Researchers and Decision-Makers Convene at ISARC to Discuss Expandable Solutions for Eco-Friendly Rice-Growing Food Systems
Scaling Digital Agriculture Solutions for a Resilient Food System in India and South Asia
The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) is at the forefront of advancing scalable, science-led digital agriculture solutions that support resilient rice-based agri-food systems in India and South Asia.
Recent developments and collaborations at ISARC include:
- Digital and Mechanization Tools: ISARC is advancing digital solutions that facilitate farm management and scientific research, helping farmers implement practices such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), which reduces input costs and lowers environmental impact.
- OneCGIAR Partnerships: ISARC strengthens collaborations under the global OneCGIAR initiative to build resilient food systems by scaling innovative technologies and integrating research with policy and practical adoption.
- High-Level Engagements: Top policymakers including government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare have recently visited ISARC, endorsing the center’s role in accelerating rice-based innovations for sustainability in the region.
- Global Technology Transfer and Partnerships: IRRI collaborates globally and regionally to develop digital platforms and databases that support rice research and farm management, enabling actors across the rice value chain to access transformative tools.
- South Korea-IRRI Partnership: A new 5-year agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) supports rice systems-based food security activities. This partnership builds on decades of cooperation, contributing to technology transfer and rural development efforts with digital and modern agricultural technologies.
These innovations and partnerships collectively empower farmers with digital and mechanized tools, promote climate-smart and sustainable rice production, and align with IRRI’s 2025–2030 strategy to transform rice-based agri-food systems for a resilient, inclusive future in India and South Asia.
ISARC's Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) is identified as a strategic lever for rural enterprise and farmer-led innovation. During recent visits, Dr. Himanshu Pathak (DG, ICRISAT), Dr. P.K. Meherda (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare), and Arindam Modak (Advisor, RKVY) explored ISARC's research in areas such as mechanization, digital tools, and value-added rice innovations.
Dr. Meherda emphasized the need to scale climate-smart innovations and entrepreneurial opportunities for farmers and youth. Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among IRRI, ICRISAT, and other CGIAR centers. Arindam Modak discussed potential collaboration between RKVY and IRRI as a knowledge partner.
[1] IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC): [www.irri.org/where-we-work/south-asia] [2] OneCGIAR: [www.onecgiar.org] [3] Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA): [www.koica.go.kr/en/main/index.do] [4] IRRI's research on stress-tolerant rice varieties: [www.irri.org/news-events/news/irri-research-will-help-rice-farmers-cope-with-climate-change] [5] IRRI's 2025–2030 strategy: [www.irri.org/about-us/strategy-and-plans/irri-2025-2030-strategy]
In alliance with OneCGIAR, ISARC aims to scale innovative lifestyle and technology solutions, integrating research with policy to support resilient food systems and empower farmers with digital tools. ISARC's partnership with South Korea's Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for a 5-year agreement also signifies a commitment to improving food-and-drink commodities, such as rice, through modern agricultural technologies.
