Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will extend full cooperation to establish a research centre of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Manila, Philippines in the state, announced Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
Speaking at a rice research conference at the Krushi Bhavan auditorium, Singh Deo emphasized the initiative’s potential to transform rice cultivation in Odisha and strengthen its global prominence.
Highlighting the cultural and agricultural significance of paddy in Odisha, the Deputy CM praised the traditional rice varieties of the Koraput region, which have earned international recognition.
He assured that the government’s collaboration with IRRI would address regional challenges in rice farming, including climate adaptation, and promote research on nutritious and export-oriented rice varieties.
Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, expressed gratitude to the Odisha government for its support and emphasized the role of collaborative research in addressing climate resilience and improving paddy yields in the state. She acknowledged Odisha’s unique climatic conditions as an ideal platform for rice research innovations.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, reiterated the transformative impact of scientific advancements in rice cultivation, stating that the IRRI centre would help combat hunger, poverty, and malnutrition while promoting sustainable agriculture.
The conference was attended by senior officials, agricultural scientists, and media representatives, with the event concluding with a vote of thanks by Prema Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Agriculture and Food Production.
