Dr. Ajay Kohli, (Global Director–Research) and Dr. Uma Shankar Singh (South Asia Advisor for Research & Partnership) from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines visited the M.S. Swaminathan Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai and had discussions regarding possible strategic partnerships with senior staff at MSSRF on 3 February 2022.

Dr. G. N. Hariharan, Executive Director (I/C), MSSRF presented a brief overview of MSSRF’s mandate, and provided a snapshot of research work being carried out in diverse areas at MSSRF (Biotechnology, Coastal Systems Research, Agriculture Health Nutrition, Ecotechnology and Climate action). Dr. Hariharan also highlighted MSSRF’s national and international partnerships in this context

Dr. Kohli showed keen interest and appreciated the work being carried out MSSRF. He expressed interest in collaborating with MSSRF to take innovations in research and research products from IRRI to farmer fields and appreciated in the extensive work carried out by MSSRF in the area of agricultural extension. He also emphasized the importance of extending the genetic gains in breeding programs at IRRI to enhance farmer income.

He suggested that expert groups from MSSRF and IRRI should work actively together to formalize the collaboration.

A visit to the Biotechnology laboratories at MSSRF was organised for visitors following the meeting.