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IRRI signs rice research pact with India
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Saturday, 24 January, 2009, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The Manila-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has signed an international agreement to support and facilitate India's rice research and development for the next 3 years. The agreement will help improve rice production and stabilise the prices in the country. Dr RS Zeigler, director general, IRRI, said, "The agreement will help develop, promote and accelerate rice research and training efforts between IRRI and ICAR. The renewed collaboration will also provide important support for India's investments in agriculture and help India strengthen its science capacity."
The IRRI-ICAR work plan includes agreement on three international projects supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates, namely "Stress-tolerant rice for poor farmers in Africa and South Asia (STRASA)", "Cereal systems initiative for South Asia (CSISA)" and "Creating the second green revolution by supercharging photosynthesis: C4 rice."
STRASA aims to develop and distribute improved varieties of rice that can be grown in rainfed ecosystems, where farmers have little or no access to irrigation and that can withstand environmental stresses such as drought, submergence, and salinity.
CSISA's 10-year goal is to produce an additional five million tonnes of grain annually and increase the yearly incomes of 6 million poor rural households, whereas the C4 project aims to develop rice plants that can produce 50% more grain using less fertilizer and water. The C4 project also seeks to convert rice from "C3 photosynthesis" to the more efficient "C4 photosynthesis" variety.
Dr Mangala Rai, director general, ICAR, said, "The work plan focuses on conserving, evaluating, and enhancing genetic resources as well as enhancing the productivity and sustainability of intensive cereal systems, improving productivity and livelihood for fragile environments and adaptation to climate change and strengthening linkages between research and development including training."
-- Agencies
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