Workshop on Strategic Roadmap for Rice Improvement Held in Tripura

Agartala, Mar 09, 2026, By Our Correspondent

 A one-day workshop on “Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Rice Improvement to Ensure Livelihood and Nutritional Security in Tripura” was organized on March 9, 2026, at the ICAR Tripura Centre. The event was conducted under the NEH Component of the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) officials, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and nearly 60 progressive farmers representing different districts of Tripura.The workshop served as an important platform for interaction and knowledge exchange between scientists and farmers with the objective of strengthening rice-based farming systems in the state. Experts highlighted the importance of scientific approaches, improved varieties, and climate-resilient technologies to boost rice productivity and ensure food and nutritional security for farming communities.During the inaugural session, Dr. B. U. Choudhury, Head of the ICAR Tripura Centre, emphasized the institution’s significant contribution to rice research and development in the region. He highlighted several high-yielding rice varieties developed and promoted by the centre, including Gomati, Hakuchuk-2, and Tripura Chikan Dhan. Dr. Choudhury also introduced two newly developed climate-resilient varieties, NICRA Aerobic Dhan-1 and NICRA Aerobic Dhan-2, which are suitable for water-efficient and climate-resilient cultivation systems. He further discussed the existing challenges faced by farmers in paddy cultivation and stressed the need for improved technologies and better access to quality seeds.Dr. Rahul Kumar, Scientist (Plant Breeding), delivered a detailed presentation on advanced paddy cultivation techniques for sustainable farming, focusing on improved crop management practices and appropriate varietal selection. Meanwhile, Dr. Bijoya Bhattacharjee, Principal Scientist (Agricultural Biotechnology), spoke on Integrated Pest and Disease Management in rice, highlighting practical and eco-friendly methods to minimize crop losses.The workshop concluded with the distribution of seeds of high-yielding rice varieties among participating farmers. The initiative aims to encourage the adoption of improved cultivation practices and enhance rice productivity across the state, reaffirming the commitment of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research towards strengthening farmer livelihoods and ensuring nutritional security in Tripura.