To enhance cooperation in agricultural research and education in India, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University and Annamalai University. The MOU signing ceremony was held on 11 July 2022 in New Delhi.
These MOUs will strengthen the partnership between IRRI and both universities to promote and accelerate the progress of research and training in various disciplines of agricultural research.
“We are at a strategic point in history, where the need for food and nutrition security is greater than ever before. With a rapidly growing population accompanied by unsustainable use of our scarce natural resources, massive and unprecedented biodiversity losses, and growing inequalities all compounded by changing climate, we must do everything we can to ensure inclusive and sustainable food system transformation. In order to build more resilient food systems, we need to invest in research and education that will empower smallholder farmers to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change,” said Dr. Jean Balié, IRRI Director General.
Through the agreement, IRRI maintains its commitment towards working closely with CCS Haryana Agricultural University and Annamalai University to contribute to the strengthening of agricultural research and education in India, and bridging the gap between academic research and on-farm practice.
In the event, Dr. B.R. Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, stated the importance of sharing resources among the partners to achieve the common goal of sustainable development.
On the other hand, Dr. R.M. Kathiresan, Vice Chancellor of Annamalai University, talked about the importance of water management and how different commodities can be grown with proper water management practices.
While welcoming the delegates to the occasion, Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of the IRRI South Asian Regional Centre emphasized the importance of bilateral agreements with these universities for the promotion of educational and knowledge exchange, conjoint formulation of R&D projects towards advancing rice research and production in the interest of the farming community and other stakeholders.