CIP and IRRI collaborate on CGIAR Seed Equal Initiative workshop for potato crops in Africa

The CGIAR Initiative Seed Equal- Delivering Genetic Gains to Farmers Fields held a workshop in Kenya, Africa to share how the initiative can contribute to developing more effective seed systems for potato crops in the region.

Bangladesh women-led seed producer groups complete end-to-end seed training

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU), Seed Certification Agency (SCA), an institute under the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture, and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) conducted a hands-on training on rice seed production, processing, storage and certification at the SCA Institute in Gazipur last December 21 and 22, 2022. The goal was to train 70 women ToT (Trainer of Trainees) farmers from different women-led farmers groups. Mr. Aminul Islam, Director of SCA, was the chief guest and Dr. Md. Hasanul Kabir Kamali, Chief Seed Technologist of SCA, was the chairperson. 

ISARC organizes crop residue management workshop

ISARC organized a three-day crop residue management workshop on using a compost turner from 15 to 17 December 2022. The workshop was organized with technical support from Nong Lam University (NLU), Vietnam.

RBI Risk Management officers map out business continuity plans

In an effort to align towards a more efficient business process for 2023, the Risk Management (RM) team of the Rice Breeding Innovations (RBI) platform reconnected to conduct risk assessments and update their business continuity plans during the RM Annual Planning Workshop at the IRRI Guest House on 09 Dec 2022. RM Officers from the different units of RBI participated in the workshop facilitated by IRRI’s Risk Management Unit, led by Senior Manager Marichu Bernardo and Enrico Mercado.

IRRI, RDA hold seed systems training for researchers and extension workers in Asia

In partnership with the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea, the International Rice Research Institute  Education (IRRI Education) implemented a capacity development program on seed production on 23-29 November 2022 at IRRI headquarters in the Philippines.

ISARC conducts Learning and Exposure Visit for BSc Agriculture Students of BHU

Last November, the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi organized and hosted learning and exposure visits for 164 final year Bsc Agriculture students of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) under the Student Ready Programme of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

RDA and IRRI host seed production course for Bangladesh women farmers’ groups

The Rural Development Academy (RDA) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) conducted a training course on seed production, quality control, processing, and marketing for 60 women-led farmers groups on 28 – 29 November 2022 in Bogura District.

The course provided the participating women with classroom and hands-on training on seed production, different seed quality characteristics, processing, storage, packaging, and marketing. Mechanized System Rice Intensification procedure and seed licensing and registration procedures were also covered.

The activity is jointly implemented by RDA and IRRI in northern Bangladesh under the Accelerated Genetic Gain in Rice (AGGRi) Alliance. AGGRi collects robust data and verifies the suitability of promising modern high-yielding rice varieties for specific regions; compares the performance of popular varieties with candidate products; accelerates the expansion of candidate products at the field level, and collects farmers’ feedback.

RDA is a specialized autonomous rural development government institution in Sherpur Upazila in Bogra for training, research, and action research. The institution is officiated with the Rural Development and Co-operatives Division of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives. 

The guests from  RDA Bogura included Director Md Khalid Aurangozeb, Assistant Director Fakar Uddin Talukdar, Additional Director Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, and Training Director Md. Ferdous Hossain Khan.

Also attending the event were Dr. Daniel Menge, scientist, and Muhammad Ashraful Habib, senior specialist, from IRRI Seed Systems.

District Seed Certification Officer Mr. Shaduzzaman from the Seed Certification Agency, Bogura served as the resource person. The program was moderated by Mr. Md. Mozaharul Haque, RDA  agricultural consultant in Bogura. 

In 2022, The IRRI Bangladesh Seed System Team, in collaboration with other complimenting initiatives, conducted seed production of promising varieties, promoted new varieties in the farmers’ network, and carried out demonstrations through women farmers’ groups formed by IRRI’s networking partners in Bangladesh.

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Farmers in Uttar Pradesh learn about rice wheat systems and digital tools for sustainable rice production

22 November 2022, Varanasi - IRRI South Asia Regional Center (ISARC), Varanasi conducted a one-day capacity development orientation program for farmers and extension workers of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh as a part of collaboration between IRRI & the ‘Jeetega Kisan’ project.

IRRI and BAU hold capacity development training for farmers on climate resilient agriculture

21st November 2022, ISARC, Varanasi: As a part of the ongoing collaboration between IRRI  and Bihar Agriculture University (BAU) under the Climate Resilient Agriculture Initiative of the Government of Bihar, a three day face to face training program centered around rice post-production practices was conducted at IRRI South Asia Regional Center (ISARC), Varanasi from 19 - 21 October 2022.

IRRI scholar takes 1st place at the International Conference in Biology and Biochemistry

His passion for developing and determining nutritionally dense rice paid off when Rhowell Tiozon and his study on rice’s anti-diabetic and cancer properties won first place in a poster competition at the 49th  Philippine Society of Biology and Biochemistry (PSBMB) Annual Convention on 23-26 November.

A multi-stakeholder dialogue on inclusive digital tools for rice sustainability in Vietnam

To provide a platform for dialogue among the stakeholders on the challenges of reaching Vietnamese smallholder farmers with digital tools, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) organized a webinar titled ‘Improving Rice Sustainability through Digital Tools’. Part of the Inclusive Digital Tools to Enable Climate-informed Agroecological Transitions (also known as TRANSITIONS) project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The webinar identified the opportunities for improving access and use of digital tools and tailoring the services to meet the needs of farmers through inclusive co-creation of digital tools in rice production.

ISARC organizes climate-resilient agriculture program for officials of Odisha Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment

Varanasi, 11 November 2022: The International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the Odisha Government organized a program for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment (DA&FE) officials towards developing and promoting climate resilience in the state’s agriculture sector.

Learning session with Bangladesh stakeholders highlights short-duration and cold-tolerant high-yielding rice varieties for Haor areas

During the dry winter boro season, the Haor regions in the districts of Kishoreganj, Netrakona, Habiganj, Sylhet, and Sunamganj, Bangladesh, suffer from sudden flash floods almost every four years and the annual extreme winter cold. As a result, boro rice, which is more than half of Bangladesh’s rice production, suffered significant damage. Rice researchers and scientists propose developing short-duration, cold-tolerant, high-yielding rice varieties (HYV) to address the demands for boro rice cultivation in the Haor region.

Scientists convened to speed up new high quality rice varieties for Haor regions of Bangladesh

To speed up the release of high-quality rice varieties in Bangladesh, seventy scientists from different research institutions and partners convened to discuss research findings and consolidate activities for 2023 during the Annual Review and Planning Workshop for “Development of Short-Duration Cold Tolerant Rice Varieties for Haor Areas of Bangladesh” on 10 October in Gazipur, Bangladesh.

IRRI, Philippine Agriculture Department open 5th rice research-to-production course for government researchers and extension agents

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA), opened the fifth Rice: Research To Production (RR2P) capacity development course for research and extension staff of the DA and its attached agencies, local government units, and state universities and colleges on 7 November 2022.

Rice Breeding Innovations team learns about mechanized irrigation system for direct-seeded rice

Amid a climate crisis, it remains a challenge to meet the increasing global demand for rice. Direct-seeded rice (DSR) aims to reduce the environmental impact of rice production by producing rice efficiently with less labor, water, energy, and agrochemicals. It is a major undertaking for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Strategies for Native Trait Development discussed during the RBI Leadership Team Planning Meeting

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As part of the efforts to further strengthen IRRI’s breeding team and mission, the Rice Breeding Innovations (RBI) Platform Leadership Team convened to map out strategies for native trait deployment on September 29.

Asian Mega-Deltas Initiative builds learning alliance to address climate change issues in the Mekong Delta

To form a learning alliance that has an interest to address climate-related issues in the Mekong Delta of Cambodia, the CGIAR Initiative on Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience (AMD) conducted a workshop to build a network of diverse stakeholders in the provinces of Takeo and Prey Veng in Cambodia. 

IRRI relaunches its nematode program to address demands for direct seeded rice

The rice root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne graminicola, is one of the most destructive species of nematodes causing yield losses ranging  from  28 to 87%.  RKN forms hook-like galls on the roots, and in cases of severe nematode infestation, it results in yellowing and stunting of rice plants.

Several studies suggest that the shift from irrigated rice to water-saving cropping practices, as a response to the decreasing availability of water and agricultural labor, favor RKN. Sustainable management of nematodes in these rice production systems involves the use of resistant or tolerant varieties, control of alternate hosts, crop rotation, and biological control.

Recognizing the increasing importance of RKN, particularly in direct seeded rice (DSR), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is reactivating its research activities in nematology. As part of this effort, research staff of the Sustainable Impact through Rice-Based Systems and Rice Breeding Innovations Platforms attended the Training on Basic Methods for Research on the Rice Root-Knot Nematode on 17-21 October 2022 to learn how to identify RKN based on its morphology and plant symptoms and mass produce and extract RKN from root and soil samples. Participants were also trained on how to standardize the inoculum, and phenotyping methods for screening germplasm for resistance or tolerance to RKN.

Dr. Marita S. Pinili, Senior Plant Virologist and Phytonematologist and Head, Pest Management Division of University of the Philippines Los Baños served as the training facilitator, and Dr. Nancy Castilla of IRRI was the coordinator. At the end of the training, the participants presented the results and lessons learned during the practical exercises in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field.

The RKN research activities are important to the IRRI’s DSR project which is seen to be one of the most efficient, sustainable, and economically-viable rice production systems used today. RKN is found in diverse rice ecosystems, but is most destructive in rainfed and upland rice in South and Southeast Asia. It also occurs in North and South America, Europe and Africa.

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Breeding Program Modernization: Empowering NARES to transform breeding in East and South Africa

In East and Southern Africa, rice consumption and demand are increasing at a faster rate than any other crop. Farmers in this region continue to use old varieties that are vulnerable to climate change. The breeders use a conventional pedigree-based varietal development process, which is slow, laborious and generally takes more than a decade to release a new variety.

IRRI and Government of Odisha facilitate adoption of direct-seeded rice technology through stakeholder convergence along with gender and youth inclusion

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has been intensively working to improve crop production and farmers’ net income in rice-based diversified cropping systems through innovative technologies that are resource-efficient, cost-effective, and resilient to climatic vulnerabilities. 

Get to know an IRRI Scientist: Van Schepler Luu, Lead of Plant Pathology and Host Plant Resistance Group

The daughter of a smallholder farming family in Vietnam, her father dissuaded her from pursuing a career in agriculture, as he thought it was not a path to prosperity. But rather than be discouraged, she took it as a challenge to do her part to change the lives of rice farmers, like her father, for the better. In this in-depth interview with Van, we asked this passionate scientist what drew her to her field of phytopathology, and why she made the life-changing decision to move her family halfway around the world from Germany to the Philippines to become a part of IRRI.

IRRI visiting scholar wins 1st place at the Pennsylvania State University Biology Student Research Showcase 2022

With funding from the United States Department of Agriculture and support from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), this researcher is making strides in his Ph.D. journey. 

IRRI and Assam Agricultural University release rice production digital tools for rice farmers, researchers, extension agents, and policymakers

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in collaboration with its implementing partner Assam Agricultural University, released digital tools and print materials to help increase rice productivity in Assam.

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. 

ISARC organizes training on conservation agriculture for rice-based systems to improve paddy production in Madhya Pradesh

The International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in  Varanasi, India organized a capacity development training program on conservation agriculture on 25-26 July. The training, Regenerative Agriculture Program, was organized for Bayer Crop Science Limited for farmers and technical staff from Madhya Pradesh.

Women farmers and extension agents from Grameen Mitra learn about sustainable rice production systems

Small scale entrepereneurs, farmers and extension agents, including a majority of women leaders from Grameen Mitra Initiative of Grameen Foundation India, participated in a capacity development training, The topics centered around digital innovation, sustainable production technology, and best management practices for rice, which aims to transform the agriculture system in Eastern Uttar Presdesh, India.

KVK-CSISA Network plan next initiatives

The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) and Division of Agricultural Extension, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly convened the KVK-CSISA network annual workshop at the NASC Complex, New Delhi on September 23. In the workshop, policymakers, scientists, and experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA),  International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Rice Research Institute  (IRRI), International Food Policy Research Institute  (IFPRI), and Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha discussed and reviewed the KVK-CSISA activities and planned landscape diagnostic survey (LDS) activities for pulses and oilseeds in rice-pulse/rice-oilseed cropping system across India under the network.

Facilitating the adoption of new rice varieties in Nepal to benefit farmers, consumers, and national economy

Farmers, consumers, rice-based agri-food system stakeholders, and, ultimately, Nepal’s national economy would benefit from the faster adoption of new climate-resilient, high-yielding rice by the country’s farmers. To facilitate the adoption of new rice varieties, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Agriculture and Forestry University, Agriculture Knowledge Centers, and the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Program arranged a field visit  and roundtable discussion on 6 September 2022 in Chitwan.

MSc Sandwich Research Program Opportunities are now offered to Filipino students

As part of the 6-year capacity building for Higher Education program implemented by the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), UPLB now offers Sandwich Research Scholarships for incoming and continuing Filipino MS students that are presently enrolled in the university.

Women farmers from Bihar participate in modern rice production training at IRRI South Asia Regional Centre

Forty women from different districts of Bihar, India participated in a modern rice production training designed to equip them with skills and knowledge and empower progressive women engaged in rice-based agri-food systems. Modern rice production technologies was organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in partnership with Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour under the Climate-Resilient Agriculture Project of the Bihar State Government.

Held on 24 to 26 August at the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi, the training and capacity development and exposure visit recognizes the contribution of women who make up more than 50% of the total workforce in farming activities in Bihar. However, women farmers often lack the knowledge and skill sets and need to be capacitated to accelerate production, increase their productivity and income, and hasten climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in agriculture.

Through the training, the participants learned best-bet packages for climate-resilient and sustainable rice production, quality seed production and storage, direct-seeded rice as an alternative crop establishment method, site-specific nutrient management, water management strategies in rice cultivation, harvesting and post-production practices for rice, rice-value addition, and the role of women in agriculture and rural development. 

The women also acquired knowledge in mechanization and postharvest practices, natural farming, and multiple low-cost bio inputs for improving soil carbon and fertility. 

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IRRI Nepal and FWU train young scientists to strengthen research design and data analytics in the face of climate change

Participants and dignitaries of the training program at the inaugural session in front of Faculty of Agriculture, FWU, Tikapur, Kailai

A five-day training entitled “Robust experimental designs and smart statistical tools for rice research in the face of climate change” was held from August 29 to September 2 at the Faculty of Agriculture, Far Western University (FWU), in Tikapur, Kailali, Nepal. The event was co-organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and FWU with the objective of transferring critical skills on research design, data handling, processing, analysis and scientific writing.

One IRRI-NARES Rice Breeding Network launches in India to enhance genetic gains in South Asia

South Asia, for years, has been trying to tackle different challenges in their agrifood system. Some of these challenges are identifying genetic resources, mapping traits for drought, salinity, and submergence tolerance, as well as identifying grain quality requirements based on the market demand in South Asia. As a response, plant breeders at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES) convened to launch the One IRRI-NARES Rice Breeding Network Team-South Asia in India.

IRRI Education opens three courses on rice research, breeding, and sustainable cultivation

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Education opened on rice research and production, rice breeding, and sustainable rice cultivation.

The Rice Research to Production (RR2P) face-to-face course kicked off on 05 September at the IRRI headquarters with 69 research and extension staff of the Department of Agriculture (DA), DA attached agencies, local government units, and state universities and colleges participating in the 5-day training. The program is part of the fourth rollout of the RR2P course, which started on 27 June, where the participants will get to apply what they have learned from the online component of the course under the guidance of IRRI’s resource experts. This RR2P program is under the DA-IRRI project, Strengthening the capability of the national research for development and extension partners for research, development, and extension of information and technologies to improve productivity and resilience of rice-based farming communities in the Philippines.

Expanding the DSRC horizons in Andhra Pradesh

Under “Precision Direct-Seeded Rice-based Diversification Systems for Transforming Labour Requirement, Yields and Profitability of Smallholder Farmers in Odisha” (IRRI-GoO-DSR-Odisha Project), a 5-day interstate exposure visit of lead farmers and potential Service Providers (SPs) from Odisha was organized from 3-7 August 2022. This project is supported by the Government of Odisha and is being implemented by IRRI in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment (DAFE), Government of Odisha. A total of 25 participants representing 3 lead farmers and 2-DSR- SPs each from Bargarh, Ganjam, Kalahandi Mayurbhanj and Puri districts of Odisha were involved in the event.

Modern rice breeding training kicks off in Bangladesh

More than 60 scientists from Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) participated in a virtual training on modern rice breeding organized  by the Rice Breeding Innovations Platform (RBI) of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).The training, Statistical genomics and quantitative genetics applications in modern rice breeding, aims to improve the capacity of BRRI scientists in cutting-edge breeding approaches to enhance genetic gains and help institutionalize genomic selection at the institute.

IRRI hosts breeding optimization workshop

The  CGIAR’s Excellence in Breeding (EiB) team convened to discuss product concepts and how different breeding tools and technologies can be used to optimize and strengthen breeding programs during the “Breeding Scheme Design and Optimization Methods Workshop” on 1-5 August at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Bihar Minister of Agriculture lauds ISARC capacity development programs

Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Shri Amarendra Pratap Singh inaugurated a Three-Day Capacity Development Training and Exposure Visit Program organized by IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) at Varanasi on 27 July 2022 for associate professors and scientists of Bihar Agriculture University (BAU). Dr. Arun Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, BAU, Sabour, Bihar; Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Vice-President, National Academy of Agricultural Science (NAAS), New Delhi; and Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC, Varanasi were also graciously present in the inaugural ceremony. This training event is being undertaken in collaboration with the BAU under its Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) Program funded by the Government of Bihar.

IRRI holds digital innovation and crop management training to help Grameen Foundation improve rice production in Uttar Pradesh

Extension agents from Grameen Foundation participated in a capacity development training centered around digital innovation, sustainable production technology, and best management practices for rice to help transform the agriculture system in Uttar Presdesh, India.

Dr. Randolph "Randy" Barker, noted economist, passes at 92

Randy Barker (left) engages with Chu Thai Huanh of IWMI

Respected agricultural economist Randolph Barker passed at age 92 in Utah, USA.

Bayer Delegation visits ISARC

Varanasi, 22 May - A delegation from Bayer Crop Science led by Dr. Amit Trikha, Global Crop Strategy Lead, and Dr. Sangeeta Mendiratta, Lead Government Affairs met with the IRRI team at IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi.

Collaboration with IRRI can be key to increasing farmers’ income and addressing climate change issues in agriculture: The World Bank

Delegates from Water Resources Group (WRG) of the World Bank visited the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (IRRI SARC) in Varanasi on 8th April 2022 to discuss possible collaboration in the AgWater Project and other initiatives in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.).

BIC Director Dr. Gururaj Guddappi Kulkarni welcomed at ICBA Dubai

Last 22 March, Dr. Gururaj Guddappi Kulkarni, Global Head of Research Infrastructure & Regulatory Compliance of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Director of the IRRI Bio-Innovation Center (IRRI BIC), was invited to give a guest lecture at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Kulkarni talked to ICBA leads and staff about best practices in institutional stewardship and regulatory compliance, as well as about the Bio-Innovation Center, an initiative that allows private and public sector partners to leverage IRRI's world-class research infrastructure, expertise, and resources for the development or scaling up of their own products or research solutions.

Established in 1999 as an international non-profit organization focused on applied agricultural research for marginal environments, ICBA scientists were very receptive to Dr. Kulkarni's lecture, as the organization is open to collaborative opportunities and is moving forward on its own journey for stewardship and other regulatory areas.

Dr. Kulkarni was invited by Dr. R.K. Singh, ICBA Principal Scientist for Plant Breeding and Program Leader on Crop Diversification and Genetics. Dr. Singh was a senior scientist and rice breeder at IRRI from 2005 to 2018, leading and coordinating rice research, breeding, and trait development activities in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia for stresses such as salinity, drought, heat, and problem soils.

Read original article on the IRRI Bio-Innovation website

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Dr. Kulkarni honored with Outstanding Leadership Award in Food 2.0 Conference

Dr. Gururaj Guddappa Kulkarni, Director of the IRRI Bio-Innovation Center, Global Head of Research Infrastructure & Regulatory Compliance, and Research Support Platform Representative for Asia & Africa, was recently honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Food 2.0 / Health 2.0 International Conference at Dubai Festival City, UAE.

The award was given for Dr. Kulkarni's contributions to the field of Food and Beverage, adjudged on parameters such as reputation, educational background, professional experience, creative thinking, and decisive leadership.

Congratulations, Dr. Kulkarni!

Read original article on the IRRI Bio-Innovation website

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Remembering David Shires

IRRI is saddened to hear of the passing of David Shires on March 21. Hailing from Australia, David was a training consultant at IRRI HQ since the early 2000s, and was a major player in the development of IRRI's Rice Knowledge Bank. He was well-liked by his colleagues for his friendly demeanor, his wisdom, and dedication to his work. The institute sends our deepest condolences to David’s family, friends, and loved ones. 

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