Guwahati: Manila-based International Rice Research Institute is helping farmers in Assam in trying to maximizing their profits by reducing cost of cultivation.

The Assam Agri-Business and Rural Transformation Project (APART) organized a one-day program in Golaghat district to train the farmers on Sali paddy and to reduce the cost of cultivation to maximize profit in rice. The program was organized today by the District Agriculture Office, Golaghat, and CSS ATMA Golaghat in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Chairing the training program, the District Agricultural Officer, Ranjit Kr. Sarmah extensively educated the farmers on the selection of appropriate variety, seed treatment, soil test, IPM, and post-harvest processing practices to reduce the cost of cultivation.

Ankita Sahu, Jr. Researcher, IRRI, acted as a resource person for the training program and thoroughly discussed the missions and visions of IRRI.

The International Rice Research Institute is a key partner of the World Bank-funded APART Project. IRRI is one of the key partners of the World Bank-funded APART Project. IRRI provides technical support for improving rice production systems and management practices by promoting climate-resilient technologies, encouraging adoption on the field, and facilitating market linkages. IRRI’s mission is to improve livelihoods and nutrition and abolish poverty, hunger, and malnutrition for those depending on rice-based agri-food systems.

Ankita Sahu, Junior Researcher of IRRI elaborated on the modern rice management practices right from nursery management to storage. She educated the farmers about improved flood and drought-tolerant rice varieties, mat nursery methods to raise paddy seedlings, mechanical transplanting, different methods of integrated weed management, various modern machinery related to rice cultivation, and advantages of farm-mechanization, proper timings and doses of fertilizer applications and harvesting techniques.

Abhishek Singha, Research Technician of IRRI, APART Golaghat conveyed Padma Shri Jadav Payeng's words of praise and encouragement for IRRI's extensive work for the farmers.

The farmers assured that they will have continuous contact with the officers and officials of APART Project, IRRI, and ATMA for the adoption of improved rice production technologies.

Also present in the training program were Assistant Chemist (AGMARK) cum DNO APART (Golaghat) Ranjan Baruah, Dy. PD of ATMA (Golaghat) Tapan Kr. Mahanta and other officials.