Varanasi: Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment for the Government of Odisha, visited the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi. This visit represents a strategic pivot toward modernizing the state’s agricultural framework. By engaging directly with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the delegation sought to integrate high-level technology with ground-level farming practices.
Secretary DAFE, Shri Jadhav prioritized data-driven governance during this visit, focusing on how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can transform land use. This involves mapping rice fallow areas—land that remains uncropped after the rice harvest—to identify opportunities for secondary crops. This approach aims to maximize the productivity of Odisha’s geography and ensure that no resource remains underutilized.
At ISARC, the delegation explored facilities designed to tackle the challenges of climate change and food security. Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav reviewed the SpeedBreed Facility, which significantly reduces the time required to develop new, resilient crop varieties. By shortening breeding cycles, IRRI provides the tools necessary to keep pace with shifting environmental conditions.
The partnership also centers on the Rice Value Chain. Shri Jadhav led discussions on the upcoming Specialty Rice and Millet Factory Project in Bhubaneswar. This initiative is designed to move beyond basic production, focusing instead on processing and value-addition. By enhancing the marketability of indigenous crops, the collaboration between the Odisha Government and IRRI aims to increase the income of local farmers and establish Odisha as a hub for premium agricultural products.