By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State government is tying up with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Phillippines, for improving productivity of rice and up-scaling the income of the rice-farmers in Meghalaya.
The decision to this effect was taken during a meeting between a high-level Meghalaya delegation led by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and the with scientists from IRRI during the meeting in Phillippines.
“We are finalising our decision for a partnership with the IRRI for adoption of scientific and latest method for increased productivity of rice which will also see an improvement in the income of the rice growers,” Dr Sangma said after his three-day visit to the Philippines.
IRRI Director General William Padolina briefed the delegation on the prospect of introducing new methods in increasing rice productivity in this Northeastern state.
“Meghalaya and IRRI will conduct mapping of rice growing areas in the state with the objective of increasing rice productivity by four times, ideally under organic conditions,” he said.
The meeting also dwelt on the need to sensitize and train the farmers to raise production of rice in the State. (With inputs from PTI)