61st Annual Rice Group Meetings Inaugurated at ICAR–CRRI, Cuttack

18 April 2026, Cuttack

The inaugural session of the 61st Annual Rice Group Meetings was held at the ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack. The session was chaired by Dr D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, while the inaugural address was delivered by Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR.

In his inaugural address, Dr Jat emphasized the need to enhance genetic gain in rice across both rainfed and irrigated ecosystems. He highlighted the importance of adopting targeted pre-breeding strategies focusing on specific traits and underscored the potential of genome editing technologies to accelerate genetic improvement across diverse rice-growing ecologies.

He further highlighted that research gaps should be addressed through collaborative efforts among institutions rather than in isolation. He congratulated the rice research community for their notable achievements and urged them to remain committed to addressing emerging challenges and meeting the future needs of the country.

61st Annual Rice Group Meetings Inaugurated at ICAR–CRRI, Cuttack

DG, ICAR further stressed the need to expand hybrid rice cultivation in India through strengthened institutional collaborations involving State government agencies, millers, and other stakeholders. He also emphasized the development of hybrids with high Head Rice Recovery (HRR) and called for focused efforts toward doubling nutrient and water use efficiency.

Addressing key challenges, he noted that rice fallow areas remain a significant concern and called for innovative solutions to enhance productivity in these regions. He also pointed out that while rice continues to be a staple food for a large section of the population, improving its nutritional quality through scientific interventions is essential.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Padma Shri awardees Dr V. P. Singh and Dr A. K. Singh, along with Dr S. K. Pradhan, Assistant Director General (FFC), ICAR; Dr R. M. Sundaram, Director, ICAR–IIRR, Hyderabad; and Dr G. A. K. Kumar, Director, ICAR–CRRI, Cuttack.

(Source: ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack)