Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) and the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (IRRI-SARC) conducted a training program to increase the knowledge of scientists and extension officials on modern rice production technologies and climate-smart agriculture on 20-22 April.
Thirty scientists and heads of Bihar’s agricultural extension centers Krishi Vigyan Kendra participated in “Modern rice production technologies, climate-smart agriculture, and mechanization,” the capacity-development training under BAU’s Climate Resilient Agriculture Program. The activity was designed for participants to gain knowledge and skills in modern rice production technologies and innovations to mitigate global challenges due to the climate crisis using a learner-centric approach.
The program covered climate-resilient rice varieties; seed system and quality seed production; direct-seeded rice; crop calendar and farm planning; water, nutrient, pest and weed management, conservation agriculture, remote-sensing and GIS technologies; and carbon farming.
The activity is essential and timely considering India is one of the top ten countries most affected by climate change, particularly because of the high population that depends on agriculture. Although technological and institutional innovations may be able to continue meeting the food requirements of its growing population, several studies suggest that climate change is already taking its toll on crop production that may lead to local food supply disruptions, lower rural incomes, and higher poverty.
The program was inaugurated by BAU Vice Chancellor Arun Kumar, BAU-Sabour Director Sudhanshu Singh, IRRI-SARC DirectorAnil Kumar Singh, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences Vice President U.S. Singh, and IRRI Education Head Gopesh Tewari. Scientists and experts from IRRI, other CGIAR centers, and India’s national agricultural research and extension system served as resource speakers.
