Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 683/11

DISCUSSIONS WITH STATE GOVERNMENT ON THE 19TH OF DECEMBER 2011 AT INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTIT

Shillong, December 15, 2011: The Meghalaya delegation headed by the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma and accompanied by the Chief Secretary Shri W.M.S. Pariat, IAS and other senior officials of the Agriculture Department had a final discussion with scientists from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Phillippines led by the Director General Dr. William Padolina on proposed tie-up between the state government and the IRRI for partnering in adoption of scientific and latest method for increased productivity of rice and thereby up scaling the income of the rice growers. Funding support will be provided by the government of Meghalaya and activities prioritized based on the potentiality. In the course of detailed discussion the following decisions where arrived at:

· Partner with IRRI for the mapping of rice growing areas in Meghalaya with the objective of increasing rice productivity by four times, ideally under organic conditions.

· Mapping of water resources in Meghalaya for promoting irrigation facilities both for highland and low land paddy cultivation which will help in identifying the appropriate variety for cultivation in the high land areas and a variety developed to withstand the effect of submergence in the low land flood areas.

· Sensitizing and Training of farmers for the identification of technology and harvesting.

· Tie-up with IRRI to develop experts/ specialist where officers of the state will be identified to be dedicated subject specialist and can be, in addition to meeting the demands of the state, made available for furthering various Research & Development activities of IRRI and their application.