IRRI organises an orientation among farmers and extension workers for sustainable rice production system in India

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)- South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) organized a capacity development activity on 5 July to promote a sustainable rice production system in India. Farmers and extension workers from Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh participated in an orientation which focused on the best agronomic management practices and digital tools. 

Using a combination of in-class sessions and field visits, the orientation was designed to provide extension workers, field staff and farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to manage soil health in rice ecosystems, agronomic management for conservation agriculture systems, low-cost insect and pest management options in rice-based cropping systems, nutrient management tailored to the site and rice wheat-crop manager (RCWM) app.

For farmers and extension agents,  the orientation was  an excellent opportunity to express  their ideas, share their perspectives  on their farming experiences in Sonbhadra, and make links with the leaders in the field. In addition, the participants greatly appreciated learning more about agronomic methods by visiting the ISARC farms and fields, particularly the trials on residue management.

Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director – ISARC, Prateek Pandey, Deputy Manager – DCM Shriram, Gopesh Tewari, Head of IRRI Education; and Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra, Associate Scientist-Soil Science, inaugurated the activity.

At the end of the orientation, Pandey emphasized how using the knowledge and tools presented by the IRRI will result in widespread change, advancement, and, finally, benefit the farmers in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. 

This orientation is conducted under the DCM Shriram Foundation’s Livelihood – ‘Jeetega Kisaan’ Project.

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