Government To Fully Support Opening Of IRRI Research Centre In Odisha

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo declared that the Odisha government will fully cooperate with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Manila, the Philippines, to construct a research center in the state. Singh Deo highlighted the initiative’s potential to revolutionize rice agriculture in Odisha and enhance its international recognition while speaking at a rice research conference held at the Krushi Bhavan auditorium. The Deputy Chief Minister commended the traditional rice varieties of the Koraput area, which have gained international reputation, and emphasized the agricultural and cultural importance of paddy in Odisha.

He promised that the government’s partnership with IRRI will support research on nutrient-dense and export-focused rice varieties while addressing regional rice farming problems, such as climate adaptability. The Director General of IRRI, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, thanked the Odisha government for its assistance and underlined the importance of cooperative research in tackling climate resilience and raising the state’s paddy production. She recognized that the distinct climate of Odisha provided a perfect setting for advancements in rice research.

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, reiterated the transformative impact of scientific advancements in rice cultivation, stating that the IRRI centre would help combat hunger, poverty, and malnutrition while promoting sustainable agriculture. The conference was attended by senior officials, agricultural scientists, and media representatives, with the event concluding with a vote of thanks by Prema Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Agriculture and Food Production.