Centre launched International Rice Research Institute

New Delhi, July 13: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Union Cabinet has approved the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), South Asia Regional Center (ISARC) in Varanasi here on Wednesday, which will work to develop special rice varieties.

It will be the first such international center in eastern India and will play a major role in sustaining rice production in the region. The ISARC will be established on the campus of the National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi.

"Under the proposal, a Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) will be set up in Varanasi. This will include a modern and sophisticated laboratory with the capacity to determine quality and status of heavy metals in grain and straw.

The Centre will also undertake capacity building exercises for stakeholders across the rice value chain," officials said.

"It is expected to be a boon for food production and skill development in eastern India and similar ecologies in other South Asian and African countries," Cabinet said.