Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 11: A high-level Odisha delegation has reviewed the state’s farm partnership with ICRISAT in Hyderabad. Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, led the team. The three-day visit ran from October 7 to 9. It focused on reviewing joint projects and deepening long-term cooperation.
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics is a global agricultural research body. Its senior leaders joined the opening session virtually. They included Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation. Dr Victor Afari-Sefa, Global Research Program Director (Transforming Agrifood Systems), also joined. He also serves as ICRISAT’s Country Representative. The Assistant Director General attended the session as well.
In-person talks were led by the Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farming Systems. The Global Head and Principal Scientist for Seed Systems and Delivery also participated. A team of ICRISAT scientists supported the discussions.
The review meetings assessed project milestones and key achievements. Officials also discussed operational challenges and future priorities for farmers. Jadhav’s active engagement was warmly received by ICRISAT’s leadership and scientists.
The delegation toured ICRISAT’s research fields and advanced laboratories. It also visited the gene bank and the Agribusiness Innovation Platform. The team saw the institute’s modern speed breeding unit. The visits offered insights into crop improvement and genetic resource conservation. They also showcased new approaches to seed system delivery.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration. The partnership aims to raise farm productivity across Odisha. It also seeks to promote sustainable practices and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
