ISARC showcases its cutting-edge tech at Nepal’s rice fest

Director of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, Sudhanshu Singh showcased ISARC’s cutting-edge technologies at Nepal’s 21st National Rice Day and Rice Transplanting Festival-2024 held in Chitwan on June 29.

According to the ISARC spokesperson, the director also shared success stories of ISARC’s interventions, emphasizing the impact of stress-tolerant rice varieties (STRVs) and Green Super Rice (GSR) in combating climate challenges.

DDG-Research Ajay Kohli, who also took part in the event, presented on IRRI’s extensive experience in rice research and development, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to innovative agricultural practices. He highlighted several ongoing and potential areas of collaboration between IRRI and Nepal, aiming to enhance rice productivity and sustainability in the region.

The event witnessed the presence of Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development Jwala Kumari Sah. Addressing the event, the PM expressed the commitment of his govt to promote adoption of climate-resilient agriculture technologies for enhancing the production and productivity of the region. The event aimed to celebrate and promote rice cultivation, a staple crop essential to the region’s food security and agricultural economy. With the slogan ‘climate-friendly agriculture, increase in paddy production’ for this year, the event brought together policymakers, researchers, and farmers to discuss advancements and strategies in rice farming.

In another engagement, the ISARC director spoke about the ongoing rice research and development initiatives across South Asia, particularly focusing on how Nepal can benefit from the resources and expertise available at ISARC, Varanasi. His address underscored the importance of regional cooperation in advancing agricultural research and ensuring food security.

The participation of Kohli and Singh in this event marks a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between IRRI and Nepal. It opens up new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange, which are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by rice farmers in the region.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.