IRRI Seed Health and Logistics Unit Awareness Week highlights its critical role in the safe distribution of germplasm for R&D

The IRRI Seed Health and Logistics Unit (SHU) showcased its activities and available services involving the exchange of seed and non-seed biomaterials during its 2023 Awareness Week on November 24-30, 2023.

IRRI collaborates with Chuka University to advance agricultural research in Kenya

In a bid to nurture the next generation of agricultural researchers, scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the management of Chuka University, Kenya discussed activities for advancing agricultural research on 20 November 2023.

Nepal’s stakeholders choose new rice varieties during the Farmer’s Field Day

Scientists and farmers in Nepal have identified promising new rice varieties that could significantly boost rice productivity and production in the country's diverse agroecologies. These new varieties, which were evaluated through participatory rice variety evaluation  through varietal cafeteria  conducted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), offer the potential to address Nepal's growing food security needs.

Client-oriented crop cafeterias in Bangladesh facilitate the evaluation and selection of new rice varieties by different stakeholders

Madhupur Farm, Tangail, the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) organized crop cafeterias to facilitate the scientific evaluation and selection processes of 37 new rice varieties by different stakeholders on 11 November 2023 in Dhaka.

Trainers prep for scaling a digital platform that improves rice production monitoring in the Mekong River Delta

The Department of Crop Production (DCP) of Vietnam and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) organized training in the use of the Rice production activity Monitoring and Reporting (RiceMoRe) System in Can Tho City on 08 November 2023.

Crop cafeteria field day set to transform agriculture in Aglapali, Odisha

Aglapali, ODISHA (10 November 2023) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Seed System and Product Management (SSPM), Balangir Department of Agriculture (DoA), and the Radha Krushna Pani Panchayat (RKPP) organized a Crop Cafeteria Field Day on 03-04 November 2023 in Aglapali, Balangir to improve rice production in the area.

Hai Phong officials trained on the use of RiceMoRe for efficient, accurate, and standardized reporting

Hai Phong City, Vietnam - A ground-breaking software tool called RiceMoRe (Rice production activity monitoring and reporting system) was introduced to officials from the sub-department of Crop Production and Plant Protection and the Agricultural Extension Center of Hai Phong City.

Exploring a new decision support tool for climate change adaptation in Vietnam's Mekong River Delta

10 Oct 2023, Hanoi, Vietnam — Vietnam's Mekong River Delta (MRD), known for its agricultural significance, is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, making this endeavor crucial for the region's sustainability and food security. In an effort to address the challenges posed by climate change and foster adaptive capacity in MRD, stakeholders from various sectors such as policy/ government, research institutions, etc. recently for a consultation workshop on the application of the Prioritizing Agronomy in Changing Environments (PAiCE) tool. This decision support tool, developed through a partnership with the CGIAR Initiative on Excellence in Agronomy (EiA), aims to identify and prioritize climate change adaptation options for the crop production sector in MRD. During the workshop, participants engaged in discussions on how to effectively adapt and apply the PAiCE tool to enhance the resilience and adaptability of crop production in the face of climate change impacts.

Researchers identify new rice genotypes for developing salinity-tolerant varieties for Bangladesh

Twenty salinity-tolerant rice were identified for further evaluation as part of breeding efforts to develop new varieties for rice-growing areas in Bangladesh affected by high salinity.

Scientists share insight on opportunities and challenges for direct-seeded rice at IRC 2023 workshop

Manila, Philippines (24 October 2023) — The potential and challenges of direct-seeded rice (DSR) were discussed by scientists and researchers at the Seeding Success: Mastering Direct-Seeded Rice Panel Workshop held during the recent 6th International Rice Congress.

Nagoya University officials visit IRRI for stronger collaborative research

A delegation from Nagoya University visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters to strengthen the collaborative efforts between the university's Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences (GSBS)  and IRRI on 09 October 2023. The visit marked a significant step in the ongoing partnership between the two organizations which promises to develop innovative solutions for the benefit of rice farmers and communities worldwide.

ISARC Director honored with Crop and Weed Science Society Gold Medal Awards in an International Conference held at BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal

The Crop and Weed Science Society (CWSS) has conferred CWSS Gold Medals to Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director-IRRI South Asia Regional Centre, Varanasi (ISARC), and Dr. Virender Kumar, Deputy Head-Sustainable Impact Department, IRRI in the sixth international conference on “agricultural innovations for sustainable development goals with special focus on natural farming” for their outstanding contributions in the field of crop and weed science.

IRRI and PSPN map lands and connect rice value chains for better farming practices

(BOGOR, Indonesia, 19 September) - The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) continues to seek ways to enhance Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP). One of IRRI’s efforts to enhance the platform was to meet with the Platform Sistem Pangan Nasional (PSPN) team from the Ministry of National Development Planning. The focus of this meeting was to explore potential collaboration between two innovative agricultural platforms: IRRI’s Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Indonesia known as Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP) and PSPN’s Sawahku.

Improving work efficiency through Drone-based workshop in Bangladesh

(GAZIPUR, Bangladesh) 26 September 2023 – The IRRI-Bangladesh Office and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, co-organized a training-workshop program as part of the Drone-phenotyping Seed Grant Project, held from September 10 to 14, 2023 at the BSMRAU campus. The workshop aimed to inform the participants of the importance of drone technology and its application in precise rice breeding research to improve work and output efficiency.

Improving RCM Indonesia through an Interactive Seminar-Workshop on MELIA with Local Enumerators and Farmers

(BOGOR, Indonesia, 19 September) - The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its key partner in Indonesia, Badan Standardisasi Instrumen Pertanian Tanaman Pangan (BSIP TP), are committed to transforming rice farming through the enhancement of the Rice Crop Management (RCM) Indonesia platform, locally known as Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP). To measure the impact of RCM in Indonesia, a baseline survey will be conducted in West Java, South Sulawesi, and North Sumatera. As part of the preparations, a three-day training was conducted on 11 - 13 September to equip 24 BSIP TP staff and 8 IRRI Indonesia staff with a basic understanding of the concepts, processes, methods, and applications of monitoring, evaluation, learning and impact assessment (MELIA) in agricultural research, as well as full understanding and competency in using the LKP survey application for gathering baseline data.

Mechanized rice straw composting workshop promotes circular agriculture economy in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

(29 August, THUA THIEN HUE, VIETNAM) To promote a circular economy in agriculture through the recycling of rice straw as a renewable resource, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in collaboration with the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University (HUAF), conducted a workshop and field demonstration on mechanized rice straw composting on 29 August 2023 at the An Lo Agricultural Cooperative in Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.

IRD-IRRI seminar highlights stronger partnerships towards advancing rice research

(Los Baños, PHILIPPINES, 13 September 2023) - The Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) conducted a hybrid seminar to  update  its stakeholders on  ongoing research collaborations between the two organizations on 11 September 2023 at IRRI headquarters in the Philippines.

Vietnam rice sector carbon accreditation strategy presented at multi-stakeholder dialogue

Can Tho City, Vietnam, 01 September 2023—The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and Department of Crop Production (DCP), conducted the Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on Carbon Markets in Agriculture Workshop on 24-25 August 2023.

Online Training Empowers BSIP Partners in Indonesian Rainfed and Swampy Agricultural Ecosystems

(BOGOR, Indonesia) 24 August 2023 - The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and BSIP Food Crop have successfully conducted an online training program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of partners from BSIP in rainfed areas: North Sumatera and Central Java, and swampy areas: South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Sumatera. This training focused on the Implementation of the Nutrient Omission Plot Technique (NOPT) and Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP) Trials, marking a significant step in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in rainfed and swampy ecosystems.

RMQA holds seminar on pipette maintenance and calibration as part of QA program

On 22 August 2023, the Risk Management Quality Assurance (RMQA) team of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) held a seminar entitled “Pipette Calibration Standards and Practices”.

Broadening scholars' insights through immersive rice science exploration

The recent excursion organized by the Association of Fellows, Scholars, Trainees, and Residents of IRRI (AFSTRI) marks a significant step in enriching scholars' perspectives on rice science and its cultural resonance. From August 18 to 21, 2023, AFSTRI orchestrated a captivating journey that encompassed the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva Ecija and the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao. This voyage was designed to provide scholars with an immersive understanding of rice science's multifaceted dimensions, combining rigorous laboratory exploration with a poignant cultural immersion.

Dr. Michael D. Purugganan shares insights on genomic innovations in rice

Michael D. Purugganan, Silver Professor of Biology at New York University, provided insights on understanding the evolution of rice and integrating different scales of information in relation to genomics at the seminar to  discuss selection on rice gene expression, inferring gene regulatory networks, and variation in 3D genomic architecture.

IRRI partnership in Uttar Pradesh to accelerate seed production and dissemination of new varieties

(UTTAR PRADESH, India,  8 August) - Uttar Pradesh Beej Nigam and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) formed a partnership to expedite the production and distribution of high-yielding, climate-smart, and specialty rice varieties to bolster rice farming and productivity in the state.

Insights from Indonesian farmers and extension workers help enhance digital rice tool

(BOGOR,  Indonesia, 8 August) – Badan Standarisasi Instrumen Pertanian (BSIP) South Kalimantan and BSIP South Sumatera  conducted focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant Interview (KII) activities on 01 and 04 August, respectively, to enhance the  digital agriculture tool Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP).

Bridging cultures and innovations: AFSTRI's new website showcases vibrant community

In a world where cross-cultural collaborations and cutting-edge innovations are paramount, one organization stands out as a symbol of diversity and excellence. The Association of Fellows, Scholars, Trainees, and Residents of IRRI (AFSTRI) recently launched its redesigned website that serves as a vibrant virtual hub bringing together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds within the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

ISARC holds training for farmers to make rice production in India environmentally sustainable

The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) organised a two-day training session for farmers on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water-use efficiency, and soil health measurements in rice-based systems to make rice cultivation sustainable and increase yields and profitability of farmers.

Training women farmers in scientific fish farming to boost production and income in the Ganges Delta

Scientific fish farming is the key to enhancing the production efficiency of the aquaculture sector. However, in the Sundarbans Region in the Ganges Delta of West Bengal, India, fish farming practices are mostly traditional and labor intensive involving little pond management and feeding.

Towards enhancing Rice Crop Manager dissemination and adoption in Indonesia

(BOGOR, Indonesia, 24 July) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) took a significant step towards transforming rice farming in Indonesia with its Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Indonesia project through an online training program on the RCM Baseline Survey Questionnaire. The training, held on 20- 21 July via Zoom, aimed to equip 31 participants from both Badan Standarisasi Instrumen Pertanian (BSIP) and IRRI with the necessary skills to conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment to enhance dissemination and adoption.

Harnessing multi-stakeholders cooperation to improve rice straw-based value chains in Vietnam

CẦN THƠ, Vietnam (10 July 2023) – To develop value chain upgrading strategies for rice straw-based compost and biodegradable products in Vietnam, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in cooperation with the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department of Cần Thơ City, organized a Stakeholders’ Workshop.

Online modules on Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience launched!

IRRI Education, the educational arm of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) developed and launched a series of micromodules entitled “Empowering Agriculture using Solar Irrigation Resilience”.

Assam’s Grand Harvest program: fostering accelerated adoption of rice farm mechanization

In Assam State, India, agriculture is the backbone of the economy. The agro-climatic condition of Assam, with its highly fertile arable soils, abundant rainfall, and rich biodiversity favors the production of rice.

IRRI, BSMRAU, and BSA to launch seed certification course to enhance the quality and productivity of the agriculture sector in Bangladesh.

[Dhaka, 06/07/2023] – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agriculture University (BSMRAU), and Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance the quality and productivity of the agriculture sector in Bangladesh.

IRRI scientists learn about biofortification breeding in maize from Purdue University professor

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna - Dr. Torbert Rocheford, Professor and Patterson Endowed Chair in Translational Genomics for Crop Improvement in Purdue University, shared his expertise on “Biofortification Breeding for Higher ProVitamin A and Macular Carotenoids in Maize Globally for Improved Nutrition and Health’ on 6 July at the IRRI Headquarters, Philippines.

IRRI conducts Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) Training towards increasing its adoption in South Asia

INDIA, Hyderabad (22 June 2023) – Recognizing the need to increase adoption of the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) in South Asia, IRRI EBS Data Management Team conducted training among scientists, researchers, and technicians at the IRRI South Asia Hub, Hyderabad, India on 22-26 May 2023.

BADC and IRRI empower farmers with Seed System and Product Management Program in Bangladesh

TANGAIL, Bangladesh (9 June 2023) – The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)  jointly organized a training on rice seed production, processing, preservation, and marketing for dealers and seed growers at Tangail Bangladesh. BADC-registered members from across the value chain were invited to introduce new varieties of rice and discuss the production and development of quality seed through processing, preservation, and marketing so that they can be extension advisors within their farming communities or networks.

East and Southern Africa partners learn modern breeding strategies and efficient data management

Nairobi, Kenya -  The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)'s Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) Data Management and Breeding Operations recently brought together scientists and researchers from various African nations for a comprehensive training program. The week-long training focused on modern breeding strategies and the utilization of EBS concepts and tools in East and Southern Africa (ESA). Participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Burundi, Malawi, Madagascar, and Ethiopia attended the event, representing agricultural research institutions in their respective countries.

ZES conducts Training Course on Safe Operation and Proper Maintenance of Farm Machinery

The Zeigler Experiment Station (ZES) conducted its annual Refresher Training Course on Safe Operation & Maintenance of Farm Machinery for 2 half-days on May 16-17. This training course aimed to equip ZES operators and mechanics with the proper understanding of safety in operation and regular maintenance of farm machinery (e.g., tractors, implements,  combine harvesters, etc) was attended by thirteen (13) ZES staff. Mr. Caling Balingbing of the Postharvest and Mechanization team under the Sustainable Impact for Rice-based Systems Platform served as a resource person.

RCM Indonesia Project Team holds partnership meetings, conducts field visits

The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Indonesia Project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea aims to increase the incomes and yields of Indonesian rice farmers and contribute to the Indonesian government's goals for rural prosperity, food security, environmental sustainability and climate mitigation and adaptation through the development and dissemination of RCM. 

Indonesian agricultural extension staff complete training for disseminating RCM to rice farmers

The Pusat Standardisasi Instrumen Tanaman Pangan (PSITP) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) organized a training for Indonesian agricultural extension staff and development partners to speed up the delivery of field-specific nutrient and crop management recommendations to rice farmers through the Rice Crop Manager (RCM).  Held on 9-11 May 2023, the training strengthened the capacity of the participants to develop dissemination strategy for RCM to farmers in their respective provinces.

West Java rice farmers and extension staff take part in discussion for improving Rice Crop Manager adoption

Indramayu, West Java – The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Indonesia Project conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to understand the current capacities and constraints of farmers and extension workers regarding RCM on 25 May in West Java.

IRRI South Asia Hub organized a series of events for Rice Breeding Networks

The IRRI South Asia Hub at Hyderabad organized multiple sessions to strengthen the capacities of its rice breeding networks from 5th to 10th April 2023.  The first event, the strategic planning workshop for Hybrid Rice Adoption was organized on 5th April in Hyderabad at the ICRISAT Campus in Hyderabad. The global hybrid rice adoption is progressing at a very slow pace, and in India, the adoption is still limited to a few specific regions. To address this issue, policymakers, hybrid rice scientists, and critical stakeholders convened to identify and overcome the challenges hindering widespread adoption.

IRRI initiates participatory research on cooking quality test for new varieties

Odisha, INDIA (15 May 2023)- In collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) launched a participatory study on the cooking characteristics and sensory attributes of rice varieties on 10 May 2023 in Bargarh. The activity aims to help the participants assess the taste, texture, aroma, and appearance of rice varieties.

A total of 56 participants attended the cooking quality test, including men and women farmers from Odisha, local government members, village heads, district and Agriculture District Officer, Bargarh, Bijay Kumar Pattnayak;  Deputy Project Director,  Agriculture Technology Management Agency, Rabinarayan Senapati, and  Assistant Agriculture Officer, Ms. Jyotsnamayee.

In 2022, IRRI conducted varietal cafeterias and on-farm trials to evaluate and validate the performance of a large number of newly released rice varieties through the National Breeding Program. Several varieties (25–30 novel products) were subjected to a thorough participatory evaluation and measurement in order to generate performance-based rankings. These classifications were based on the yield, yield-related parameters, and other observable characteristics of the rice plant.

To advance the result of the on-farm trials, the IRRI Seed System team, led by Dr. Swati Nayak, Mosharaf Hossain, and Dillip Kumar Rout, conceptualized a “new” experiment to assess various rice characteristics that define overall cooking quality, such as overall flavor, stickiness, elongation, water absorption, cooking time, aroma, and texture.

These are the characteristics, which cannot be measured or evaluated on-farm,  require a more thorough evaluation following the harvesting and milling of cereals because they are essential for farm households to determine whether or not to adopt a variety and use it for their own consumption or for sale.

Several characteristics have the potential to generate “perception” barriers among farmers, including women in agricultural households because cooking quality-related characteristics can be influenced by cultural preferences. Moreover, the said characteristics can affect consumers' willingness to purchase and the necessary demand triggers among local market actors (millers, wholesalers, and retailers).

The team believes that it is critical to evaluate these cooking characteristics with the local farmers in order to obtain evidence, perception, and demand that go beyond laboratory-based grain quality analysis.

Under the close supervision of Mosharaf Hossain and Dillip Kumar Rout, and with the assistance of Sudam Sahu and Shantunu Dash, coordinators of Agrani Janakalyan Anusthan, ten of the highest-performing varieties from the previous year’s varietal trials and cafeterias were selected for the experiment.

Ten women farmers from the Maa Kaveri Women Self-Help Group from Ainlapli Village, urban and rural consumers were chosen to take part in a cooking quality evaluation.

Some of the results of the study include DRR Dhan 47 took the least  time to cook while Zinco Rice MS and Uttarsona took the longest time. DRR Dhan 48 had very good elongation, good grain separation, and less stickiness. NLR 3354 also had good elongation. Zinco Rice MS was also reported to have more stickiness than the others.

Many of these varieties are already under evaluation through laboratory analysis for trait validations, which will provide comprehensive feedback to the breeders.

"With the immense support of the Government of Odisha, this type of research can generate a very strong impact loop for the acceptance and adoption of a variety in both the seed chain and the grain markets,” said Dr. Nayak, IRRI’s South Asia Lead for Seed Systems. “It is vital that farmer households’ and consumers' perceptions of cooking quality be taken into account during variety testing and evaluation systems.”

This advanced research, which extends the impact of IRRI's successful on-farm testing models ("lab-to-farm"), has now developed an initial "farm-to-consumer" roadmap to improve the impact of its breeding program.

Following the success and attention it gained from the local stakeholders and leaders, the IRRI Seed System team plans to scale this participatory approach to other locations in India.

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Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation delegates visit ISARC

VARANASI, India (16 May 2023) – A delegation from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) visited the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi to harness IRRI’s knowledge and experiences in modern rice research. This visit featured demonstrations and interactions around IRRI’s latest developments in rice technologies such as varietal development and testing protocols, quality seed production, varietal positioning methods, value chain propositions, and post-production practices. Prior to visiting ISARC, the group had a three-day exposure visit in Odisha where they learned about the progress of IRRI in rice-based agri-food systems.

ISARC hosts a tour for the Assam Agricultural University

VARANASI, India (16 May 2023) – A three-day visit for senior scientists and extension personnel from Assam Agricultural University (AAU) was organized at the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi on May 11-13. The visit aimed to foster learning opportunities and strengthen existing linkages related to ongoing interventions of the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (APART) Project. The delegates from AAU engaged with ISARC scientists and discussed recent trends in precision agriculture, geographic information systems (GIS), mechanization, postharvest management, and seed systems. The delegation team included different Heads of the Department of AAU, scientists, and heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Assam.

ICFCIS and IRRI conduct training on on-farm trials for updating SSNM principles for RCM-Indonesia

The  Indonesian Center for Food Crops Instruments Standardization (ICFCIS) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)  conducted an online training on on-farm trials to help upgrade algorithms and guidelines for effective fertilizer management for rice farmers of Indonesia on 11-12 April 2023.  The activity trained the participants on Nutrient Omission Plot Technique (NOPT) and Rice Crop Manager (RCM) evaluation trials as part of the capacity-building activities of the RCM-Indonesia Project funded by MAFRA, Republic of Korea.

Towards increasing agricultural production of rice fallows in Assam

To discuss opportunities and challenges of using the rice fallows in Assam, the Assam Agriculture University (AAU) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)  organized a workshop on "System intensification and harnessing rice fallows in Assam" under the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) on 6 May 2023 at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati, India.

Building the climate resilience of Bangladesh through climate-risk mapping and adaptation planning

To provide technical support on identifying climate risks and adaptation planning using participatory approaches, the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) conducted a training workshop on Climate-Smart Mapping and Adaptation Planning (CS-MAP) for national and local research partners in Bangladesh. The CS-MAP will support strategic planning and investments in Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram Divisions.

ISARC concludes 6th Coordination Committee Meeting

The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) successfully concluded the ISARC Coordination Committee (ICC) Meeting last April 20 in Varanasi. IRRI leaders, along with government partners took stock of project activities and lessons learned over the past year to carve a new strategic path for the Government of India and ISARC for the next five years. Dr. Jean Balié, Director General, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) appreciated the cooperation of the Government of India and assured the active participation of the ISARC in this renewed alignment. Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC shared a detailed update on successful ISARC-led research and training activities and also presented specific activities for future plans in view of IRRI’s mission to uplift the lives of farmers from the South Asia region. Dr. Ajay Kohli and other members of the ISARC Coordination Committee from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal also participated in the meeting.

Present in the meeting were Dr. Jean Balié, Director General, IRRI, the chairperson of the ISARC Coordination Committee; Ms. Wahida Akter, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh; Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary (Agri Development), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal; Dr. T R Sharma, DDG - Crop Sciences, ICAR; Mr. M P Yadav, National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC); Dr. Paresh Verma, Director Research of Shriram Bioseed Genetics India; and Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC.

The ISARC Coordination Committee meeting was also attended by Dr. Shahjahan Kabir, Director General, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI); Mr. P.C. Peiris, DG (Agri. Tech) Sri Lanka; and Dr. Humnath Bhandari, IRRI Representative Bangladesh as the special guests. Mr. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, who also co-chairs the ISARC Coordination Committee and Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh joined online.

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