Cuttack: The second Indian Rice Congress began at the National Rice Research Institute in Bidyadharpur on outskirts of the city today. President Draupadi Murmu, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, inaugurated the event at NRRI campus today.
Addressing the inaugural session, President Murmu highlighted the ongoing global food crisis. She said that India plays a leading role in food grain exports and our scientists should work towards the production of food grains using the latest technologies, keeping natural disasters in mind.
The President said that paddy or rice is not just a staple food but its role in Indian culture and tradition is very important. Their usage in all auspicious functions reflects the significance of rice and paddy for Indians.
The scientists of NRRI have been able to eliminate malnutrition in the country by inventing different varieties of rice, she added. Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar also joined the event today and highlighted the central schemes for agriculture and farmers.
“Farmers are benefiting from insurance and compensation schemes. This year’s budget also has a significant allocation for agriculture. India has not just become self-sufficient, we also lead in exporting rice to other countries battling calamities,” the President said.
At this event, Governor Prof Ganesh Lal, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Ranendra Pratap Swain, joined as guests and said that due to the research and determination of scientists, India has become self-sufficient in the field of food.
The Indian Rice Congress convenes every two years. Crucial topics related to National food security, global food crisis, climate change, increase in grain production in a cold climate, and modern methods are discussed in detail. More than 300 representatives from various agricultural and grain research institutes from India and abroad participated in the event.
Director General, ICAR Dr Himanshu Pathak delivered the welcome address and emphasised the main objective of the event. Director, NRRI, Dr AK Naik, and president, Association of Rice Research Workers (ARRW), Cuttack PK Agarwal, among others were present at the inaugural ceremony.
