Farm Innovators Day observed by ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack

27th January, 2015, Cuttack

ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (ICAR-CRRI), Cuttack observed “Farm Innovators Day and BGREI Scientists-Farmers Interaction Meet” on 27th January, 2015 in its premhere today. Apart from central and state government officials, the programme was attended by over 250 innovative / progressive farmers and state department officers from 29 districts of Odisha.

Shri Ranglal Jamuda, IAS, Special Secretary, DAC, MOA, Govt. of India inaugurated the event as Chief Guest He emphasized on ‘Seed, Soil and Water’ for sustaining agricultural production in the state and stressed the need for addressing problem soils and micronutrients deficiency. He advised the scientists to develop improved varieties suitable for various abiotic and biotic stress situations like, flood, submergence, drought, salinity and alkalinity that afflict Indian soils. He appealed the farming communities to take advantages of the varieties and technologies developed by CRRI. Shri Ranglal felicitated 32 innovative rice farmers.

The Guest of Honour Dr. P.K. Meherda, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Director, Dept. of Agriculture and Food Production, Govt. of Odisha said that progress in agriculture sector was impossible without seeds of improved varieties, technologies, farm machineries and efforts of our farmers. He also thanked the farmers and acknowledged them for their hard work and contributions in increasing food production, for which the state was awarded thrice with “Krishi Karman Award” by the Govt. of India in last four years.

Dr. T. Mohapatra, Director and Chairman highlighted the significant achievements of the institute specially the recently released varieties and their suitability for diverse ecologies. He spoke on the objectives of the porogramme, inspired the farmers and summarized the suggestions for taking further actions.

Three extension bulletins on ‘CRRI rice varieties for diverse ecologies’, ‘Rice nematodes and their management’, and ‘Agro-climatic characterization for crop planning in water stress prone area of Ganjam’ were released. An exhibition displaying CRRI technologies and implements was also organized on the occasion.

Dr. B.N. Sadangi welcomed the guests and dignitaries and Dr. Amal Ghosh offered the vote of thanks, while Dr. Lipi Das and Dr. S.K. Mishra coordinated the programme
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(Source: ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute , Cuttack)