Varanasi: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) renewed its partnership with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) for another five years. A work plan signing ceremony was organised at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi on Wednesday.
The renewed partnership was signed by Dr Jean Balié, IRRI Director General and Dr Himanshu Pathak, secretary DARE & DG, ICAR, revitalizing IRRI’s 60-year-old collaboration with the Government of India through ICAR.
Pathak said that rice is not just a staple food for India but an important part of our culture, heritage, and economy. “This collaboration between ICAR and IRRI is exemplary and once which can be emulated. , he said.
Five broad thematic areas of mutual collaboration have been identified for 2023 to 2027, which include establishing a framework for developing market oriented rice varieties with higher genetic gains using IRRI’s One Rice Breeding Strategy, integrated direct seeded rice systems for India, rice-based health and nutrition, the climate-resilient rice systems, and integrated capacity building.
“ IRRI, together with the rest of CGIAR centers, through the OneCGIAR strategy, has been a staunch supporter of research and development to address the continuously changing challenges of the agri-food system,” said Dr. Jean Balié. “IRRI and ICAR have maintained strong research collaborations since 1965. The same level of commitment can be expected during and even beyond the next five years of this new roadmap,” he added. tnn
The renewed partnership was signed by Dr Jean Balié, IRRI Director General and Dr Himanshu Pathak, secretary DARE & DG, ICAR, revitalizing IRRI’s 60-year-old collaboration with the Government of India through ICAR.
Pathak said that rice is not just a staple food for India but an important part of our culture, heritage, and economy. “This collaboration between ICAR and IRRI is exemplary and once which can be emulated. , he said.
Five broad thematic areas of mutual collaboration have been identified for 2023 to 2027, which include establishing a framework for developing market oriented rice varieties with higher genetic gains using IRRI’s One Rice Breeding Strategy, integrated direct seeded rice systems for India, rice-based health and nutrition, the climate-resilient rice systems, and integrated capacity building.
“ IRRI, together with the rest of CGIAR centers, through the OneCGIAR strategy, has been a staunch supporter of research and development to address the continuously changing challenges of the agri-food system,” said Dr. Jean Balié. “IRRI and ICAR have maintained strong research collaborations since 1965. The same level of commitment can be expected during and even beyond the next five years of this new roadmap,” he added. tnn