Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited the International Rice Research Institute’s South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi to explore research, innovations and technologies aimed at strengthening sustainable and resilient rice-based farming systems.
Singh Deo, who holds the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, was accompanied by Balangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo and Nivritti Lakshyaraj Mewar during the visit.
At ISARC, the deputy CM visited key research facilities covering speed breeding, varietal cafeteria, mechanisation and post-harvest technologies, Direct-Seeded Rice trial plots, drone demonstrations and regenerative agriculture.
ISARC scientists briefed the visiting delegation on research and technologies being developed to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability in rice-based farming.
Singh Deo also visited the Geospatial Lab, Plant and Soil Lab and the NABL-accredited Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition laboratories.
He said rice remains closely linked to India and appreciated the work being undertaken by IRRI and ISARC scientists to develop new technologies and farming techniques.
He described his interaction with the scientists as a valuable learning experience and expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with IRRI to support farmers and advance agricultural innovation in Odisha.
He particularly highlighted the need to promote flood-resistant crop varieties and short-duration crops in the state.
During the visit, an all-staff town hall was also organised, providing an opportunity for the visiting dignitaries to interact with ISARC scientists and staff.
Dr Swati Nayak, Scientist and India Country Manager (ad interim), IRRI, and Dr Vikas Kumar Singh, Interim Director, ISARC, welcomed the delegation.
Dr Singh presented an overview of the work being undertaken by IRRI and ISARC in Odisha, India, and across South Asia. He also outlined their efforts to address agricultural priorities through research, innovation, capacity building and partnerships.
Dr Singh said ISARC valued the deputy CM’s support and commitment to agriculture and farmers. He noted that the centre had spent the past decade translating research and innovation into solutions for farmers while strengthening partnerships across India and South Asia.
He expressed the centre’s willingness to further strengthen collaboration with Odisha and scale innovations for sustainable agricultural development.
Dr Swati Nayak highlighted the history of collaboration between IRRI and Odisha. She said the partnership continued to focus on rice-based farming systems, livelihood opportunities and economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration among policymakers, research institutions and agricultural stakeholders in developing science-based solutions for farmers.
It also opened opportunities for continued knowledge exchange and partnerships aimed at promoting more resilient and sustainable rice-based agri-food systems in India.
