PM to inaugurate International Rice Cong on Oct 9

New Delhi, Oct 8: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the 2nd International Rice Congress 2006 (IRC 2006) at Vigyan Bhawan tomorrow, where over 1400 delegates, including 400 from 40 different countries, will deliberate on various aspects of rice production with a special focus on the latest research, science and technology.

More than 900 research papers, including 300 from participating countries, will be presented during the 5-day mega Congress.

The theme of the IRC-2006 is ''Science, Technology and Trade for Peace and Prosperity''.

The Ist International Rice Congress was held in Beijing, China, in 2002.

Agriculture Ministers from India, China, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam will meet on October 10 to foster partnerships in rice research, development and trade.

At least four Chief Ministers from major rice producing States of the country will also attend the Rice Congress to discuss important aspects relating to rice.

The event, first of its kind in India, is being organised by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The Congress will have four major events organised at National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) which include 26th International Rice Research Conference (October. 9-13), 2nd International Rice Commerce Conference (October. 10-11), 2nd International Rice Technology and Cultural Exhibition (October. 10-12) and 2nd International Ministerial Round Table Meeting (October. 10).

''The IRC 2006 aims to provide a common platform for sharing knowledge and expertise on research, extension, production, processing, trade, consumption and related activities with stakeholders,'' Dr Mangala Rai, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, told mediapersons on the eve of the Congress.

''At present, many nations are struggling to produce more rice at less cost in a deteriorating environment,'' Dr Rai said and added that ''rice research and development also needs to address the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for poverty alleviation, food and nutritional security and environmental conservation.'' Due to high consumption of rice in developing countries, increasing its nutritional value can lead to significant positive health outcome, he added.

Agriculture Minister and IRC 2006 patron Sharad Pawar, Dr M S Swaminathan, Chairman, International Steering Committee-IRC2006 and Chairman, National Commission of Farmers, Dr R S Zeigler, Co-Chairman, International Steering Committee-IRC 2006 and Director General, International Rice Research Institute, Philippines, and Dr Mangala Rai, Co-Chairman will also speak on the occasion.

Rice exports from India touched 5.06 million tonnes during 2005.

India was the third major rice exporter accounting for 13.5 per cent of the total global trade. Basmati exports clocked Rs 3,000 crore and the overall export of rice crossed Rs 6,000 crore.

UNI