The Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Education, and Agricultural Research, Govt. of UP visits ICAR – IIRR, Hyderabad

5^th February 2023, Hyderabad

Shri Suryapratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh visited the ICAR - Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad today.

The Minister in his address emphasized increased coordination and communication between ICAR institutes like ICAR-IIRR, the State department of agriculture, KVKs, and the State Agriculture Universities of Uttar Pradesh. He exhorted that the Institute can play a central role in the popularization of high zinc and other biofortified rice varieties in certain regions of UP state, where malnutrition in children and women is prevalent. Further, Shri Shahi emphasized that the Bundelkhand region of UP requires special attention for the demonstration of high-yielding, low-input use efficient, and climate-resilient rice cultivars. He urged ICAR-IIRR to put up a joint proposal in consultation with the State Agricultural Universities of UP, State Agricultural Department by May 2023 for funding under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The proposal may include the improvement of target traits for the benefit of rice farmers of Uttar Pradesh, the popularization of modern rice technologies, in addition to Infrastructure development. He accentuated that ICAR-IIRR may supply seeds of climate-resilient and biofortified rice varieties in addition to the popular low glycemic index rice variety, Improved Samba Mahsuri.

Dr. Raman Meenakshi Sundaram, Director, ICAR-IIRR gave a brief presentation about the institute's mandate, achievements, and new initiatives.

(Source: ICAR - Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad)