Dr. Matthew Morell, Director General, International Rice Research Institute, Philippines visited ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi on 05th August, 2017 during his course of visit for establishment of South Asia Regional Centre of IRRI at NSRTC, Varanasi.
Dr. Bijendra Singh, Director, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi briefed about the ongoing activities and achievements of the institute, its impact on farmers and about the Institute future road map of research. He also mentioned about the extensive collaborative works with international organization like AVRDC, CIMMYT, Cranfield University, UK, DFID, UK, etc. He also expressed for collaborative works with IRRI for diversification of vegetables under rice wheat cropping system.
During interaction meeting with scientists of the institute, Dr. Morell showed his keen interest and agreed for collaboration with IIVR for utilization of IIVR developed varieties under vegetable based Rice and wheat cropping system to enhance the farmers’ income. He also briefed about the goals of the Regional Centre of IRRI for south Asia to be established at Varanasi for enhancing nutritional and livelihood security of the farmers’ along with employment generation by developing value added rice and promoting quality rice. He also mentioned that this regional centre is mainly aimed at to train the people engaged in rice production. He stressed for more focussed attention towards development of rice cultivars for heat, drought and waterlogging tolerance. While visiting experimental fields, technology Park and Waste management unit of the institute, he appreciated the team ICAR-IIVR for excellent works being done at the institute. He was highly impressed to see the low energy gene bank and live demonstration of latest vegetable technologies for the benefit of farmers and other stake holders. Dr. US Singh, Regional Coordinator, IRRI and Dr. Nafees Meah, Representative, South Asia, IRRI India Office were also present.