ISARC and ICRIER to Convene High-Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Rice Systems in Varanasi
The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), in collaboration with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), is set to host a significant policy dialogue titled 'Repurposing Rice Policies for Sustainable and Resilient Systems in India: Lessons and Priorities'. This crucial event is scheduled to take place on March 7 and 8 in Varanasi, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders to address pressing issues in India's rice sector.
Stakeholder Engagement and Key Participants
The two-day dialogue will assemble senior government officials, policymakers, researchers, development partners, private-sector representatives, and farmers. This broad participation aims to foster comprehensive discussions on India's current rice policy landscape and explore forward-looking reforms. Notable attendees will include senior officials from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, such as advisors to the chief minister, the agricultural production commissioner, and the principal secretary, highlighting the event's importance at the state level.
Focus Areas and Objectives
According to Sudhanshu Singh, director of ISARC, the dialogue will serve as a platform for informed deliberations on reform pathways. Key discussion topics will encompass rice markets and trade, environmental sustainability, and strategies to scale climate-resilient technologies. A major focus will be on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), a technology with the potential to significantly reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions, lower production costs, and enhance system resilience in rice farming.
Programme Structure and Expected Outcomes
The event will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and stakeholder consultations designed to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and foster institutional alignment. These sessions aim to support the development of sustainable rice-based systems across India, addressing challenges such as resource efficiency and climate adaptation. The dialogue seeks to generate actionable insights and priorities for repurposing rice policies to build more resilient agricultural systems.
