ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack Celebrated its’ 78th Foundation Day and Dhan Diwas on 23rd April, 2023
The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack celebrated its’ 78th Foundation Day and Dhan Diwas on 23rd April, 2023. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Hon’ble Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), Government of India, New Delhi was the chief guest. Dr. S.K. Pradhan, Assistant Director General (ADG) (FFC), ICAR, New Delhi, Shri G.P. Sharma, Joint Secretary, Finance, ICAR, New Delhi guests of honour.
Addressing to the august gathering, Dr. Mohapatra advocated that PPV&FRA supports the development of new varieties of plants across all crops which is an essential response to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability, especially in a context of climate change and burgeoning population growth. He said that Govt. of India has envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which foresees a India where “food is sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious”; where “economic growth, social development, environmental protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger” are “sustained and inclusive;” and where the developed technologies are “resilient, climate-sensitive, and in accordance with the biodiversity.”
Dr. Mohapatra also delivered the Dr. K. Ramaiah Foundation Day Lecture on ‘Facing the Malnutrition Challenge: The Food-ways Paradigm’. Informing that millets are among the earliest crops grown by humans and have been an important source of nutrients, the Chief Guest emphasized making it a food choice for the future. Marking that Govt. of India’s initiative with regard to millets is an important step in the direction of food security. He further informed that millets are easy to grow, climate resilient and drought resistant. Millets are a rich source of balanced nutrition, compatible with natural ways of farming and need less water, he said.
Dr. A.K. Nayak, Director of the institute highlighted the significant achievements of the institute especially on the recently released varieties and their suitability for different ecologies. Further, he emphasized on the role of ICAR-NRRI in terms of varietal development, evolving methods of soil-health maintenance, package of practices, agricultural mechanization, quality control of rice, insect-pest control as well as outreach programmes towards betterment of farmer community.
Dr. S.K. Pradhan, ADG (FFC) spoke that Forage crops play a vital role in sustainable agriculture by providing a source of high-quality livestock feed, improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and supporting the long-term productivity of farming systems. Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote the cultivation of high-quality fodder crops, such as the National Livestock Mission and Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Shri G.P. Sharma, Joint Secretary, Finance, ICAR deliberated that in view of the changing scenario of globalization of education and for the success of challenging situations, sound financial management system is critical. The financial management system includes mobilization of resources, releases, accounting and financial reporting which will ensure accurate and timely information regarding project resources and expenditures. on financial management in scientific organizations.
The programme was attended by about two hundred farmers and farm-women from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. An exhibition was also organized showcasing the technologies of ICAR-NRRI, KVKs, Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), etc. The chief guest and other dignitaries felicitated 18 retired staffs, 8 best workers of the institute and 4 meritorious students. Further 11 progressive farmers and farm-women were felicitated for adoption of innovative practices in rice farming. In the beginning, Dr. B. Mondal, Co-Chairman of the programme welcomed the guests and dignitaries and at the end, Dr. G.A.K. Kumar, Organizing Secretary of the programme offered vote of thanks.
Special programme like field visit, Scientists-farmers interaction meeting were also organized for the benefit of the farmers. A cultural programme ‘Madhuram’ was organized during evening involving staff, scholars, students and children.
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