Paperman Media (Bhubaneswar )-
A delegation of 15 senior journalists from Uttarakhand, along with officials from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), visited ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, to gain insights into its research and technological advancements in rice.
The programme began with a welcome address by the Director, ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute, Dr. Pratap Bhattacharya, followed by a presentation on the institute’s mandate and achievements. CRRI has developed 194 rice varieties, including stress-tolerant and biofortified types, covering over 22% of India’s rice area with significant economic returns.
Key innovations showcased included genome editing tools (TnpB), straw reuse technologies, AI-based precision agriculture, drone applications, and the RiceXpert advisory platform. The institute also highlighted developments in low glycaemic index rice, methane-reducing methanotroph formulations, and nitrogen-efficient technologies.
An interactive session addressed queries on climate-resilient agriculture, organic farming, and GI-tagged rice. The delegation visited advanced laboratories and research fields, gaining first-hand exposure to ongoing work.
The visit strengthened awareness of CRRI’s contributions and fostered stronger media linkages for effective dissemination of agricultural technologies to farming communities.
