The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Director of the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) Dr. Sudhanshu Singh were both honored by the Indian Society of Agronomy (ISA) New Delhi for their institutional and individual contributions to agricultural research and agronomy in India during the 5th International Agronomy Congress (IAC) held in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad last November 23-27, 2021.
The Congress, with the theme “Agri-Innovations to Combat Food and Nutrition Challenges”, was organized by ISA, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Attended by over 1300 registered participants from around the world, both in-person and virtual, the Congress provided scientists, teachers, students, and other stakeholders an expansive learning platform for all the latest technologies, innovations, and advancements in the field of agronomy and crop sciences.
Formalized during the gala dinner held on November 24, Dr. Singh received, on behalf of IRRI, a plaque of recognition from ISA in appreciation and gratitude for the institute’s strong support of the Congress, as well as for its longstanding and valued partnership in agricultural research that helped contribute to Indian food security and increased incomes for Indian rice farmers. This recognition was given in the presence of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University (RLBCAU) Chancellor Dr. Punjab Singh, and PJTSAU Vice-Chancellor and ISA President Dr. Praveen Rao.
On November 25th, Dr. Sudhanshu Singh was also personally honored by ISA for his lifetime professional contributions to the field of agronomy in India. His recognition was given in the presence of Dr. Praveen Rao, ISA Secretary and Director of ICAR-CRIDA Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh, RLBCAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Arvind Kumar, Director-General of the African Plant Nutrition Institute Dr. Kaushik Majumdar, Kansas State University Professor Dr. PV Vara Prasad, and Indian National Science Academy Senior Scientist at Punjab Agricultural University Dr. Yadvinder Singh.
During the Congress, the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre, along with the IRRI-South Asia Hub in Hyderabad and the CSISA Odisha Hub showcased IRRI activities, improved technologies, rice-based products, training opportunities, and more at the IRRI exhibition area for delegates and stakeholders.