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

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 HT rice research in informing policymakers. He highlighted the need for stewardship guidelines to achieve sustainable rice production and improve food security and farmers' livelihoods.

Former ICAR-IARI Director Dr. A.K. Singh presented the history and development of HT rice in India, mentioning non-transgenic varieties like PB 1979 and PB 1985 and hybrids like Sava 127 FP and Sava 134 FP. He discussed the successful adoption of HT basmati varieties in Punjab and Haryana and the collaborative efforts of IRRI, ICAR, and private partners to develop HT rice. He urged all stakeholders to enhance efforts to tackle the significant challenges faced by DSR. He also pointed out the potential benefits of connecting HT rice cultivation to carbon credits.

IRRI Interim Research Director Dr. Virender Kumar discussed the Global Stewardship Guidelines on HT rice, leading to discussions about creating guidelines tailored for India. Participants shared insights and suggestions on ten key points.

The workshop also included technical sessions with contributions from institutions like ICAR-DWR, ICAR-IARI, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Punjab Agricultural University, BASF, and Savannah Seeds. Breakout discussions covered resistance management, minimizing environmental harm, and establishing regulations for safely using HT rice technology.

In the closing session, participants worked together to draft practical stewardship guidelines suited to India’s agricultural environment. These guidelines aim to empower farmers, encourage sustainable practices, and address ecological concerns, setting the stage for a resilient and efficient rice cultivation system.