Correspondent
ARRI and NRRI Unite to Enhance Rice Varieties and Foster Agricultural Growth.
The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Dr. AK Nayak, Director of ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack, and Dr. Mrinal Saikia, Director of Research (i/c) at AAU. Dr. Bidyut Chandan Deka, Vice Chancellor of AAU, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Chief Scientist at ARRI, also attended the ceremony as witnesses.
Expressing great enthusiasm about this unique collaboration, an official from ARRI highlighted the potential for generating and promoting new technologies, varieties, and impactful scientific publications resulting from this joint effort. The MoU also facilitates the exchange of rice germplasm, fostering knowledge sharing and advancements in the field.
Furthermore, the MoU encompasses exchange programs for students, faculty, and resource persons, allowing them to participate in courses, conferences, seminars, and other academic events. Both institutes are committed to organizing joint academic programs to enhance knowledge dissemination and cooperation.
ARRI, a prestigious institute under AAU, specializes in rice research and has played a pivotal role in developing high-yielding rice varieties that are highly acclaimed in the region. Over the years, ARRI has successfully introduced more than 45 high-yielding rice varieties, including popular ones such as Ranjit, Ranjit-Sub-1, Bahadur, Bahadur-Sub-1, Gitesh, Luit, Kapilee, Disang, Numoli, Shraboni, Dholi, and many others.
In 2021, ARRI achieved a remarkable milestone by developing a high-yielding purple rice variety known as Labanya. This variety not only offers diabetic-friendly properties but is also rich in antioxidants and fiber, making it convenient to cook.
The collaboration between ARRI and NRRI holds immense promise for the advancement of rice research, technological innovation, and the overall development of the agricultural sector. It is expected to bring numerous benefits, including the improvement of rice varieties, knowledge dissemination, and ultimately contributing to the growth of the farming community and the nation as a whole.