The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), at Los Banos, in Philippines. IRRI is a premier research organisation dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice growing environment for future generations.
The Prime Minister reviewed a photo exhibit showcasing flood tolerant rice varieties; drought tolerant rice varieties; salinity tolerant rice varieties; and IRRI's work with women farming cooperatives.
The Prime Minister undertook a symbolic ground breaking for a new plot for submergence tolerant rice varieties. He unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of the Shri Narendra Modi Resilient Rice Field Laboratory. He presented two Indian rice seed varieties to the IRRI gene bank.
During the course of the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with several Indian scientists working at IRRI.
PM @narendramodi visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which is working towards developing better quality of rice seed and addressing food scarcity issues. A large number of Indian scientists are working in IRRI and contributing to R&D in these areas. pic.twitter.com/pg3IpVqAkT
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 13, 2017
In July 2017, the Cabinet approved a proposal for IRRI to set up its South Asia Regional Centre at Varanasi. This will be the first Research Centre by IRRI outside its headquarters in the Philippines.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 13, 2017
The Varanasi Centre would help increase farmers' income by enhancing and supporting rice productivity, reducing cost of production, value addition, diversification and enhancement of farmers' skills.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 13, 2017
