three years and aims to develop sustainable soil management practices specifically for wheat cultivation. The research will investigate the beneficial interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and soil microorganisms, which could lead to reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and improved nutrient-use efficiency. Additionally, the study aims to enhance the resilience of wheat plants against environmental stresses such as heat and drought. This project is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, and promote climate-resilient farming practices. University officials have noted that this funding represents a major advancement in MDU's research initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental management.