ICAR-CRRI Celebrated 80th Foundation Day and Dhan Diwas
AThe ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, celebrated its 80th Foundation Day and Dhan Diwas on April 23, 2025, at the MKCG Platinum Jubilee Auditorium of the institute. Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Emeritus Professor and Former Director, IARI, New Delhi was the Chief Guest of the programme. Dr. Dipankar Maiti and Dr. Padmini Swain, former Directors of ICAR-CRRI were the Guests of Honour of the event.
Dr. G.A.K. Kumar, Head, Social Science Division welcomed the guests and dignitaries. Dr. M.J. Baig, Director, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, presented the institute’s significant achievements and research activities undertaken in the past year. Dr. A.K. Singh delivered the 3rd Dr. K. Ramaiah Lecture on “Basmati: A Science-led Revolution,” highlighting Basmati’s transformation through innovation and its ₹48,000 crore contribution to India’s economy. He emphasized speed breeding, gene editing, and pre-breeding for stress tolerance. He also noted that these advancements have significantly boosted farmers’ income and market opportunities through high-yielding, premium-quality Basmati varieties. Dr. Dipankar Maiti highlighted on technology adoption challenges and the need for capacity building, while Dr. Padmini Swain stressed on the future of biofortified rice and genetic improvements for yield and resilience.
The dignitaries released CRRI publications and felicitated retired staff, meritorious students, lead farmers, and best workers from various categories. More than 500 farmers, scientists, officers, students, and retired staff participated in the event.
Special programmes such as field visits, tours of the Oryza Museum and Agritourism site, and a farmer-scientist interaction session were organized to commemorate the day. The Foundation Day was a memorable and inspiring occasion, reaffirming ICAR-CRRI’s enduring commitment to advancing rice science for ensuring national food and nutritional security. Dr. Rahul Tripathi, Organizing Secretary proposed formal vote of thanks at the end.
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