VARANASI, India (10 August 2026) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Government of Uttarakhand have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to strengthen the state’s specialty rice value chains and improve productivity, profitability, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

The agreement was signed through the Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Samiti (UGVS), which is implementing the Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP) with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). REAP aims to increase rural household incomes through sustainable, market-oriented agricultural development.

The partnership brings together IRRI’s expertise in rice research and innovation, including work through the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre’s Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (ISARC-CERVA), with Uttarakhand’s efforts to promote inclusive rural development.

Farmers will gain access to high-quality specialty and traditional rice varieties that are promising based on data-driven evidence. This initiative will provide better crop management practices, scientific seed production methods, tailored post-harvest solutions for hilly areas, and training for both trainers and farmers. It will also strengthen market connections.

This effort will enhance Uttarakhand’s farm-to-market system for premium quality and nutrient-rich heirloom rice varieties. It will create more opportunities for increasing value and accessing markets. This program will link research-based solutions with value chain development to boost farm incomes while preserving the rich heritage of the state's specialty rice cultivation.

The MoA was signed by Dr. Swati Nayak, Scientist and Country Manager ad interim, IRRI India, and Ms. Jharna Kamthan, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Project Director, REAP, in the presence of IRRI and REAP teams, including IRRI lead researchers Dr. Saurabh Badoni and Dr. Vikram Patil.

The partnership brings together research, innovation, and market opportunities to strengthen Uttarakhand’s specialty rice sector and support more sustainable farmer livelihoods.