Odisha’s push for advanced, climate-smart farming reached a new milestone as Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited the International Rice Research Institute's South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi.
Accompanied by MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo and Nivritti Lakshyaraj Mewar, the Deputy Chief Minister toured cutting-edge agricultural facilities, including speed-breeding units, direct-seeded rice trial plots, and geospatial laboratories.
Highlighting the state's agricultural priorities, discussions with ISARC Director Dr. Vikas Kumar Singh and IRRI India Country Manager Dr. Swati Nayak centered on accelerating the development of flood-resistant and short-duration paddy varieties.
Emphasizing the deep cultural and economic ties between India and paddy cultivation, Singh Deo reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for agricultural innovation. The high-level visit aims to empower smallholder farmers by integrating science-based solutions, mechanized farming, and sustainable rice-based agri-food systems across the state.