The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Bioseed, the hybrid seed business of DCM Shriram Ltd., are pleased to announce that they have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Signed on 09 September 2020 by Bioseed SEA Executive Director Dr. Paresh Verma and IRRI Director General Dr. Matthew Morell, the agreement will enable Bioseed to leverage IRRI’s world-class research facilities and technical expertise to advance their company’s biotechnology research. The services include access to IRRI’s research facilities and technology platforms, as well as training and consultancy.
In addition, Bioseed will join IRRI’s Two-Lines Study Group for hybrid rice development. Together with the current members of this study, Bioseed will participate in the joint research and development effort towards new elite hybrid varieties. This agreement expands IRRI commitment to strategic collaborations with private sector partners.
“Bioseed is pleased to enter into this partnership with IRRI,” says Dr. Verma. “It will enable Bioseed to leverage IRRI’s well-established research excellence to advance its biotechnology projects and accelerate the development of value-added food crops for farmers in the region.”
“IRRI welcomes private sector partners, such as Bioseed, to contribute to scaling innovations and research for sustainable agriculture and food security. This agreement will help increase research capacity across South and Southeast Asia and accelerate the development of improved crops for climate resilience and nutrition security,” says Remy Bitoun, Head of IRRI Tech Transfer. “Moreover, Bioseed’s participation in our Two-Lines Study Group will provide positive momentum for the development of new hybrid rice varieties for the benefit of rice growers.”