IGKV's rice research centre recognized as best in India

Raipur: State-run Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) achieved a remarkable distinction, bringing honour to Chhattisgarh. The university's Chawal Samagra Anusandhan Kendra (Rice Comprehensive Research Centre), Raipur, was recognised as the best centre in India. The award was presented at the diamond jubilee ceremony of the annual rice meeting held at the Indian Rice Research Centre, Hyderabad. Additionally, the Genetics and Plant Breeding Centre, Raipur, was also awarded the title of best rice breeding funded centre.

The awards were presented by Dr DK Yadav, deputy director general, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; Dr SK Pradhan, assistant director general (FFC), ICAR; and Dr RM Sundaram, programme coordinator and director, Indian rice research institute.

The ceremony was organised by the Indian Rice Research Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad; the Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack; the Indian Rice Research, New Delhi; and the Rice Research Advancement Committee. Over 500 rice scientists from more than 60 rice research centres were present at the event.

Vice-chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Dr Girish Chandel, congratulated and extended his best wishes to all the project scientists for this achievement.

Notably, the Rice Research Centre of IGKV was honoured for its excellent performance in conducting All India Coordinated Trials and rice research activities for the year 2024-25.

The IGKV maintains a collection of over 23,000 rice germplasm, gathered by Dr RH Richharia. The university's rice germplasm centre is recognised as the best rice germplasm centre in the Asian continent. Using these germplasms, the university developed many high-yielding varieties, hybrid varieties, poha-producing varieties, and varieties rich in nutrients and medicinal properties, as well as pest and disease-resistant varieties.

The key varieties include Mahamaya, Rajeshwari, Chhattisgarh Devbhog, Vikram TCR, Chhattisgarh Dhan 1919, Chhattisgarh Barani Dhan, Chhattisgarh Hybrid Dhan, Indira Sona, Chhattisgarh Trombay, Vishnu Bhog Mutant, Bhavya Dhan, CG Tejas Dhan, Zinc Rice, Protagen, and Madhuraj.

The scientists who made significant contributions to this achievement include Dr Deepak Sharma, Project Coordinator Dr Pradeep Kumar Tiwari, Dr Sanjay Sharma, Dr Anil Verma, Dr Sunil Nair, Dr Deepak Gauraha, Dr Abhinav Sao, and Dr VB Kuruvanshi.