The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on Tuesday, November 11, signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government to offer technical support for increasing sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient rice systems in the state.
Project intends to transform climate-resilient rice production systems
Notably, the project is a part of Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project (UPAGREES) initiative supported by the World Bank. This partnership will be implemented under Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project (UPDASP). Interestingly, this project intends to strengthen and change rice-based systems in Eastern Uttar Pradesh into Climate-resilient, efficient rice-based production systems along with sustainable agriculture. Additionally, this project is a collaborative effort between UPDASP, IRRI, support organisations, natural agricultural research, and extension systems (NARES), along with SAUs and ICAR institutes, and several stakeholders.
The significant challenge is low productivity in rice-based systems in Eastern UP because of abiotic and biotic stresses, restricted access to improved varieties, machinery, and inputs, suboptimal agronomic practices, and climate variability.
Deepak Kumar, project coordinator UPDASP stated that through UP-AGREES, we intend to strengthen value chains, enhance productivity, and build a resilient agri-food economy that empowers farming communities across the eastern part of UP. In addition, Yvonne Pinto, Director General, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) stated that through this partnership under the UPAGREES initiative, we aim to integrate IRRI’s global expertise in research, scaling, and capacity development with scientific innovations and evidence-based solutions to strengthen rice-wheat based, agri-food systems and enhance livelihoods in the state.
Interestingly, Ravinder, principal secretary, Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Education & Research, Anurag Yadav, principal secretary, IT & Electronics, Dept of IT & Electronics, and Sudhanshu Singh, director of IRRI South Asia Regional Center, Vikram Patil – Co-PI, along with the UPDASP and IRRI teams, have attended the event.
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