Discussions were held on the popularisation and adoption of various varieties of rice crops
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad recently organised the ’57th Annual Rice Group Meeting’.
Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) stressed on the importance of developing the multi-stress tolerant varieties. Popularisation and adoption of the varieties that have been released over the years and to develop and release the varieties only after the thorough evaluation of the markets and consumer’s preferences was emphasized by the Director General. Dr Mohapatra also urged for documenting the extent of the varietal spread on actual basis and discouraging the calculations of the varietal spread based on the breeder’s seed indent.
Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR highlighted the importance of using the modern, cutting-edge technologies including IoT, Genomics and Precision Agriculture in developing the varieties with the high productivity and suitable for the different ecosystems and suited to a rapidly changing climate.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr RK Singh, ADG (FFC), ICAR regarded the Rice as one of the most important crops of the country with largest area and production. Improving the production and productivity of Rice in addressing the issues of malnutrition and food security of the nation were also stressed by Dr Singh.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr RM Sundaram, Director, ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad briefed about the research highlights of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice. Dr Sundaram also outlined the release of 6 varieties, viz., DRR Dhan 57, 58, 59, 60, 62 and 63 by the ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad through the AICRP on Rice System in 2021.
Dr. Padmini Swain, Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack, Odisha highlighted the importance of the AICRP on Rice Testing System and conduct of trials in two Zones (III and IV).
About 500 delegates from India and the other countries participated in the programme.
