ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack celebrated 79th Foundation Day on April 23, 2024
The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, (NRRI) Cuttack celebrated its 79th Foundation Day and Dhan Diwas on 23rd April, 2024. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) & Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi graced the occasion as chief guest through virtual mode. Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR, New Delhi; Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice Chancellor, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, Dr. S.K. Pradhan, Assistant Director General (FFC), ICAR, New Delhi were guests of honour. Dr. A. Sarangi, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management (IIWM), Bhubaneswar; Dr. Pramod Kumar Sahoo, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar; Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata; Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO, Agri-innovate India, New Delhi were also present in the programme. Dr. A.K. Nayak, Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack presided over the function.
Dr. Pathak delivered the 2nd Dr. K. Ramaiah Foundation Day Lecture on the topic “Reorienting R&D in Agriculture: Productivity to Profitability and sustainability”. While addressing he elucidated that amidst the challenges in the agriculture like shrinkage of cultivable land, increasing cost of cultivation, depleting water and soil resources, all agri-related research particularly rice research needs to be transformed so as develop bio-fortified, low GI varieties that will not only enhance production but will be globally competitive besides sustainable and climate resilient. He further added that ICAR has set goals for the future of Indian agriculture through planning, promoting and coordinating research, education and extension activities.
Dr. A.K. Nayak, Director of the institute welcomed the guests & dignitaries and highlighted the significant achievements of NRRI, latest research activities undertaken in the field of hybrid rice, strategies to combat various biotic and abiotic stresses as well as rice economics, value addition and product development. He also spoke on how NRRI is gearing up for development and release of climate-smart rice varieties that aims to stabilize rice production in rainfed ecosystems through the use of modern technology.
The Guest of Honour Dr. R.C. Agrawal said that the ICAR is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding, managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country and has been playing a major role for a long time in promoting excellence in agricultural education in India. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration and partnerships in advancing agricultural education and research, sharing examples of successful collaborations and potential areas for future cooperation.
Dr. S.K. Pradhan while addressing the congregation appreciated the efforts of NRRI for developing and releasing 19 rice varieties in a single year. He formulated strategies for promoting the adoption and dissemination of new varieties among farmers including extension services, seed distribution programs and capacity building initiatives.
Dr. P.K. Roul, Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar deliberated that OUAT engages in cutting-edge research to address agricultural issues, enhancing crop productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices. It has been fostering a strong connection between the university and the farming community enabling the farmers to increase production and generate additional income.
Sixteen retired employee, ten personnel belonging to scientific, technical, administrative category were felicitated as ‘Best Performer’ in their respective discipline. A large number of scientists, officers, students and retired staff of the institute participated in this auspicious event.
Dr. Rahul Tripathi and Dr. Guru P. Pandi were the Organizing Secretaries of the programme.
Special programme like field visit, inauguration of different facilities, releasing publications (20 nos.), interaction of IARI-NRRI Cuttack Hub students with dignitaries were also organized. A cultural programme ‘Madhuram’ organized during evening involving staff, scholars, students and children.
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