A Punjab delegation visited the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi to explore collaborations in rice research, aiming to enhance agricultural innovation and sustainability. PAU and IRRI to Join Forces for Advanced Rice Research and Innovation (Photo Source: PAU/FB) A high-profile delegation from Punjab, led by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and K A P Sinha (IAS), Special Chief Secretary Punjab, visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi in a siginficant move to support agricultural research and innovation.
During the visit, they engaged with Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC, and other prominent scientists to discuss potential collaborations on new research initiatives, capacity building, and joint projects. K A P Sinha (IAS) praised IRRI for its outstanding contributions to rice research, particularly highlighting its successful collaboration with the Odisha Government.
He expressed keen interest in replicating this successful model in Punjab. Sinha envisioned a tripartite partnership involving the Punjab Government, PAU, and IRRI to enhance rice research in Punjab, focusing on addressing the issue of rice straw burning. Dr.
S.S. Gosal underscored the deep-rooted relationship between PAU and IRRI, mentioning influential figures such as Dr.
Gurdev Singh Khush, a World Food Prize Laureate, and Dr. Darshan Singh Brar, a noted rice breeder. He id.
