IRRI-ICAR builds capacity on modern plant breeding through workshop on genomic predictions and data-driven crop breeding

The International Rice Research Institute and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) recently held an intensive 5-day workshop on “Fundamentals of Genomic Predictions and Data-Driven Crop Breeding,” offering participants an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge techniques in modern plant breeding.

Dr. Darshan Brar, leading IRRI breeder, passes away at 76

Dr. Darshan Singh Brar, former head of IRRI’s Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology (PBGB) Division, passed away from a heart attack on the evening of 11 March at the age of 76.

For 25 years from 1987 to 2012, Dr. Brar worked with his fellow scientists at the institute to broaden the gene pool of cultivated rice. With his expertise in genetics, plant breeding, and molecular cytogenetics, Dr. Brar successfully transferred novel genes from wild species of Oryza to cultivated rice, an important plant breeding approach that has revolutionized rice farming around the world.

Former IRRI Scientist receives alumni award from UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Dr. Kyu-Seong Lee, a former IRRI Scientist, was one of the recipients of the University of the Philippines Los Banos’ (UPLB) Distinguished Alumni award, given by the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences. This award recognizes university alumni for their exemplary achievements in their respective fields, and whose works have had a positive national and international impact.

Dr. Krishna Joshi appointed as IRRI Representative in Nepal

IRRI is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Krishna Joshi as the Institute’s representative in Nepal, effective 12 February 2018. Dr. Joshi will lead the Institute’s key initiatives in the country and will serve as the focal person for all endeavours in strengthening IRRI’s partnership with key stakeholders.

Dr. Joshi is an agricultural scientist specializing in plant genetics, crop improvement, seed systems and value chains. With over two decades of experience in the agri-sector, he has led several key agricultural Research for Development (R4D) projects in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and India, pertaining to rice and other staple crops. Having worked in multi-disciplinary settings at international research and development organizations, civil society and private sector organizations, he is uniquely positioned to leverage his knowledge and skills in furthering IRRI’s mission to improve livelihoods and nutrition, and abolish poverty, hunger, and malnutrition among those who depend on rice-based agri-food systems.