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.

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.

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.

World Bank exec lauds IRRI’s work on agribusiness and rural transformation in Assam

World Bank Regional Integration and Engagement in the South Asia Region (SAR) Director Ms. Cecile Fruman visited Assam on 25 January to get firsthand understanding and appreciation of IRRI’s work on the World Bank-funded Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).

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.

German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development visits APART, World Bank-funded IRRI project in Assam

Dr. Gerd Muller (Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation & Development, Govt. of Germany) holds a portion of a mat nursery as he is explained by Dr Sudhanshu Singh (Team Leader, APART project, IRRI Assam) about transplanting time and crop duration of BINA Dhan 11, a climate resilient rice variety.

27 February 2020, Assam - Dr. Gerd Muller, Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Germany, and a team of senior government officials with Consulate General for Kolkata Dr. Michael Feiner, Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Egon Kochanke, and Mrs.Gerti Muller-Hoorens, visited the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) site.

Assam Chief Minister welcomes agritech at ‘Krishak Samaroh’

October 2019, Assam, India - Chief Minister of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal was the chief guest in a state-level farmers’ convention-cum-exhibition, known as a ‘Krishak Samaroh’, that was organised on 29 October 2019 by the Department of Agriculture, Directorate of Horticulture & Food Processing (Government of Assam) at Khanapara in Assam’s capital city Guwahati.

Over 10,000 farmers, state and district agriculture department officials visited the exhibition, which included exhibits from the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), agri-entrepreneurs, private-sector organisations, and Farmer-Producer Organizations.

The World Bank-funded ‘Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project’ (APART), exhibited by the Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services Society (ARIASS) in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), was visited by the Chief Minister and his entourage, comprising of Assam Agriculture Production Commissioner Rajesh Kumar & State Project Director, and Director Agriculture, Manoj Kumar.