VARANASI, India (August 20, 2026) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi welcomed Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, along with Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Member of Parliament, Bolangir and Ms. Nivritti Lakshyaraj Mewar, on August 20. The visit highlighted ISARC’s research, innovations, and technologies supporting sustainable and resilient rice-based agri-food systems.

During his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister toured several key research facilities at ISARC, including Speed Breeding, Varietal Cafeteria, the Mechanization and Post-harvest unit, Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) trial plots, Drone Demonstrations, and Regenerative Agriculture area. He was briefed by the ISARC scientists on the research and technologies being developed and demonstrated to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in rice-based farming.

Shri Singh Deo also visited the Geospatial Lab, Plant & Soil Lab, and the NABL-accredited Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) Labs, gaining insights into ISARC’s state-of-the-art research facilities and efforts to strengthen rice value addition and agricultural innovation.

Following the field tour and lab visit, an all-staff town hall was organized with the visiting guests. The visit included interactions with ISARC scientists and staff. Dr. Swati Nayak, Scientist and IRRI India Country Manager (ad interim), and Dr. Vikas Kumar Singh, ISARC Interim Director, welcomed the dignitaries. Dr. Singh presented an overview of ISARC’s work, including IRRI and ISARC’s work in Odisha, India, and across South Asia, as well as their efforts to address agricultural priorities through research, innovation, capacity building and partnerships.

“Rice cannot be separated from India, and I truly appreciate the work being done by IRRI scientists to develop new technologies and techniques for farmers. My interaction with the scientists today has been a valuable learning experience, and I look forward to strengthening collaboration with IRRI to further support farmers and advance agricultural innovation in Odisha,” said Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha.

For his part, ISARC Interim Director Dr. Vikas Singh said, “We greatly value the leadership and support of the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and appreciate his strong commitment to agriculture and farmers. Over the past decade, ISARC has focused on translating research and innovation into solutions that benefit farmers, while strengthening partnerships across India and South Asia. We look forward to building on this support and further strengthening collaboration with Odisha to scale innovations and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Swati Nayak, IRRI India Country Manager (ad interim) highlighted IRRI and Odisha’s collaboration history and continued joint vision and effort focusing on rice-based farming systems, livelihood and economic opportunities for smallholders.