Varanasi: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through it’s South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) here is actively participating in the Unnat Krishi Pradarshani evam Prashikshan being organised from April 11 to 13 in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).As part of its engagement, IRRI has set up a dedicated stall at the exhibition to showcase improved rice production technologies and promote sustainable agricultural practices among farmers and stakeholders. According to the ISARC spokesperson, as part of the training programmes, IRRI will organise two technical sessions on April 13. The first session will focus on Seed System, highlighting strategies to strengthen seed systems for climate resilient and healthier rice varieties to ensure the availability of quality seeds, and enhance farmers’ access to improved varieties. This will be followed by a session on Direct Seeded Rice, emphasizing benefits such as water savings, reduced labour requirements, and cost efficiency. The sessions, to be attended by Union minister of state for agriculture & farmers welfare Ram Nath Thakur, will bring together agricultural scientists and expert, policymakers, private sector representatives, regional partners, and progressive farmers to share practical insights and innovations. Swati Nayak, IRRI Scientist cum India Country Manager ad interim is coordinating the entire programme. Scientists from ISARC, Neeraj Tyagi and Sunil Kumar are moderating two technical sessions. Vivek Kumar and team comprising Sarvesh Shukla, Vivek Singh, Manvendra, and Hari are leading IRRI led exhibition at the event. IRRI team’s intensive participation and contribution to this major event, underscores its continued commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and strengthening farmer outreach through knowledge dissemination and technology transfer.
