Staff and students of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGAU), Raipur may soon get a chance to visit International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Manila, Philippines.
The issue was part of the discussion between IRRI Director General Matthew Morell, IGAU Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr SK Patil and Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday.
later, talking to The Pioneer, Morell who was invited to the 51st Annual Rice Research Group conference at the agricultural university said, “We are looking forward for some staff and student exchange programme with IGAU.
Many of the Indian universities are carrying out such exchange programmes with us. Also, we want to focus on the capacity building and developing paddy production system of Chhattisgarh.”
Patil informed that IGAU would be the first in the State to step for a close tie with IRRI. Asked on the reason of the bonding, Morell said global support is required to promote the paddy scientists of India. “In future, there would be a strong domain for rice scientists,” he said.
Earlier, IGAU had sent its staff to IRRI for training but it was different from Exchange Programme.
Notably, a few days back, State Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal had urged for reducing the paddy production of the State. Giving an alternate solution to this reduction, Patil suggested of exporting the excess paddy produced to other States. For instance, broken rice of Chhattisgarh is purchased by Africa,” said IGAU VC Dr Patil.
Morell felt Chhattisgarh has high potential for paddy production in future as well. “The number of highly scented indigenous paddy varieties can help in value addition supporting the farmer’s livelihood and utilise the genetic resources,” said the Director General.