Agricultural Leaders Gather for 59th Annual Rice Group Meetings in New Delhi to Advance Rice R&D

The 59th Annual Rice Group Meetings (ARGM) commenced at the Dr. C Subrahmanyam Auditorium, NASC Complex, heralding a significant gathering of over 350 delegates from national and international sectors, including government and private stakeholders. This three-day event, running from April 24th to April 26th, 2024, is organized by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice (AICRPR) in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI).

AICRPR's Role in Rice Advancements

Established in 1965, the AICRPR has been instrumental in India's transformation from a rice importer to the largest global exporter. The project's network encompasses 45 funded centers and approximately 100 voluntary centers, supported by over 400 scientists, driving collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing rice productivity and ensuring food security.

The ARGM serves as a critical platform for reviewing past experiments, identifying promising rice varieties and hybrids, and strategizing solutions for challenges in rice cultivation. Discussions at the event emphasize fostering new initiatives and partnerships to bolster food and nutritional security across the country.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Govt. of India, and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), inaugurated the conference.

He was joined by esteemed national and international dignitaries, including Dr. Ajay Kohli, Interim Director General of the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines; Dr. A.K. Singh, Director of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi; Dr. T.R. Sharma, Deputy Director General of ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. D.K. Yadava, Assistant Director General (Seed) of ICAR, New Delhi; and Dr. A.K. Nayak, Director of the National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, among other renowned scientists.

Dr. Pathak highlighted the need for innovation, research, and development to achieve a resilient and sustainable rice production system in India. Dr. Singh highlighted the pivotal role of forums like ARGM in driving agricultural progress and ensuring food sovereignty amid evolving agricultural complexities.