Varanasi, July 23, 2025 — Presently, agriculture is facing the dual challenge of climate change and agrobiodiversity loss. Microbial technologies can be one of the vital solutions to achieve resilient and climate-smart farming systems. Using agriculturally important microorganisms (AIMs) offer promising, low-cost, and sustainable alternatives.

Considering the modern rice systems, productivity suffers from declining soil fertility, excessive use of chemical inputs, greenhouse gas emissions, and diminishing returns. These issues further impact smallholder farmers, particularly in rice-dominant regions of South Asia. Recognizing this need, IRRI signed a strategic Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)–National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM). The LoI is set to pursue scientific research and capacity development within the scope of microbial innovations for rice-based systems.

Through this new collaboration, IRRI and ICAR-NBAIM will co-develop and scale microbial solutions that address these systemic challenges, focusing on key areas such as:

• Development of microbe-responsive rice varieties to maximize symbiotic benefits from soil microbes
• Microbial residue management strategies to enhance nutrient recycling and minimize environmental harm
• Capacity-building initiatives targeting farmers, extension professionals, and local institutions for effective adoption of microbial technologies

This LoI builds upon the longstanding ICAR–IRRI Memorandum of Agreement (1974) and the 2023 Collaborative Work Plan and further strengthens the institutional commitment to shared research goals. A joint working group will be formed to oversee implementation, facilitate joint proposals, and mobilize funding to accelerate field-level impact.

The collaboration represents a strategic step toward integrating novel microbial science into rice-based agri-food systems enabling a more productive, profitable, and sustainable future for rice farmers.

The document was signed in the presence of Ms. Carla Lazarte, Head - Human Resources & Organizational Development, IRRI (representing Dr. Yvonne Pinto, DG, IRRI); Dr. Alok Srivastava, Director, ICAR-NBAIM; Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC and scientists and experts from IRRI and NBAIM.