Special Talk – “Genomics of Wild and Domesticated Rice”
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav – Celebration of 75 Years of India’s Independence at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack
The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack is hosting a series of Special Talks on Scientific, Socio-cultural, and Economic aspects to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India, and the glorious history of her people, culture, and achievements as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM). The second Special Talk in the series – “Genomics of Wild and Domesticated Rice” was delivered by Professor Robert J Henry, Professor on Innovation in Agri and former Director, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Australia on 7 September 2021 at 11:00 a.m. IST (3:30 p.m. AEST) on virtual mode. Professor Henry enlightened the audience with the role of Genomics tools in understanding the domestication of rice, one of the most important food crops in the world. He put examples of wild relative of Oryza in Australia and those can be utilized in developing climate resilient and nutritionally rich rice varieties. He also stressed upon the potential of vast genetic resources of rice in Indian subcontinent in meeting food demand in future. The virtual talk was attended by over 100 participants from across India and Australia. The talk was followed by a lively discussion on the topic.
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The Special Talk was presided over by Dr. Dipankar Maiti, Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack. Dr. P.C. Rath, Head, Crop Protection Division (CPtD) & Chairman, AKAM Committee at NRRI welcomed the Special Guest and Dr. Sudhamoy Mandal, Principal Scientist, CPD & Member-Secretary, AKAM introduced Professor Henry to the audience. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Somnath Roy, Scientist, NRRI-CRURRS, Hazaribag and Member of AKAM Committee. The whole programme was moderated by Dr. Kutubuddin Ali Molla, Scientist, Crop Improvement Division & Member of AKAM Committee at NRRI.
