Experts draft stewardship guidelines on HT rice for a resilient rice cultivation in India

Varanasi, India, 1 December 2024 . As India works to adopt more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) systems, herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice technology offers a promising solution to manage weeds. However, concerns such as the risk of gene flow to wild and weedy rice, the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, possible harm to non-target species, and effects on future crops highlight the need for careful and responsible use of HT rice technology. This balance is crucial for sustainable farming and to reduce risks.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), along with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), and ICAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), organized a workshop focused on creating stewardship guidelines for HT rice technology in India. This event was a significant step towards promoting sustainable rice farming practices in the country.

In his opening remarks, Dr. J.S. Mishra, Director of ICAR-DWR, emphasized the importance of developing stewardship guidelines for HT rice and adapting the technology to Indian farming conditions.

Dr. P.K. Singh, the Agriculture Commissioner from the Government of India and the chief guest at the session, stressed the need for further testing of HT rice technology to build confidence in its effectiveness. He discussed the importance of resource allocation and suggested cluster-based initiatives to support technology adoption. He also highlighted key benchmarks, such as developing location-specific varieties and integrating HT traits into existing varieties while addressing market access issues.

IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto shared her vision for a future where HT rice technology helps farmers manage weeds effectively, ensuring productivity and environmental sustainability. She emphasized IRRI’s commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices that support food security.

Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC, stressed the importance of…