VARANASI, India (16 May 2023) – A delegation from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) visited the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi to harness IRRI’s knowledge and experiences in modern rice research. This visit featured demonstrations and interactions around IRRI’s latest developments in rice technologies such as varietal development and testing protocols, quality seed production, varietal positioning methods, value chain propositions, and post-production practices. Prior to visiting ISARC, the group had a three-day exposure visit in Odisha where they learned about the progress of IRRI in rice-based agri-food systems. ISARC Director Dr. Sudhanshu Singh gave an overview and avenues through which the center is enhancing rice-based agri-food systems and contributing to the efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger in South Asia and globally. He also expressed his gratitude for the exposure visits which give opportunities for knowledge exchange between and among institutions.
Md. Mostafizur Rahman, BADC Member Director (Seed & Horticulture) commended ISARC for its state-of-art laboratory facilities and the learning opportunities it provides for its visitors. “Today, we learned how the Institute strongly supports seeds systems and other major aspects of rice breeding, and precision agriculture. We would certainly want to have more similar experiences and collaborations to work together towards our shared goals of farmers’ welfare and strengthening the food systems,” he said.
The team of delegates included Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Member Director (Seed & Horticulture), BADC, Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Joint Director (Seed Marketing), BADC, Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam Manik, Chief Coordinator, Research Cell and Program Coordinator, BADC-IRRI Collaboration Program and Dr. Ripon Sikder, Senior Assistant Director, Research Cell, BADC along with lead scientists from IRRI Bangladesh.
