IRRI South Asia Regional Centre

25/08/2026

Shri Deelip Veerpakshappa Swami, IAS, Managing Director, MAHABEEJ, and Dr. Prafull Lahane, General Manager for Quality Assurance and Research, MAHABEEJ, visited ISARC Varanasi on 20 August 2026.

The delegation explored ISARC’s state-of-the-art research facilities and field demonstrations, including Speed breeding facility, mechanization and post-harvest technologies, DSR trial plots, drone demonstrations, Varietal Cafeteria and Natural Resource Management (NRM) plots.

The delegation also visited the GIS Lab, Computational Biology Lab, EdTech Studio, Plant & Soil Lab, and CERVA Labs, gaining insights into ISARC’s multidisciplinary research and innovations.

The visit included interactions with ISARC scientists and highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration in rice research, seed systems, innovation and technology for sustainable agriculture and farmer-focused solutions.

20/08/2026

Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, along with Smt Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, honourable MP, Bolangir, Odisha visited IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, on 20 August 2026.

During the visit, they explored ISARC’s Speed Breeding Facility, DSR trials, mechanization and post-harvest technologies, drone applications, Varietal Cafeteria, Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) lab, GIS lab gaining insights into innovations being developed for more productive and sustainable rice-based farming.

The visit also featured interaction with ISARC scientists and staff, where Shri Singh Deo engaged with the team on IRRI’s research and work in Odisha, across India and South Asia, and opportunities to further strengthen collaboration for the wellbeing of farming communities.

Energy Department, Government of Odisha Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment

17/08/2026

Recently, IRRI and the Government of Uttarakhand joined hands to strengthen the state's specialty rice value chains and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Through this collaboration, farmers will benefit from improved specialty rice varieties, advanced production technologies, scientific crop management, post-harvest solutions, capacity building, and stronger market linkages.

The initiative aims to build a resilient farm-to-market ecosystem, enhance the value chain of Uttarakhand's unique specialty rice, and create sustainable income opportunities for farming communities.

15/08/2026

ISARC extends its warm greetings on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day.

As we celebrate the spirit of independence, IRRI reaffirms its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation, strengthening food security, and supporting farming communities for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Wishing the nation continued peace, prosperity, and progress.


Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Department of Biotechnology, India Indian Council of Agricultural Research Narendra Modi Surya Pratap Shahi PMO India Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India IRRI Education

14/08/2026

LOOK: Honorable Health Minister of Odisha Dr. Mukesh Mahaling visited IRRI partner Puintala Pragati Krishak Producers Company Limited in Kandamal to learn more about the cultivation of special grains and the use of improved seeds in Bolangir district.

During the visit, the Hon'ble Minister highlighted IRRI’s efforts to scale innovations that connect rice varieties with health benefits while strengthening farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), promoting enterprise development, and expanding market opportunities.

IRRI, in collaboration with Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment has been implementing the Speciality Rice Project, led by Dr Swati Nayak and team, with an objective to scale and mainstream healthier rice varieties for enhanced access, adoption, and use.

CMO Odisha Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

22/07/2026

IRRI conducted a five-day training on "Impact Evaluation and Causal Inference" from 13–17 July 2026 at the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi.

The training equipped participants with practical tools to design and conduct rigorous impact evaluations, helping them generate credible evidence to inform agricultural research, policy, and investment decisions.

Experts from the University of Florida and IRRI led sessions on agricultural economics, impact evaluation methods, case studies, and evidence-based approaches to strengthening agri-food systems.

Participants explored key concepts in impact evaluation and causal inference, including counterfactual analysis, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, and economic efficiency assessment. They also completed hands-on computational exercises to apply these methods to real-world scenarios.

The program brought together early-career researchers, agricultural economists, specialists, and development practitioners from international and national institutions, including the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), International Potato Center (CIP), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), several ICAR institutes, and IRRI.

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India Indian Council of Agricultural Research

17/07/2026

IRRI joins national dialogue on advancing regenerative agriculture in India

At the National Workshop on India’s Transition to Regenerative Agriculture: Policy, Partnerships, and Pathways, Dr. Swati Nayak, Interim Country Manager–IRRI India and Lead for Seed Systems and Product Management, shared insights during the session on Sustainable Rice Management.

Drawing on IRRI’s research and field experience, she highlighted the role of water-saving technologies, improved agronomic practices, and farmer-centric innovations in building more productive, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable rice systems. She also emphasized the importance of de-risking adoption and aligning incentives to help smallholder farmers transition toward regenerative rice production at scale.

16/07/2026

On the occasion of Indian Council of Agricultural Research 98th Foundation Day, IRRI and its South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) extend warm congratulations to the entire ICAR family.

We honor ICAR’s enduring contribution to agricultural science, innovation, and service to farmers in the region. Rooted in over six decades of formal cooperation, the ICAR–IRRI partnership continues to advance climate-resilient and healthier rice, next-generation breeding, stronger seed systems, sustainable production, and scientific capacity.

We look forward to deepening this partnership and accelerating science-based solutions from research to farmers’ fields.

14/07/2026

In the media: IRRI's Dr. Muhammad Ashraful Habib shares how climate-smart agriculture and modern seed systems can help build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

In this interview, Dr. Habib highlights how his work contributes to developing climate-resilient crops for changing environments, accelerating the delivery of quality seeds to farmers, strengthening links between research, markets, and farming communities, advancing capacity building, and empowering women and youth as partners in agricultural transformation.

In recognition of his contributions to evidence-based agricultural research, Dr. Habib has also been honored with the K-CAI Award, IRRI Seed Grant, J-PAL Staff Fellowship, and the Climate Warrior Certificate.

Read more: https://biggani.org/dr-ashraful-habib/

25/06/2026