On March 24-25, 2025, a two-day awareness training on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Zero Tillage Wheat (ZTW) was successfully held at the International Rice Research Institute, South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi. The event brought together 70 progressive farmers from Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Deoria, Kushinagar, Varanasi, Chandauli, Jaunpur, and Ghazipur districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The program, aimed at enhancing knowledge and promoting the adoption of innovative rice-wheat cultivation techniques, featured expert discussions, technology showcases, and hands-on field demonstrations.
The training was inaugurated by ISARC Director Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, alongside other agricultural experts of public and private organizations, including IRRI, World Bank - 2030 WRG, Bayer Crop Science, Savannah, etc., who emphasized the urgent need for agricultural transformation in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Farmers were introduced to sustainable solutions like DSR and ZTW, which offer benefits such as reduced labor costs, water savings, and improved productivity.
“Agriculture in Eastern Uttar Pradesh has immense potential, and adopting advanced practices like DSR and ZTW can help optimize rice-wheat system productivity. Through various projects, ISARC is committed to supporting farmers with improved technologies, better market linkages, and access to carbon credit opportunities,” said Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, ISARC Director.
The sessions featured detailed insights into nutrient management, weed management, and mechanization, with active participation from private sector representatives, including Bayer Crop Science and Savannah. Experts highlighted the advantages of hybrid rice varieties, herbicide solutions, and mechanized services tailored to facilitate the transition from traditional transplantation methods to sustainable, high-efficiency systems.
Dr. Malik emphasized the importance of collaboration among farmers, scientists, and industry stakeholders to drive agricultural progress. “This training is not just about knowledge-sharing but about equipping farmers with the tools and confidence to implement these technologies effectively,” he said.
The World Bank, a key partner in promoting sustainable rice production in Uttar Pradesh, outlined its efforts in scaling DSR adoption across 12 districts. “Through strategic partnerships and field demonstrations, we aim to expand DSR practices to 1,00,000 hectares, ensuring long-term impact for smallholder farmers,” stated Dr. Anjali Suneel Parasnis, World Bank representative.
A field visit to ISARC’s Mechanization Hub provided farmers with hands-on experience in seed drill calibration, equipment maintenance, and best agronomic practices. The engagement-driven approach ensured that farmers not only gained technical knowledge but also had the opportunity to interact with experts, discuss challenges, and explore solutions tailored to their specific farming conditions.
The training concluded with discussions on scaling these practices and fostering stronger market linkages to enhance profitability and sustainability in the region’s rice-wheat cropping system.
