THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

VARANASI/BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 21, 2026

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Thursday called for stronger collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to accelerate agricultural innovation, promote climate-resilient rice varieties and develop technologies that can make farming more productive, sustainable and responsive to the challenges faced by farmers.

Singh Deo, who holds the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, visited IRRI’s South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) here on August 20 along with Balangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo and Nivritti Lakshyaraj Mewar, and reviewed the research, technologies and innovations being developed to strengthen sustainable and resilient rice-based agri-food systems.

 “Rice cannot be separated from India, and I truly appreciate the work being done by IRRI and ISARC scientists to develop new technologies and techniques for farmers. My interaction with the scientists today has been a valuable learning experience, and I look forward to strengthening collaboration with IRRI to further support farmers and advance agricultural innovation in Odisha, especially the flood resistance crop varieties & short duration crops” said Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister toured key research and demonstration facilities at ISARC, including the Speed Breeding facility, Varietal Cafeteria, Mechanization and Post-harvest unit, Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) trial plots, drone demonstration area and regenerative agriculture facility.

ISARC scientists briefed the visiting dignitaries on technologies and research aimed at improving farm productivity, efficiency and sustainability, with a particular focus on strengthening rice-based farming systems and helping farmers adapt to emerging agricultural challenges.

Singh Deo also visited the Geospatial Lab, Plant and Soil Lab and the NABL-accredited Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) laboratories, where he was apprised of advanced research infrastructure and ongoing efforts to promote innovation and value addition in the rice sector.

An all-staff town hall was subsequently organised, providing an opportunity for interaction between the visiting dignitaries and ISARC scientists and staff. Dr Swati Nayak, Scientist and India Country Manager (ad interim), IRRI, and Dr Vikas Kumar Singh, Interim Director, ISARC, welcomed the delegation.

Dr Singh gave an overview of ISARC’s research and initiatives in Odisha, India and across South Asia, highlighting efforts by IRRI and ISARC to address agricultural priorities through research, innovation, capacity building and strategic partnerships.

 “We greatly value the leadership and support of the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and appreciate his strong commitment to agriculture and farmers. Over the past decade, ISARC has focused on translating research and innovation into solutions that benefit farmers, while strengthening partnerships across India and South Asia. We look forward to building on this support and further strengthening collaboration with Odisha to scale innovations and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.” said ISARC Director Dr Vikas Singh.

Dr Swati Nayak highlighted the long-standing collaboration between IRRI and Odisha and underlined the shared vision of advancing rice-based farming systems while creating livelihood and economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

The visit assumes significance as Odisha, one of India’s important rice-growing states, continues to focus on strengthening agricultural resilience, improving farm incomes and promoting technologies suited to diverse and challenging agro-climatic conditions.

The interactions at ISARC also underscored the growing importance of close coordination among policymakers, research institutions and agricultural stakeholders in taking science-based solutions from laboratories and experimental fields to farmers.