ICAR-NRRI celebrates its Foundation Day and Dhan Diwas

The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack celebrated its’ 78th Foundation Day, and Dhan Diwas today.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), Government of India advocated that PPV&FRA supports the development of new varieties of plants across all crops which is an essential response to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability, especially in a context of climate change and burgeoning population growth. He also delivered the Dr. K. Ramaiah Foundation Day Lecture on ‘Facing the Malnutrition Challenge: The Food-ways Paradigm’ and emphasized millets as a food choice for the future. Dr. Mohapatra said that millets are easy to grow, climate and drought-resistant, rich sources of balanced nutrition, compatible with natural ways of farming and need less water.

Dr. S.K. Pradhan, Assistant Director General Assistant Director General (FFC), ICAR and Shri G.P. Sharma, Joint Secretary, Finance, ICAR were Guests of Honour.

Dr. Pradhan said Forage crops play a vital role in sustainable agriculture by providing a source of high-quality livestock feed, improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and supporting the long-term productivity of farming systems.

Shri Sharma deliberated that in view of the changing scenario of globalization of education, mobilization of resources, the release of funds, accounting and financial reporting will ensure accurate and timely information regarding project resources and expenditures. on financial management in scientific organizations.

Dr. A.K. Nayak, Director, ICAR-NRRI of the institute highlighted the significant achievements of the institute especially on the recently released varieties and their suitability for different ecologies.

The programme was attended by about two hundred farmers and farm-women from Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.

An exhibition was also organized showcasing the technologies of ICAR-NRRI, KVKs, Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), etc. The chief guest and other dignitaries felicitated 18 retired staffs, 8 best workers of the institute and 4 meritorious students.

Further, 11 progressive farmers and farm women were felicitated for the adoption of innovative practices in rice farming.

Special programmes like field visits, and Scientists-farmers interaction meetings were also organized for the benefit of the farmers.

(Source: ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack)