Empowering Farmers through Herbicide-Tolerant Rice Technology and Quality Paddy Seed Production at Sasya Shyamala KVK

29 August 2026, Narendrapur

Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, organised a Training Programme on “Herbicide-Tolerant Rice Cultivation and Paddy Seed Production” today in collaboration with ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata. The programme aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge of herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice technology, scientific weed management and quality paddy seed production, addressing key challenges affecting rice productivity and farm profitability. The event was graced by Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata and Director (Additional Charge), ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, Brahmachari Soumitra Maharaj, Monk-in-Charge, SSKVK and ICAR-CRRI scientists.

In his inaugural address, Soumitra Maharaj stressed the role of scientific knowledge and modern agricultural technologies in improving farm productivity and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.

Dr Dey highlighted the potential of herbicide-tolerant rice technology to improve weed management, reduce dependence on manual labour, lower cultivation costs, assure gender justice and ensure timely weed control, thereby helping farmers improve the efficiency and profitability of rice cultivation.

He urged farmers to adopt the technology scientifically and judiciously, strictly following recommended varieties, herbicide dosage, application timing and safety practices to avoid crop damage and environmental risks.

Dr Dey stressed that strong farmer–scientist linkages, timely technical guidance and access to quality seed are essential for converting improved technologies into higher yields, reduced production costs, improved farm income and more sustainable rice-based livelihoods.

The technical session provided farmers with practical, field-oriented knowledge. The scientists explained the HT rice technology and the herbicide-tolerant rice varieties developed by ICAR-CRRI, covering their major characteristics and yield potential. He elaborated on recommended sowing time and methods, suitable herbicides, correct dose and timing of application, application methods and essential precautions. He also emphasised timely weed control and appropriate crop-management practices to realise the yield potential of HT rice.

The programme also provided a platform for direct farmer–scientist interaction. During the interactive session, farmers shared their field experiences and raised practical questions concerning HT rice cultivation, herbicide application, weed management and paddy seed production. The participating scientists responded to the queries and provided technical recommendations suited to farmers’ field conditions.

The programme marked an important step towards strengthening technology-based rice cultivation among small and marginal farmers and promoting safer, scientific and efficient weed-management practices in the rice-growing areas of South 24 Parganas.

The programme brought together 82 Scheduled Caste farmers from Basanti, Bhangar and Gosaba blocks of South 24 Parganas, with a focus on taking improved rice technologies from the laboratory to farmers’ fields.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)