Designing Future Rice Enhanced Profitability and Nutritional Security

Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad recently celebrated its 4th Foundation Day. The Chief Guest, Padma Shri Dr. V. P. Singh, Former Head, Division of Genetics, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi delivered Padmsri Dr. Sishta Venkata Seetharama Shastry memorial lecture on “Designing future rice enhanced profitability and nutritional security”. He elaborated about the present status of rice in India, achievements in rice improvement and challenges in rice research to be addressed through producing safe nutritious and sufficient food, transdiciplinary research, introducing schemes such as Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), etc.

Prof P. Anand Kumar, Emeritus Scientist, ICAR – IIRR elucidated the significant contribution of IIRR in terms of development and release of several rice varieties. He highlighted the international recognition of fine quality varieties of Dr. SVS Shastry.

Dr. S. R. Voleti, Director, ICAR – IIRR, in his welcome address, apprised about the historical progress of the institute from All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Programme (AICRIP) to Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR). Director also highlighted the attainment of two padmasri awards of our earlier Directors Dr. SVS. Shastry and Dr. E.A. Siddique. He also briefed about the recent achievements and activities of the Institute.

Four ‘Best Research Paper Awards’ were conferred to the scientists on this occasion. Similary, best workers from Admin, Accounts, Technical, Scientist and Supporting Staff category were also felicitated.

The representatives of local ICAR institutes as well as Institute scientific, administrative and supporting staff participated in the celebrations.